UNFPA joins the Better Than Cash Alliance to improve programme delivery

By joining the Alliance, UNFPA will expand the use of electronic cash transfers, particularly at the field level. This UN organization has committed to boost its current efforts to pay suppliers and staff members digitally, improving efficiency across the board. Likewise, UNFPA will continue to improve its various business processes to gradually reduce the percentage of cash usage across field locations.

Subhash K. Gupta, Director for Management Services at UNFPA, indicated that:

“This action is a step closer to a stronger, innovative, more accountable and fit-for-purpose UNFPA. Making our operational arrangements more robust and transparent will allow UNFPA to generate better and more far-reaching results in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, youth empowerment and humanitarian action. Ultimately, we will be able to support those most in need more effectively, in a challenging international environment. For us, empowering people to exercise their rights and make choices will determine the health and well-being of present and future generations, which is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Dr. Ruth Goodwin-Groen, Managing Director at the Better Than Cash Alliance, explained:

“Our experience at the Better Than Cash Alliance is that digital payments can increase women’s financial autonomy and support their economic participation, particularly for those living in poverty. UNFPA’s commitment to digitizing its payments in order to expand opportunities for women to lead healthy and productive lives, is an example to all in the UN family. We welcome UNFPA to our Alliance and applaud their support for women all over the world.”

About

The Better Than Cash Alliance is a global partnership of governments, companies, and international organizations that accelerates the transition from cash to digital payments in order to reduce poverty and drive inclusive growth. The Alliance Secretariat is based at the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

Contacts

UNFPA
Omar Gharzeddine gharzeddine@unfpa.org

The Better Than Cash Alliance
Angela Corbalan, angela.corbalan@uncdf.org