Multi-Year Appeal Annual Report 2024
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DPPA STANDS AT THE HEART OF THE UN'S RESPONSE
Today, one quarter of the world’s population lives in countries affected by violent conflict. Geopolitical fragmentation, economic shocks, climate change, and the proliferation of hate speech and mis- and disinformation are putting people and institutions under extraordinary pressure. As the United Nations prepares to mark 80 years since it was created to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”, it is indisputable that our work has never been more critical, or difficult.
PEACE IS POSSIBLE
In 2024, support through the Multi-Year Appeal (MYA) enabled the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) to respond swiftly to evolving crises and support political solutions in some of the world’s most challenging contexts. In Ukraine, DPPA’s real-time analysis informed UN leadership amid ongoing conflict. MYA funding also enabled rapid deployment of electoral experts to Venezuela and enhanced mediation efforts in Sudan. In Haiti, it supported the launch of a body tasked with charting a new political roadmap and constitution. In the Middle East, MYA-backed efforts through UNSCO and the Office of the Special Envoy for Syria helped sustain pursuit of political solutions amid deepening instability.
MULTI-YEAR APPEAL IS THE LIFELINE FOR DPPA'S IMPACT
In 2024, partner support—despite a challenging funding environment—enabled DPPA to respond to crises worldwide. Thirty-five partners contributed $28.9 million to the Multi-Year Appeal, 8% less than in 2023 and well below the $42 million target. This shortfall affected several areas of our work and forced difficult trade-offs, even as global demand for our support continued to rise. For 2025, we are appealing for $43 million to sustain our prevention, peacemaking, and peacebuilding efforts.
GOAL 1: PREVENTING AND RESOLVING VIOLENT CONFLICTS
AND SUSTAINING PEACE
DPPA continued to manage some 40 special political missions (SPMs) engaged in conflict prevention, peacemaking, and post-conflict peacebuilding. While SPMs are primarily funded through assessed contributions, MYA funding plays a critical role in supporting the work of the Secretary-General’s Special Representatives and Envoys—strengthening their capacity to advance political solutions in the field and ensuring they are effectively connected to essential support from Headquarters.
Mediation Support
DPPA deployed its Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers (SBT) 138 times in 2024 through the resources from the MYA, providing mediation expertise to UN entities, Member States, NGOs, and other partners across 27 contexts. MYA funding also enabled DPPA to deliver electoral assistance—supporting one-third of all elections held globally, sustaining long-term electoral projects in 50 countries, and conducting Needs Assessment Missions at the request of Member States.
Electoral Assistance
In 2024, DPPA received 28 new requests from Member States for technical electoral assistance—a 75 per cent increase compared to 2023—reflecting the continued trust placed in the United Nations in this area. Amid shrinking funding resources, DPPA made sustained efforts to ensure timely and effective responses to the growing demand for UN electoral support.
GOAL 2: A MORE EFFECTIVE MULTILATERAL ARCHITECTURE FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
In 2024, MYA funding enabled DPPA to act as a bridge between different components of the multilateral system for peace and security. Funding for liaison offices in 9 key locations strengthened our understanding of regional dynamics and facilitated coordination with relevant actors on the ground including UN Resident Coordinators and Country Teams, regional and sub-regional organizations. Thanks to the MYA, the Department was able to further consolidate partnerships with international financial institutions (IFIs), including the World Bank and regional development banks.
Women, Peace and Security
Advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda remains a core priority for DPPA, with 14% of the MYA budget dedicated to gender-focused initiatives in 2024. The projects included support for Afghan women’s capacity building (UNAMA), women’s participation in Haiti’s political transition (BINUH), online violence monitoring in Yemen (OSESGY), and the ECCAS Women Mediators Network in Central Africa.
Local peace initiatives
Despite reduced funding in 2024, the Local Peace Initiatives window continued to prioritize inclusion and deliver results—supporting women-led community peace efforts in Haiti (BINUH) and aiding the UN Verification Mission in Colombia with economic reintegration, reconciliation, and implementation of the Peace Agreement’s ethnic chapter.
Peace and security in a changing climate: from analysis to action
GOAL 3: A STRONGER, MORE DIVERSE AND MORE EFFECTIVE DEPARTMENT
In 2024, DPPA continued to explore the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies and piloted innovative approaches to our work. MYA resources also supported critical activities not covered by the regular budget, including monitoring and evaluation, risk management, and strategic communications. By supporting innovation at scale, MYA helps turn new ideas into practical, field-tested solutions—advancing DPPA’s commitment to modern, adaptive peacebuilding.
Technology and Innovation
In 2024, DPPA’s Innovation Cell advanced key initiatives—ranging from AI-enabled dialogue platforms and social media monitoring to regional foresight exercises and youth consultations with 115 young peacebuilders from 14 Arab countries—contributing directly to the Arab Strategy on Youth, Peace and Security. From AI-driven conflict prevention to climate security and digital inclusion, voluntary contributions have enhanced our mediation efforts and amplified diverse perspectives.
CALL FOR SUPPORT IN 2025
For 2025, the MYA is calling for $43 million to fund prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding work, and address both current and future needs. Support from partners is critical to ensure that DPPA is adequately positioned and resourced to meet the expectations stipulated in the Pact for the Future.
