Capacity Development in Europe & CIS

Overview of the region

Europe and the CIS

Over the course of the last two decades, countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have undergone deep economic, social and political changes. New states emerged that had to develop many national capacities from the ground up, and some while facing conflict and threats to human security. Countries across the region responded very differently to the challenges of transitioning to democracy and a market economy. Some have become European Union (EU) member states, and many are working towards EU membership status, with the EU providing a framework for many reforms. Countries in Western CIS and Caucasus are concentrating on reforms that will help them to respond to HIV/AIDS, poverty and regional conflict. Countries in Central Asia are focused on governance reforms that strengthen regional cooperation, natural resource management, poverty reduction and a democratic culture.

Across the region, many challenges remain – in the areas of democratic governance, gender equality, balanced economic growth, environmental sustainability and others. Growing social and economic disparities continue to undermine sustainable development efforts.

Establishing effective public sector institutions at both the national and local level is essential for improving the quality of public services and ensuring human development, and has therefore become a region-wide priority. Considerable investments, both human and financial, have been made, but have not, on the whole, resulted in effective and efficient public institutions. UNDP is working with national and local governments and citizens to develop capacities that support national priorities, with a strategic and country-led approach to ensure sustainability, while also advocating for inclusive citizenship, human rights, accountability and transparency.