United Nations in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

The United Nations Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in collaboration with its partners is supporting implementation of the sustainable development goals across the 10 countries covered by our multi-country office (MCO). These 17 Global Goals are a roadmap to address the most pressing challenges facing Caribbean citizens and persons all over the world, to create a sustainable future for all. Kindly note that the data visualizations show an aggregate of the Caribbean. To view the disaggregated data per country, please click on the name of the country or territory you wish to explore.

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13 May 2024

Joint Programme launched to optimize Innovative Finance for Underserved Groups in Antigua & Barbuda and Saint Lucia

St. John’s and Castries, May 10, 2024: Women and youth entrepreneurs, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and other underserved groups in Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Lucia are poised to benefit from a US$1.4 million UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund Joint Programme that will prioritize innovative financing solutions for underserved groups.Honourable Prime Ministers Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda and Philip Pierre of Saint Lucia, today joined UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq, along with key Government and UN officials and representatives of the SDG Joint Fund, for the on-line launch of the joint programme: “Optimizing Innovative Finance for Underserved Groups to Build Resilience and Accelerate the Achievement of the SDGs in Antigua & Barbuda and Saint Lucia.”The new Joint Programme, which will be implemented by respective Finance and Corporate Governance Ministries in Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Lucia, seeks to promote greater financial inclusion for the most underserved groups in the two beneficiary countries, through strengthening their legal and regulatory capability, including securing digital financial services. It will utilize a three-pronged approach to increase access to and the effectiveness of commercial innovative finance solutions and to close financing gaps to achieve the SDGs.
In delivering remarks, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnership of Antigua, the Hon. Gaston Browne gave assurances of his government’s commitment towards building resilience in fulfillment of the SDGs.“I am immensely pleased with the launch of this Joint Programme to optimize finance for Underserved Groups to Build Resilience and Accelerate the Achievement of the SDGs in Antigua & Barbuda and Saint Lucia,” he said.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Youth Economy, Justice, and National Security of Saint Lucia, Hon. Phillip Pierre, in addressing the gathering, noted that the Joint Programme aligned with several critical priorities of the Saint Lucia Government.He added: “We are truly grateful and remain hopeful that this joint programme will be even more transformational and impactful, touching the lives of our most vulnerable and marginalized.”

Also addressing the launch prior to the Official Signing of the Project Document was UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq, who said that the Joint Programme would contribute to efforts to build resilience and accelerate the SDGs in the two Caribbean countries, by addressing the current financial architecture and barriers to finance in the region which are particularly acute for youth, women and MSMEs.“While we recognize that financing gaps are often driven by significant cultural, historical, and social factors, we believe that addressing institutional gaps is also crucial,” he emphasized, noting that a key output of the Joint Programme would be the establishment of an Innovative Finance Incubator, with tailored support to strengthen countries’ regulatory and legal capacity towards development of digital financial services.Following the Resident Coordinator’s remarks, Prime Ministers Browne and Pierre officially signed the Project instrument. The signing was followed by a video address by Lisa Kurbiel, Head of the Joint SDG Fund Secretariat, who noted that to date, the Fund had approved USD $258 million in financial commitments across 233 joint programmes globally. Participants also benefited from a video reel that showcased youth and women owned businesses from both countries, which are potential beneficiaries of the Joint Program.Jason La Corbiniere, Cluster Manager, Poverty, Governance and Monitoring and Evaluation, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), lead UN Agency for implementing the Joint programme, provided a comprehensive overview of the new Joint Programme. UNDP will be joined by UN Women: the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in managing its implementation.The Project launch also featured an Interactive Dialogue on ‘Closing the Financing Gap for youth and women-owned MSMEs’ featuring senior officials from participating UN agencies, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnership in Antigua and Barbuda, and the Department of Finance in Saint Lucia.

