The United Nations (UN) is a complex system of organizations that support the UN's primary mandate of maintaining international peace and security. To fulfill this mandate, the UN procures a significant volume of goods and services annually, USD $24.9 billion total in 2023, with $116 million being awarded to Canadian suppliers. Canadian firms have primarily found success in consulting services sectors such as transportation, storage, mail services, management and admin services and engineering and research services. Firms have also found success providing goods such as laboratory and testing equipment, food and beverage products, apparel, luggage and personal care items.
There are eight UN agencies that account for 85 percent of all procurement activities by value which includes:
- UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
- World Food Programme (WFP)
- UN Secretariat Procurement Division
- UN Development Programme (UNDP)
- UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
The UN and its associated agencies offer many business opportunities for Canadian businesses to work internationally.
Procurement process
Every year, the UN procures a significant volume of goods, works and services to support missions around the world, in every sector from agriculture, education, healthcare to renewable energy. All UN business opportunities are posted on the UN Global Marketplace (UNGM) website for free, and in the Procurement Opportunities link.
Most UN programs are delivered by UN country offices and are often implemented by national authorities in the recipient country. All UN aid is untied and open to Canadian businesses. Procurement within the UN system is governed by established regulations and rules pertaining to each UN organization.
To be considered as a supplier for goods and services, it is necessary to register through the UNGM website. A description of the different levels of registration and the requirements for each level can be found on UNGM. Registration instructions are provided in the Knowledge Centre. The UNGM registry of suppliers is available to all UN organizations, however some maintain their own databases, therefore it is important to register with these agencies as well. The UN supplier code of conduct, expresses the overarching values that the UN expects its suppliers to achieve. UN suppliers are encouraged to get acquainted with these principles and to strive to continuously improve their business practices.
The UN Procurement Practitioner's Handbook (PPH) is a procurement reference document and provides guidance in best procurement practices, processes, and procedures. The UN also has a Tender Alert Service (TAS) which companies can subscribe to for a fee to receive email updates on projects. You can also subscribe to UNGM Pro, an enhanced level of service that bundles the TAS with Opportunity Search Plus features. Fees for UNGM Pro vary based on the duration of your plan.
For links to other UN organizations refer to the Directory of UN System Organizations.
What does the UN buy?
The United Nations procures goods and services from suppliers all over the world to support its activities and operations. In 2023, the total value of procured goods and services reached US$24.9 billion, with Health and Construction, Engineering and Science being the top two largest sectors within the UN system.
| Sector | Total ($ millions) |
|---|---|
| Health | 4,823.9 |
| Construction, Engineering and Science | 3,520.5 |
| Food and Farming | 2,744.8 |
| Administration and Operations | 2,731.6 |
| Transportation and Storage | 2,562.7 |
| Media, IT and Communications | 2,045.9 |
| Travel, Accommodation and Catering Services | 1,594.0 |
| Utilities | 1,218.3 |
| Finance, Insurance and Real Estate | 1,196.3 |
| Humanitarian Aid, Peace, Security and Safety | 749.7 |
| Motor Vehicles, Industrial Machinery and Heavy Equipment | 682.8 |
| Other Goods and Services | 602.3 |
| Education, Training and Recreation | 455.7 |
| Category | Total ($ millions) |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals, Contraceptives, Vaccines | 3,504.2 |
| Transportation, Storage, Mail Services | 3,112.0 |
| Management and Admin Services | 2,678.2 |
| Food and Beverage Products | 2,042.4 |
| Building and Maintenance Services | 1,803.0 |
| Engineering and Research Services | 1,676.9 |
| Medical Equipment and Supplies | 1,117.0 |
| Travel, Food and Lodging | 865.0 |
| IT and Communications Equipment | 670.3 |
| Motor Vehicles and Parts | 668.4 |
Spotlight on UN agencies
The UN Secretariat Procurement Division (UNPD)
The UN Secretariat Procurement Division is responsible for procurement on behalf of UN Headquarters, offices, peacekeeping missions, and other UN organizations. Their goal is to provide the best value for money in the timely delivery of goods, services and capacity to enable UN missions to execute their work. UN Secretariat procures between $2-4 billion annually, in a variety of sectors such as ICT, air transport, building and construction, catering, real estate, and others.
In 2023, the UN Secretariat procured more than $39.7M from Canadian goods and services suppliers. UN Secretariat business opportunities are published on the UN Global Marketplace (UNGM), and registration is required for vendors. Registration is simple and free of charge, and after agreeing to the UN Supplier Code of Conduct and declaration of eligibility, vendors can select the level of business activity that best matches their capacity, financial strength, business scope and commercial strategy.
Firms are also encouraged to review the Doing Business with the UN Secretariat (PDF format) guide.
World Food Programme (WFP)
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the largest humanitarian organization focused on delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. In 2023, WFP assisted 160 million people in over 120 countries and territories with over $4.48B in procurement of goods and services. Of this, Canadian businesses won $11.5M in contracts. Two-thirds of WFP's work is in conflict-affected countries where people are three times more likely to be undernourished than those living in countries without conflict. The WFP procures food, goods and services and arranges the transport of these (from point of sale to final point of distribution. WFP procures an average of USD$1.8-2.5B annually, including rice, beans, milk, cereal, chickpeas, maize, and others. WFP business opportunities are posted on the UN Global Marketplace (UNGM) and registration and pre-qualification required.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the lead agency for international development. UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. UNDP helps countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP plays a critical role in fostering collaboration with the private sector at the country level, serving as an interface for UN entities operating on the ground.
UNDP buys goods and services for each of its Country Offices as well as UNDP Headquarters in New York. Responsibility for procurement is decentralized, meaning that the entire procurement cycle - from sourcing to contract management - is done locally. A Country Office's Resident Representative, or his or her designee, oversees the process. In 2023, UNDP procured $ 2.54B in goods and services, and $ 8.3M was from contracts awarded to Canadian businesses.
Examples of Goods and Services procured by UNDP includes:
Goods
- Management Information Systems
- Computer Software Licensing & Maintenance
- Office Equipment
Services
- Project Management
- Evaluation Services
- Construction and Engineering Services
- International Local Consultants
Frequently asked questions
The UN and the IFIs are both committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, but have different operating structures, missions and processes. The IFIs provide concessional financing to developing countries in order to end poverty and promote economic growth. The IFIs work in a variety of sectors like the UN, but have traditionally funded large, infrastructure projects. In general, the Borrowing Member Country is implementing the projects, with oversight and technical support from the IFIs. UN Agencies play a different role, focusing on peacekeeping, humanitarian and emergency relief efforts, among others. In general, UN Agencies procure goods and services on behalf of its recipients.
Also, while UN procurement policies are fairly similar across UN agencies, they are not harmonized like policies that govern the procurement processes of the major IFIs.
No, because the United Nations Global Marketplace provides a one stop portal and accounts for 95% of the procurement expenditure. Registration is required to view and pursue business opportunities. The UN also a has Tender Alert Service (TAS) that allows firms to keep track of interested opportunities. Firms are encouraged to maintain contact with UN procurement officers in Regional and Country offices to track upcoming opportunities.
The UN system procures on an international basis from vendors of all sizes and in all geographical locations. Sometimes the requirements are large and sometimes small. For this reason, they have different levels of registration and companies can choose the level at which they wish to register based on the size of their company and the size of contract that they are able to manage.
The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps Canadian businesses of all sizes succeed in international markets with export advisory services, funding and accelerator programs. With a presence in more than 160 cities worldwide, the TCS can help you go global.