Finland provides core funding to UNFPA, showing support and solidarity for millions of women and girls around the world

UNITED NATIONS, New York – In 2022, the Government of Finland contributed €32.2 million to UNFPA core resources – an estimated $34.4 million – demonstrating Finland’s solidarity with millions of women and girls and its commitment to leaving no one behind.

Core resources remain a unique vehicle for UN agencies to carry out their work in the most flexible and agile manner. As UNFPA is entirely dependent on voluntary contributions, core contributors like Finland’s are crucial for the life-saving work of our staff in support of women and girls around the world.

The year 2022 has been particularly challenging for women and girls, with worsening inequalities and rolled-back progress at many levels: the war in Ukraine, the continued impact of COVID-19, climate disasters and food insecurity have all exacerbated existing vulnerabilities.

“Supporting women, girls, children and people with disabilities in developing countries is essential for global wellbeing and development,” said Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Ville Skinnari.

Core funding is the resource through which UNFPA can deliver effectively, mitigating the effects of humanitarian emergencies and fulfilling its normative role – to build gender-responsive policies in order to drive long-term, sustainable progress. Finland’s choice to invest in core resources shows the Government’s focus on protecting long-held gains and showing global solidarity.

Finland’s core contribution will also ensure the organization scales up results, solutions and best practices, and stays on top of the latest innovations. In countries such as Laos and the Maldives for example, UNFPA teams are using TikTok to train midwives and spark debate about bodily autonomy, while in Bangladesh a blockchain app is now delivering menstrual supplies.

Investment in core resources allows for safeguarding essential resources in all the countries where UNFPA operates, helping to sustain a global presence – without distinction. Finland's choice to invest in core resources also shows the Government’s trust in UNFPA as an organization committed to improved transparency.

Between 2018 and 2021, Finland’s financial support to UNFPA helped UNFPA to prevent 1.9 million unintended pregnancies, 5,400 maternal deaths and to reach 3.1 million young people with sexual and reproductive health services.