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16 May 2024

‘Fashion in da House’: celebrating the talent and potential of young Caribbean fashion

UNESCO, with funding from the European Union, promoted the first young Caribbean fashion show in Havana as part of a professional development programme to strengthen emerging talent and stimulate the industry in the region.The Caribbean is known for its vibrant fashion, which is influenced by a blend of various cultures and ethnicities. Long-standing traditions, coming from African, Indian, European and Asian fashion, reflect the wealth of historical influences that have shaped the Caribbean identity. However, many young entrepreneurs in the Caribbean fashion industry face challenges, such as limited access to broader markets, lack of learning and mentoring opportunities, and difficulties in financing their own business projects. Additionally, there is a gap between high creativity and fragmented professional networks, hindering the development of a comprehensive sub-regional offering of products and services.In this context, the UNESCO programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, funded by the European Union, organized ‘Fashion in da House’, an unprecedented regional initiative that took place from 2 to 9 May 2024, as part of the Month of Europe in Cuba. The goal of the event is to empower young Caribbean talent to develop locally and professionalize the region’s Cultural and Creative Industries.Fashion is an economic engine in many regions. It generates jobs, drives innovation and creates business opportunities. By supporting young designers and promoting the local industry, events like “Fashion in da House” can foster economic growth, from more ethical and responsible practices to the promotion of the sustainability and well-being of the Caribbean.Anne Lemaistre, Director of UNESCO Regional Office in HavanaTo this purpose, 16 young designers from 11 Caribbean countries, finalists of the Transcultura Fashion Design Contest ‘Made in the Caribbean’, participated in a professional mentoring programme for a week. This included specialized workshops to improve their skills and knowledge of the fashion sector, expert advice, keynote lectures, the chance to learn about business models in the fashion sector, and visits and exchanges with local fashion studios and shops.The programme included the first young Caribbean fashion show in Havana, held on 7 May at the National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba. With more than seventy pieces, the young participants showcased their creations representing the identity, creativity and diversity of the region.Winning this award, representing Trinidad and Tobago, is very important to me as I feel recognized for my work and designs. I am very grateful for this opportunity, because with Transcultura, UNESCO and the European Union are supporting young fashion designers to develop themselves, grow their careers and their brands as Caribbean designers.Naballah Chi (Trinidad and Tobago), Fashion designer and winner of a Transcultura AwardAn international jury made up of experts Omoyemi Akerele (Nigeria), Meta Štular (Slovenia), Terri-Karelle Reid (Jamaica), Javier Fernández Poyo (Spain) and Carmen Gómez Pózo (Cuba) awarded the Transcultura Prizes to the best collection to Rhea Cummins Jordan, from Barbados, and to Naballah Chi, from Trinidad and Tobago. Karen De Freitas, from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, got a Special Mention. Additionally, the public also had the opportunity to vote and choose Genesis Vasquez, de la República Dominican, as the creator of their favourite design. The young winners will have the opportunity to participate in a two-month artistic residency at the Rog Centre in Ljubljana, Slovenia, in the summer of 2024. For the Rog Center, it is important to offer Caribbean creatives the opportunity to work alongside our designers in Ljubljana. This will allow them to experience a new culture and use our facilities designed specifically for collaboration.Meta Štular, Director of Strategic Development and Programmes of the Rog Centre (Slovenia)During the parade, the 'Mondriaberas' collection, consisting of eight pieces and sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Cuba, was also presented. Its title honours the renowned Dutch painter and art theorist Piet Mondrian, commemorating the 80th anniversary of his death. This collection merges the canvases of this outstanding artist with the traditional ‘guayabera’, a garment that embodies Cuban identity.

