Poland in the UN

UNOPS was established in 1973 as a UN agency primarily tasked with the implementation of infrastructural projects and public procurement for the UN System, international financial institutions, governments, and other partners across the globe, with a particular focus on humanitarian and peace activities.

“I am convinced that the presence of UNOPS in Warsaw will strengthen our existing cooperation with the UN, contribute to expanding its scope and give it new energy. At the same time, it will contribute to enlarging the UN family of organisations in Poland,” said Minister Rau. 

The agreement aims to entrust the UNOPS office in Warsaw with more tasks, in particular to enhance support for the engagement of the Polish private sector in the implementation of UN projects, including its effective participation in UN procurement processes. Another important task of the office will be to implement projects in support of the reconstruction of Ukraine, resulting in a potentially stronger involvement of Polish companies in such UN-managed projects. Many of these companies have already offered to take part in Ukraine reconstruction projects, and the Warsaw office will offer assistance in dealing with the related funding and insurance matters. In cooperation with the Polish government, UNOPS will be able to provide support in drawing on Poland’s expertise in a range of sectors, such as green transition or energy, transport, and water supply and sanitation infrastructures.

In a medium- and long-term perspective, the presence of UNOPS in Poland should contribute to a continued rise in the number and value of contracts awarded by the UN to Polish companies. Based on the figures for 2022, the UN System procured USD 71.71 million worth of goods and services from Polish companies, a nearly 15-time increase from the previous year (USD 4.86 million). 

The agreement also brings additional employment opportunities in international structures for Polish nationals.

Photo: Sebastian Indra/MFA