UNEFUnited Nations Empowerment Fund
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UN-Affiliated · Est. 1975 · 70+ Countries

Advancing Empowerment & Innovation for Sustainable Global Growth

UNEF empowers entrepreneurs, enterprises, and communities to drive inclusive economic development aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

10M+
Entrepreneurs & SMEs Supported
70+
Countries Reached
$42.8B
Fund Budget
Our Mission

Catalyzing Sustainable Economic Transformation Globally

Born out of the UN's mission to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation, UNEF supports initiatives that promote inclusive growth, resilience, and equitable development across all regions.

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IntegrityUpholding the highest ethical and professional standards
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InclusivityEmpowering diverse communities, youth and women worldwide
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SustainabilityPromoting long-term environmental and economic balance
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InnovationHarnessing creativity and technology to solve global challenges

Our Vision

A world where inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainability drive prosperity and opportunity for all.
SDG Aligned UN Affiliated Geneva, Switzerland

Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland

Global Impact

Our Work Around the World

20M+

People with improved access to renewable energy through UNEF projects

57

Countries served by our Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance

$1M

Maximum grant available through the Accelerate Entrepreneurship Challenge

2020

Year the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) was established

Programs

How We Drive Change

From green innovation to digital entrepreneurship, UNEF's programs address the most pressing global development challenges.

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Accelerate Entrepreneurship Challenge

A global initiative under the UNEF Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Portfolio. Grants from USD 50,000 to USD 1,000,000 for startups, MSMEs, SMEs, and large corporations demonstrating innovation, scalability, and community impact.

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Green Innovation Initiative

Supporting renewable energy projects and climate resilience programs that have improved energy access for over 20 million people across developing regions.

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Digital Entrepreneurship Program

Bridging the digital divide by funding tech-driven enterprises and providing training and mentorship to digital entrepreneurs in underserved and emerging markets.

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Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance

Lead coordinator for international disaster relief, employing hundreds of humanitarian experts across 57 countries in food security, water, health, shelter, and protection.

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Youth & Women Entrepreneurship

Dedicated portfolio supporting youth and women entrepreneurs with grants, capacity building, market access, and mentorship to create jobs and sustainable value.

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Food Security & Climate Resilience

Assisting communities across 70+ countries to enhance food security, education, and resilience to climate change through strategic partnerships and targeted investment.

Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

1 No Poverty 2 Zero Hunger 8 Decent Work 9 Industry & Innovation 10 Reduced Inequalities 13 Climate Action 17 Partnerships
What Partners Say

Voices of Impact

"UNEF's innovative programs significantly advance economic empowerment and tackle poverty effectively."
Partner Organization — West Africa
"UNEF's impactful partnerships and solutions are transforming communities and enhancing resilience."
Development Partner — Southeast Asia
"UNEF's inclusive approach and effective strategies foster global economic growth and poverty reduction."
Multilateral Stakeholder — Latin America
About UNEF
Established 1975

About UNEF

Five decades of catalyzing sustainable economic transformation across the globe.

Our Story

A Legacy of Global Development

The United Nations Empowerment Fund (UNEF) was established in 1975 to catalyze sustainable economic transformation globally. Born out of the UN's mission to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation, UNEF supports initiatives that promote inclusive growth, resilience, and equitable development across all regions.

With a budget of $42.8 billion, UNEF is committed to transforming economies by funding and supporting businesses in developing regions, driving sustainable growth and innovation. UNEF facilitates connections between businesses, investors, and governments to build the partnerships needed for lasting change.

Looking ahead, UNEF aims to expand its global programs in green innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and climate resilience — ensuring that the most vulnerable communities have access to the tools, funding, and support they need to thrive.

Key Milestones

1975

Founded

UNEF established under the UN mandate to strengthen global entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems.

1990s

Expansion to Developing Regions

Scaled operations to Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America — reaching over 30 countries.

2015

SDG Alignment

Fully aligned all programs with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

2020

Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance

BHA established through the merger of the Office of Food for Peace and the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.

Headquarters

Palais des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland

By the Numbers

  • 70+ countries of operation
  • 10M+ entrepreneurs supported
  • 20M+ people with improved energy access
  • 57 countries with BHA presence
  • $42.8B total fund budget

Our Values

  • Integrity
  • Inclusivity
  • Sustainability
  • Innovation
Leadership

Guided by Global Experts

Our leadership is composed of global development experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators dedicated to advancing sustainable progress worldwide.

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Dr. Julian Blake

President, UNEF

With over two decades of experience in international development and humanitarian assistance, Dr. Blake excels in economic empowerment, strategic partnerships, and policy advocacy.