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07 May 2024

PAHO Conducts Outbreak Investigation Training for Cricket World Cup and Beyond

Bridgetown, Barbados, 26 April 2024 (PAHO). Environmental health officers and public health nurses converged for a week of training to enhance their outbreak investigation skills.The training was developed to increase the capacity of the officers to respond to public health emergencies in general, whether during the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup or beyond, based on risk assessment. PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, stated that the training “serves as a crucial opportunity to enhance our skills, share knowledge, and collaborate in safeguarding the health and well-being of the people of Barbados and beyond. Together, through our commitment to excellence in outbreak investigation, we can contribute to a safer, healthier future for all.”PAHO Consultant, Dr. Gladzdin Jean Denis was the facilitator for the training.Each morning, examinations were hosted for the officers to assess their comprehension of the training.The topics covered included identifying an outbreak and investigation steps; case studies; transmission cases; planning field investigation; epidemiological studies; healthcare associated infections; collection and handling of human and environmental samples; the role of vectors in disease transmission; control and response measures; safety, occupational health, and biosecurity in the field; and interacting with the media to familiarize officers with risk communication strategies and what is required of media spokespersons.Ministry of Health and Wellness Epidemiologist, Maria Ingram, described the training as vital not only to sharpen officers’ skills for the upcoming Cricket World Cup, but to prepare them for any international event.PAHO/WHO ECC Advisor for Health Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control, Dr. Prabhjot Singh, is satisfied that the workshop’s objective was achieved. “Our aim was to increase the officers’ capacity to investigate a public health outbreak and we have done so.”Fourteen people participated in the training and further training will soon be hosted.

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15 May 2024

Small islands ready for global spotlight and accelerated action at Antigua and Barbuda conference

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face major challenges—climate change, geographic remoteness, a narrow export base—that make them vulnerable to external economic, environmental, and social shocks. But they also have innovative solutions, dynamic populations, and people ready to act. Despite their challenges, SIDS have been moving forward with their sustainable development guided by the commitments of previous programmes of action, the SAMOA Pathway, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Now it’s time for these islands to take the global spotlight and inspire a revitalized jolt of investment and commitment. The upcoming Fourth International Conference on SIDS (SIDS4), taking place in Antigua and Barbuda from 27 to 30 May, will bring together world leaders from SIDS and partner countries to tackle these pressing issues. “Small Island Developing States represent a small percentage of the world’s population, but their fate has consequences for all of us,” said Li Junhua, the head of UN DESA who will serve as the Secretary-General of the SIDS4 Conference.The 39 SIDS are small in size but big in ambition. The major outcome of the conference will be an intergovernmentally agreed outcome document: The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS)—a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity. This document will set out the sustainable development aspirations of small islands for the next 10 years and the support required from the international community to achieve them. Their priorities include building resilient economies; fostering safe, healthy and prosperous societies; achieving water, food and energy security; conserving biodiversity; protecting and sustainably using the ocean and its resources; and halting and urgently mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. To help SIDS meet these ambitions, the ABAS declaration will contain commitments to facilitate access to affordable and concessional finance, increase effectiveness of development finance, as well as scale-up biodiversity finance and climate action and support, including climate finance, in line with existing obligations and commitments.In addition to eight plenary meetings, there will be five interactive dialogues, and five high-level special events focused on children and youth, gender equality, business networks, the private sector, and civil society. All of these events aim to underscore the importance of small island countries and their people and set them on a path toward sustainable development. SIDS countries provide the world with culture, innovations, natural resources and Indigenous knowledge that play a critical role in the health of our shared society. Ensuring their resilient prosperity benefits us all.The SIDS4 Conference, Mr. Li said, “is a pivotal moment for small islands and the whole world.”
For more information: 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States

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22 April 2024

Indigenous Kalinago lead the way towards making Dominica ‘climate resilient’

