United Nations Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund Final Narrative Report

The Secretary-General’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund supported socioeconomic recovery initiatives in 84 low- and middle-income countries during COVID-19 crisis.

The United Nations COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund has officially completed its operation after three years of effective work to support the least developed, and low- and middle-income countries in overcoming the health and development crises brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. The concluding meeting of the Advisory Committee took place in New York on 3 March 2023 to share results, highlight lessons learned, and ensure the best practices pioneered by the Fund are incorporated into other UN pooled funds and joint initiatives.

The Fund was established as a time-bound funding mechanism in April 2020 with the aim of providing urgent support to countries most vulnerable to financial hardship and social disruption. It was guided by the Deputy Secretary General and the Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group and was financed by generous contributions from 26 donors, including UN Member States and private donors. The Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office, the UN center of expertise in UN pooled funding, served as its trustee, ensuring the highest fiduciary standards.

The Fund was able to swiftly mobilize resources to fill funding gaps in the UN joint work plans for the immediate socio-economic response to COVID-19, providing $83.6 million to 97 joint programmes in support of socioeconomic recovery efforts in 84 countries across the world. Over 50 of these programmes commenced within eight weeks of the Fund’s launch, at the onset of the crisis. It brought together the expertise and capacities of 24 United Nations entities, which was key for coherent and effective joint programmes.