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Deputy Executive Director

Programs & Operations

Oversees UNEF's six core program portfolios across 70+ countries, ensuring alignment with the UN SDGs and delivery of measurable development impact.

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Director, BHA

Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance

Leads UNEF's humanitarian response operations across 57 countries, coordinating disaster relief and long-term recovery programming.

Our Programs

From emergency humanitarian response to long-term entrepreneurship development — UNEF's programs drive measurable, lasting impact.

Flagship Initiative

UNEF Accelerate Entrepreneurship Challenge

The UNEF Accelerate Entrepreneurship Challenge is a global initiative under the UNEF Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Portfolio. It aims to empower entrepreneurs, startups, MSMEs, SMEs, and large companies driving innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth across the world.

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Who Can Apply

Legally registered startups, MSMEs, SMEs, and large corporations demonstrating innovation, scalability, and community impact. Applications are open globally.

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Grant Amounts

Grant capital between USD 50,000 – USD 1,000,000. Funding is non-dilutive and performance-based, targeting enterprises with proven social or environmental impact.

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Program Objectives

Support youth and women entrepreneurs, promote job creation, address unmet needs in underserved markets, and strengthen value chains and inclusive business ecosystems.

How to Apply: Submit your application to apply@unefglobal.org with your business plan, impact metrics, and registration documents.
All Programs

Portfolio Overview

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Green Innovation Initiative

Renewable energy projects and climate resilience programs. Improved energy access for over 20 million people across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

📡

Digital Entrepreneurship Program

Bridging the digital divide by funding tech-driven enterprises and providing training in digital economies to entrepreneurs in emerging markets.

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Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance

Lead coordinator for disaster relief across 57 countries, focusing on food security, nutrition, water, health, shelter, logistics, agriculture, and protection.

👩‍💼

Youth & Women Entrepreneurship

Dedicated grants, mentorship, and capacity building for youth and women-led enterprises creating jobs and sustainable value in their communities.

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Faith-Based Organization Partnerships

Leveraging faith-based organizations' deep community presence to extend UNEF's reach in societies where religion plays a central role in development.

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Food Security & Climate Resilience

Assisting 70+ countries to enhance food security and build resilience to climate change through targeted investment and strategic partnerships.

United Nations Headquarters, New York
United Nations Empowerment Fund · Careers

Join a Mission
Bigger Than Yourself

Be part of a global initiative advancing inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and sustainable innovation across 85+ countries.

View Open Positions
2 Positions Currently Open
85+
Countries
10M+
People Reached
1975
Established
United Nations Headquarters · New York
Why Work With UNEF?

At UNEF, we believe that true innovation stems from diverse perspectives and dedicated individuals. Our team is composed of passionate changemakers committed to driving sustainable development and economic empowerment across the globe. When you join UNEF, you're not just taking a job — you're becoming part of a movement to build a more equitable and resilient future for all.

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Global Impact

Work on projects that touch lives in over 85 countries.

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Inclusive Culture

Thrive in an environment that values diversity and equity.

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Purpose Driven

Every role contributes directly to sustainable development goals.

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Important Privacy Notice

Due to privacy laws and our policy, do not send us any sensitive documents (i.e., ID cards or copies of certificates). We will not be liable. We do not handle such data.
If you wish to apply, please only send your CV/Resume to careers@unefglobal.org.

Current Openings

Explore opportunities to make a difference with your skills.

📍 Global / Regional Offices

Diplomatic and Community Engagement Officer

UNEF-DCEO-001
🏢 Partnerships & External Relations 🕐 Two-Year Renewable (Performance-Based) ● Hiring
Apply Now ▾
📍 Local and Regional Field Offices

Community Outreach Assistant

UNEF-COA-002
🏢 Field Operations & Community Engagement 🕐 Two-Year Renewable (Performance-Based) ● Hiring
Apply Now ▾

Ready to join us?

If you don't see a role that fits but are passionate about our mission, follow us for future updates.

Send your application to careers@unefglobal.org

Send Open Application

Contact UNEF

Get in touch with our team for partnership inquiries, media relations, or general information.

Get in Touch

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Headquarters

Palais des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland

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General Inquiries info@unefglobal.org
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Partnerships & Funding partnerships@unefglobal.org
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Media Relations media@unefglobal.org

Send a Message

Support UNEF

Your contribution powers entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development for millions of people worldwide.

Make a Difference

Donate to UNEF

Your donation supports UNEF's programs across 70+ countries — from entrepreneurship grants to disaster relief. Every contribution helps build a world where inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainability drive prosperity for all.

Donation Details

UNEF is a UN-affiliated organization. Donations may be tax-deductible depending on your jurisdiction.