Innovation

Why we innovate

Through innovation by, for and with women and young people in all their diversity, UNFPA aims to equalize opportunities for women and girls and ensure rights and choices for all Gender equality is a human right. It is also a precondition for advancing development and reducing poverty.

At UNFPA, innovation drives programme design, resource mobilization and adaptive operations. It serves as a catalyst to amplify impact, expand reach and create systemic shifts towards rights and equity. It also encompasses behavioural change for lasting social impact.

Together, we can disrupt inequality.

Initiatives

WomenX Collective

Closing health gaps for women

Equity 2030 Alliance

Accelerating gender equity in science, tech and financing

The UNFPA Equalizer Accelerator Fund

The UNFPA Equalizer Accelerator Fund aims to improve opportunities for women and girls and ensure rights and choices for all through innovation. It provides new funding and financing options in UNFPA’s mandate areas of sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, maternal health and data analysis.

Since collaboration maximizes reach and impact, the Equalizer Accelerator Fund draws on UNFPA’s deep and diverse global network of partners, service providers, activists and governments.

How we innovate

The UNFPA Innovation Strategy 2030 outlines the guiding principles of innovation at UNFPA. It focuses on the entire innovation lifecycle – nurturing promising ideas as well as testing solutions and scaling them for maximum impact. It provides a strategic roadmap for planning and delivering UNFPA initiatives around the world.

Our approach to innovation is based on five strategic pillars:

Tap pillars to view case studies

Strengthening UNFPA’s innovation architecture and capabilities

Strengthening UNFPA’s innovation architecture and capabilities
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Scaling up innovations that have proven safe, effective and impactful

Scaling up innovations that have proven safe, effective and impactful Read more

Forming new partnerships and connecting with relevant innovation ecosystems

Forming new partnerships and connecting with relevant innovation ecosystems
Read more

Strengthening and leveraging financing for innovation

Strengthening and leveraging financing for innovation Read more

Expanding communities and culture for innovation

Expanding communities and culture for innovation Read more

Strengthening UNFPA’s innovation architecture and capabilities

Scaling up innovations that have proven safe, effective and impactful

Forming new partnerships and connecting with relevant innovation ecosystems

Strengthening and leveraging financing for innovation

Expanding communities and culture for innovation

Where we innovate

Use our interactive map to learn more about our innovation initiatives.

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A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

UNFPA’s innovation agenda has a singular focus: to disrupt inequality. When we invest in inclusive solutions that reflect the needs and experiences of women and girls, we break down barriers and accelerate progress for everyone.

- UNFPA Executive Director Ms. Diene Keita

Commitment to inclusive innovation is integrated into the UNFPA Strategic Plan 2026–2029. We scale up proven solutions and drive transformative change, helping put countries and communities on track to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.