Dominica aims to become the world’s first “climate-resilient" nation, and the indigenous Kalinago people are playing a leading role in developing the country and helping its people to thrive in the face of the climate emergency.Dominica, which lies in Eastern Caribbean, is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, which are being exacerbated by the climate crisis: Hurricane Maria in 2017 was a devastating example, damaging almost all homes and buildings, destroying around three-quarters of the fishing fleet and crippling the economy.The indigenous Kalinago people were particularly affected but, since then, community leaders have been working with the UN to help its people to become more resilient, in anticipation of the next climate shock.Ahead of the 2024 session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) Conor Lennon from UN News met Sylvanie Burton – who is both the country’s first Kalinago, and also first woman, Head of State – and Lorenzo Sanford, the youngest-ever Chief of the Kalinago community, to find out how they plan to achieve their goal of making the island the world’s first “climate-resilient” nation, and why the young people of the community are central to the resurgence of the indigenous culture on the island.UN News/ Brianna RoweSylvanie Burton (l), Lorenzo Sanford (c), Conor Lennon (r)Lorenzo Sanford: In the past it was always the same people who were elected as chief. I wanted to make a difference, and introduce the views of younger individuals, because our community has many young people, by taking a ground-up approach.UN News: What did the older generations of the Kalinago community think about such a young person being made chief?Sylvanie Burton: The Kalinago population is around 65 per cent young people, so we wanted to give our youth the opportunity to make a difference. We rallied around Lorenzo, which give him the level of authority needed in order to become chief. UN News: What effect did Hurricane Maria have on the Kalinago Territory?Lorenzo Sanford: I was on another part of the island when Maria hit, and I wanted to check on my family. There was no internet, no phone connection, and the roads were blocked, so the only way to return was on foot, using the traditional trails.When I came across the mountains, everything was brown; there was no greenery anymore. All you could see was destroyed homes, and people looking lost, not knowing what to do.Sylvanie Burton: Before Maria arrived, I knew that our island was going to take a direct hit. So, we called an emergency council and decided to go to the homes of the elderly and take them to the shelters. By mid-afternoon most vulnerable people had been taken to safety.And then the tropical storm started coming in. The sea was raging and I could hear the roaring of the wind coming up from the valley. The storm pounded us for hours and hours. I started praying, and even asked God why he was not answering our prayers. I was thankful that I was in a concrete structure, and I could only imagine what was happening to our people living in small wooden houses in the rest of the Kalinago Territory. The next day, after the storm had passed, we thought that the sea was very close to our homes. It wasn’t, but it seemed that way because all of the trees and the houses were gone. It was a very painful experience that you wouldn’t want anyone to go through. It was a miracle that no one in our territory died.UN News/ Brianna RoweTraditional Kalinago building, reinforced by concreteUN News: Before the hurricane most of the buildings were made of wood, but I’ve seen several concrete homes and buildings. Is that construction part of the effort to make Dominica more resilient?Lorenzo Sanford: Yes. In the Kalinago Territory we have a lot of different housing projects going on. We went into the community with the different agencies that were proposing to help, to see how we could make stronger houses, that would still be built in a Kalinago style. We are also building a large multipurpose community shelter, but we want more people to feel safer in their own homes the next time a tropical storm hits. UN News: Access to reliable information is crucial to saving lives. How are you ensuring that as many people as possible have early warnings about extreme weather events?Sylvanie Burton: We’re working to get better information on the climate and get it out to the population before storms hit. We are also creating ICT (information communication technology) hubs across Dominica, where people can access information before the storms, take precautions, and get to a shelter ahead of time. UN News/ Brianna RoweKalinago Territory, DominicaUN News: Raising the finance to deal with the consequences of the climate crisis is an issue for all Small Island Developing States, not just Dominica. You’re not responsible for the crisis, but you’re disproportionately affected by it. Is it getting easier to access the funds you need to adapt?Sylvanie Burton: At the UN climate conferences, we hear the big polluting countries promise to give funds and reduce their own carbon footprint. But these countries need to turn their promises into action. For example, after Hurricane Maria, the UN Secretary-General came to Dominica, and several countries made pledges to help. But many of these pledges were not fulfilled, so we had to take out loans to ensure that we build a climate-resilient country. We are very thankful for the UN organizations that are assisting Dominica, and the countries that are assisting, but it will take a little more. These big countries need to put their money where their mouth is! UN News: The Kalinago have been on this island for more than 500 years. Has that accumulated folk knowledge helped you to adapt to the changing climate?Lorenzo Sanford: I would say that it has helped us to bounce back in in a very fast way. For example, our indigenous practices inform how we plant our food. So, we hope that this knowledge will be passed on to younger generations, so that we can safeguard our future, both within the Kalinago Territory and across the whole island.**This story was first featured on UN News. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

