UNCT DPRK discusses 2026 outlook

The UNCT DPRK met on 16 December 2025 to discuss their programmatic and operational outlook for 2026, against the backdrop of deepening divisions in the UN membership, an adverse funding environment, and the protracted lack of access to the country. On the upside, colleagues took note of recent signs of DPRK re-engagements with the UN, including the participation of Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Son Gyong in the General Assembly along with his bilateral meeting with the UN Secretary-General in September, and the recent visit to the DPRK by UN colleagues from the International Maritime Organization in November. During the discussion, the UNCT also considered its first horizon scanning exercise to identify emerging risks and opportunities and inform its strategy. The DPRK's new Five-Year Plan for National Economic Development (2026-2030), expected to be launched at the Ninth Congress of the Workers Party next month in Pyongyang, was recognized as the foremost opportunity for the UNCT country work going forward.