Christophe Bahuet UNDP Philippines

05/05/2026

In my first 100 days in the Philippines, a few moments and reflections from the journey so far.

In this episode of Development Dialogues with Dhee De Castro Paredes , in partnership with AMBAG Network, we explore some questions—from beach or mountains to favorite Filipino dishes and coffee or tea of choice—alongside a few personal reflections. 🌿

Stay tuned for more. UNDP Philippines

13/04/2026

I had an excellent meeting with Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo, Jr., reflecting the strong and constructive partnership between UNDP and DBM in advancing transparent, inclusive, and accountable governance.

We discussed opportunities to further deepen collaboration on public financial management reform and digitalization, open government and transparency, climate-responsive budgeting, and practical measures to accelerate implementation of government-led initiatives.

Thank you, Acting Secretary Toledo, for the warm engagement. I look forward to strengthening our partnership in support of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and improved public service delivery. 🤝🇵🇭

10/04/2026

The AI revolution is more than a technology trend. It is a chance to enhance 🇵🇭Philippine competitiveness.

In my latest Op-ed, I explore how artificial intelligence can be transformed into a true engine for inclusive growth. To do so, the focus must move beyond being consumers of technology to becoming architects of a human-centered AI ecosystem.

Four strategic pillars identified in the UNDP regional report, "The Next Great Divergence," are most relevant to the Philippines to ensure technology bridges rather than widens existing divides:

🌐 Affordable Connectivity: Significantly expand high-speed internet across the country
📊 Data as a Public Good: Make real time data accessible to empower MSMEs and enhance public services.
⚖️ Agile Governance: Building frameworks that balance innovation with ethical oversight.
🎓 Future-Ready Skills: Investing in a workforce that masters both technical AI and human creativity.

Link to the Article:

UNDP’S RECENT REPORT, “The Next Great Divergence,” underscores a defining challenge for countries across Asia and the Pacific: they are entering the AI era with uneven foundations and this may create a divide among them.

06/04/2026

Ikinagagalak kong makipagpulong kay QC Mayor Joy Belmonte ng Lungsod Quezon. Maraming pagkakatulad ang UNDP & Quezon City—kapwa naninindigan para sa good governance, inclusion & sustainability.Tuloy ang ating pakikipagtulungan para sa 🇪🇺funded Green Economy Partnership. European Union in the Philippines

06/04/2026

[𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊] 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 🌿🤝

Our visit to Pangasinan underscores a shared effort to strengthen local systems, protect communities, and advance climate resilience through SHIELD—with support from the Government of Australia.

31/03/2026

🌿🤝 Pagpapalakas ng katatagan sa lokal na antas

Ngayong araw sa Pangasinan, nakasama ko si Governor Ramon V. Guico III at ating mga katuwang sa paglagda ng kasunduan sa ilalim ng SHIELD Programme.

Ang gove Pangasinan ay mahalaga sa ating food system at ekonomiya, ngunit kabilang din sa mga lugar na lubhang apektado ng climate risks. Sa pamamagitan ng SHIELD, katuwang ang Australia in The Philippines, pinapalakas natin ang kakayahan ng mga lokal na pamahalaan na isama ang climate risk sa kanilang pagpaplano at pamumuhunan.

Ipinapakita ng partnership na ito ang ating sama-samang layunin: gawing bahagi ng kaunlaran ang katatagan, upang maprotektahan ang mga komunidad at kabuhayan.

Maraming salamat sa Provincial Government of Pangasinan sa kanilang pamumuno at pakikipagtulungan.
🌎🤝

30/03/2026

Great joint field visit with Australia in The Philippines 🇦🇺 for our climate resilience project SHIELD. Always humbling to hear from communities how they cope with climate change/disaster. Proud that we will now support province in strengthening institutions & empowering localities.

29/03/2026

Expanding digital access is essential to ensuring that no entrepreneur is left behind.

I was pleased to witness the handover of ICT and satellite connectivity equipment under the Digital PINAS Joint Programme, led by UNDP Philippines with the support of the European Union in the Philippines, in partnership with the DTI Philippines.

By strengthening 14 Negosyo Centers in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, this initiative brings vital services—business registration, advisory support, and e-government access—closer to micro, small, and medium enterprises.

This is a concrete step towards bridging digital divides and enabling more inclusive and resilient local economies.
UNDP remains committed to working with partners to ensure that innovation and opportunity reach every community across the Philippines. 🌏🤝

19/03/2026

The Next Great Divergence: Positioning the Philippines 🇵🇭 in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

UNDP Philippines just launched "The Next Great Divergence," a report exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping development trajectories across Asia and the Pacific.
Much like the Industrial Revolution, the AI transition could create a "great divergence"—widening the gap between a few leading economies and the rest of the world. This can happen in Asia-Pacific , the global epicenter of AI innovation, the benefits remain highly asymmetric.

The Philippines is at a pivotal point: AI presents a clear opportunity to leapfrog traditional development hurdles and improve public services, but it also carries the risk of deepening inequality if the foundational systems are not strengthened.
The government has already taken significant, proactive steps, including:
* The National AI Strategy (NAIS PH): A whole-of-government roadmap for 2024–2028.
* The National AI Center for Research and Innovation (NAICRI): Launched to drive localized R&D.

Our discussion at the launch focused on how to build on this momentum drawing from the report recommendations and ensuring that AI strengthens national competitiveness and serves as a tool for convergence—rather than divergence.

14/03/2026

Digital Philippines 🇵🇭 is moving!

With support from the European Union 🇪🇺 through the SDG Joint Fund, UNDP with ILO and ITC brings digital tools (and better connectivity) where they matter most: close to MSMEs.

With the 🇵🇭 Department of Trade and Industry, those are the results that we have achieved thus far:
* 14 Negosyo Centers equipped with ICT tools
* 9 Negosyo Centers with satellite connectivity support
* 4,656 entrepreneurs trained on AI, business digitalization, and cross-border e-commerce (with ILO & ITC)
* stronger systems via DTI’s Data Governance & Citizen Feedback

This is what “digital inclusion” looks like in practice: faster services, real access, and more MSMEs ready to compete in a digital economy.

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

12/03/2026

The partnership between UNDP Philippines and Pasig City continues to grow. Pasig remains a leader in advancing a circular economy through the EU-funded Green Economy Programme.

In my meeting with Mayor Vico Sotto, we also began shaping a new alliance for the youth, leveraging the city's ongoing initiatives and UNDP’s regional expertise in youth entrepreneurship. Exciting times ahead for green jobs and young innovators! 🌿🇵🇭