UNDP warns Gaza violence will have long-term impact on Palestinians
16 December - Following the Secretary General’s call for an immediate halt in the violence and destruction, the United Nations, in cooperation with national and international partners, is preparing to ensure an early recovery and reconstruction response, immediately after the end of the military operations in Gaza.

UNDP Administrator announces departure
8 January - The Administrator of UNDP, Kemal Derviş, has conveyed to the Secretary General his decision not to seek a second term and his wish to leave the position of Administrator on March 1, 2009.

Bangladesh elections hailed as transparent and credible
5 January - With UNDP's support, Bangladesh's ninth parliamentary election was peaceful and orderly, and is being hailed as the country's most credible and transparent election ever.

With 87 percent turnout, voters stood in long lines to cast their vote in the landmark election, returning democracy to Bangladesh after two years of emergency rule.