Partners embrace virtual workspace

July 12, 2020

UNDP's Michaelyn Wembi (right), explaining to an IPPCC employee how Zoom® works. ©UNDP/Kim Allen

The COVID-19 pandemic and the strict measures put in place to stop the spread of the disease such as travel restrictions, physical distancing and working from home has encouraged organisations to go ‘digital.’

UNDP is embracing this change and supporting its partners to do the same.

UNDP has provided Zoom® licenses and training to 50 partners, mainly Government departments. These include the: Registrar of Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC); Department of Community Development and Religion; National Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee; the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s Family and Sexual Violence Unit; the Department of National Planning and Monitoring; and the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority.

Such initiatives has helped colleagues stay connected and continue to deliver services.

In recognition of this support, Dr. Alphonse Gelu, Registrar of Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC) said, “the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to be innovative in our engagements with partners. This is the first time for us to use this application and I am thankful for the support provided by UNDP.”

A challenge in this ‘new normal’ is to bridge the digital divide with partners who may not have the resources or the technologies to go digital.

UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Dirk Wagener, said “UNDP understands these challenges and is therefore supporting partners with video conferencing licenses and training.”