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25 October 2024

D’Andre Louis won Saint Lucia’s SDG Jingle Competition

Castries, October 25, 2024: Saint Lucians are being urged to “Do It!”, to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), thanks to a catchy new SDG jingle set to be broadcast on radio shortly. Eleven-year-old D’Andre Louis is the creative talent behind the jingle that copped first place in the island’s inaugural Youth SDG Jingle Competition in commemoration of United Nations Day 2024, which was observed globally on October 24. The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Satellite Office in Saint Lucia, in collaboration with the government, private sector, civil society and academia, spearheaded the initiative which was part of a whole-of-society approach employed to ramp-up calls to rescue the lagging SDGs. The competition, which ran from August to October 2024, sought to develop a jingle that promoted the SDGs and appealed to Saint Lucians to take urgent action to accelerate progress. D’Andre’s jingle urges all Saint Lucians to get on board. The winning entry starts off with a bang - Sustainable Development hits you from the opening melody - and D’Andre urges his compatriots : “we all must do something no matter how small , that’s the way we all must go.” The up-tempo piece continues: “By 2030 let’s do it responsibly. Do you hear me? Climate action, clean energy, clean water, and sanitation. Protect the environment (Do it!) Conserving resources (Do it!), recycle to reduce wastage; Let’s stop all the pollution.” An elated D’Andre, who placed third in last year’s National Schools’ Calypso Competition, was announced as the winner, in the presence of ecstatic relatives and friends during a Closing Ceremony held in Castries on UN Day. For his feat he walked away with prizes including XCD 5000.00 deposited in a Right Start Account by Republic Bank; a shopping voucher from Massy Stores; and free limited internet service from Flow. He also received a winning trophy donated by the UN World Food Programme. In reflecting on his experience and what he had gleaned from developing the winning jingle, the youngster noted: “I learnt that the United Nations has agreed to 17 SDGs, and they are encouraging all of us to play our part to achieve those goals by 2030!” In second place was 12-year-old Quake Nestor, the son of popular Saint Lucian reggae artist Mihcel Meshach Nestor, known for his songs demanding human rights and justice. Quake’s catchy jingle secured him XCD 3000.00 deposited in a Right Start Account by Republic Bank, a shopping voucher from Massy Stores and free limited internet service from Flow. Commendation also goes to 14-year-old Chezidek Clarke who placed third winning a cash prize of XCD 2000.00 from Sandals Resorts; a shopping voucher from Massy Stores; and free internet service from Flow. The United Nations team in Saint Lucia has already secured complimentary airplay for the winning jingle on Rev-UP SLU. Private sector partners have also committed to supporting its extensive dissemination. The closing ceremony took place at the Finance Administrative Center in Castries. Participants included the Permanent Secretaries in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Department of Sustainable Development; the Department of Economic Development and the Department of External Affairs; members of Saint Lucias SDG National Coordinating Committee; representatives of civil society; representatives from the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College; students; teachers; parents; and the UN team based in Saint Lucia. Also participating were private sector sponsors and SDG advocates - Republic Bank, Sandals Resorts; Massy Stores; and Flow.

