The Technical Guidance for Prison Planning document provides design and planning guidance toward the development of correctional infrastructure that meets human rights obligations. Based on the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules) ​and more recent international norms and standards, the manual puts forth a clear methodology and actionable parameters to achieve safe, decent, and humane detention facilities.

With public resources under huge strain as countries respond to and recover from the pandemic, a renewed focus on tackling corruption in public procurement couldn’t be more urgent.

Climate change is already impacting communities in every country, across every continent, from rising sea levels and extreme weather events, to disrupted economies, food and water insecurity and conflict.

A report from UNOPS, the UN Environment Programme and the University of Oxford reveals that infrastructure is responsible for 79 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions – and calls for radical changes in the way governments plan, design and manage infrastructure to support a low-emission and resilient future.

Statement by Grete Faremo, Under Secretary Gene​ral and Executiv​e Director of UNOPS, at the Second regular session of the Executive Board, 1 September 2021

Statement by Grete Faremo, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNOPS, to UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board Annual Session – 11 June 2021

The 2020 Sustainability Report gives a flavour of the breadth of our support to partners around the world – helping advance sustainable and inclusive development.

The infrastructure we invest in today needs to be fit for the needs of present and future generations – and we can no longer afford to get it wrong.

COVID-19 exposed and increased the vast inequalities of our world. Now, the effort to vaccinate humanity risks creating the latest front in global inequality.

Statement by Grete Faremo, Under Secretary Gene​ral and Executiv​e Director of UNOPS, at Fi​rst regular session of the Executive Board, 4 February 2021

The report draws attention to the significant potential of infrastructure to protect communities from economic, environmental and societal crises that can lead to conflict and instability.