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23 October 2024

Collaborative workshop sparks action on sustainable food and nutrition policies in Grenada

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries & Cooperatives and The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) successfully concluded the jointly held Food and Nutrition Policy Workshop on 17 September 2024 at the Radisson Hotel in Grenada, in which several productive discussions and ideas were generated. The engaging and impactful event brought together a diverse group of 32 stakeholders, including policymakers, health professionals, nutrition experts, international institutions, research and NGO institutions to discuss the future of food security and nutrition. The workshop focused on key issues facing food and nutrition policy today, including the need for sustainable food systems, equitable access to nutritious foods, and strategies for addressing chronic diseases such as obesity through better dietary interventions. The event featured a keynote speech by Mr. Isaac Bhagwan - Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and a series of interactive sessions led by Mr. Michael Church, former Minister of Agriculture in Grenada and Mr. Roberto Telleria, FAO Policy Officer for the Caribbean Region. Mr. Church emphasized the role of government in driving policy changes to make food safe, healthy, and affordable to all, while Mr. Telleria highlighted the importance of innovative approaches to food policy that prioritize nutrition and equitable access to food in all parishes of Grenada. During his keynote speech, Mr. Bhawan asked for dialogue and to create actionable strategies to improve food systems at parish and national levels. Three breakout groups were formed to discuss a variety of topics ranging from school nutrition programs to the importance of local agriculture and food sustainability. The first group discussed food security and access addressing sustainable agriculture practices. The second group discussed nutrition and public health by analyzing the role of food and nutrition in preventing chronic diseases and promoting better nutrition. Finally, the third group discussed social protection schemes highlighting that government programs are needed to reduce poverty, vulnerability, and social exclusion by providing support to individuals and families, particularly those who are disadvantaged or at risk. Subsequently, a plenary discussion took place focusing on strategies for integrating nutrition and food security into government programmes and initiatives. The workshop concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration across sectors to ensure that the policies discussed are implemented effectively at the parish and national levels. FAO committed to further supporting these efforts by providing resources, fostering ongoing dialogue, and advocating for evidence-based nutrition policies.

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21 October 2024

Urgent investment in irrigation for agriculture in the Caribbean takes center stage at FAO Hand-in-Hand (HiH) Initiative Invest Forum

During the dedicated presentation of the Caribbean regional proposal at the Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HiH) Investment Forum, held from 15 to 17 October in Rome, Italy, FAO Director-General Mr. Qu Dongyu stressed the importance of collaboration in tackling the critical challenges facing the Caribbean. He highlighted the need to strengthen efforts in addressing pressing issues such as climate change, water scarcity, poverty, and the region’s lack of resilience, while underscoring the essential role that irrigation plays in fostering sustainability in the Caribbean.Following the Director-General's remarks, Mr. Shaun Baugh, CARICOM's Program Manager for Agricultural Development, delivered a compelling joint investment proposal from the FAO and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) focused on Barbados, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The proposal is centered on leveraging digitalization in irrigation systems to drive progress.Mr. Baugh highlighted the population figures of Barbados (over 208,000), Jamaica (2.8 million), and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (110,000), drawing attention to their heavy dependence on imported food. Barbados imports 80% of its food, Jamaica 45%, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 68%. He also noted that Barbados' food import bill amounts to USD 408.5 million, while Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' stands at USD 217 million. These challenges, he argued, offer significant opportunities to boost local food production, enhance the agricultural sector, and attract investment to the region.The investment opportunities presented by Mr Baugh focused on enhancing irrigation infrastructure by utilizing surface water and promoting, sustainable solutions such as such as digitalized drip irrigation systems, digitalized drip irrigation systems, and Ultrasonic Volumetric Meters. Additionally, the proposal emphasizes strengthening farmers capacities to manage irrigation systems and equipment effectively. The total investment, valued at USD 21 million, is designed to benefit 635 farmer families and 4,000 individuals across Barbados, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.Following the presentation, a panel discussion was held, moderated by Dr Renata Clarke, FAO’s Sub-regional Coordinator. The panel featured Hon. Indar Weir, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security in Barbados; Hon. Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining in Jamaica; Mr. Pablo Bartol, Social and Human Development Manager at CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean; and Mr. Edward Bresnyan Jr., Senior Agriculture Economist at the World Bank.During the discussion, Hon. Indar Weir emphasized the critical role of water in agriculture, stating that, “Agriculture will not work without water. Given the severity of these events early in the season, we must recognize the need to accelerate to implement agricultural production systems that are less water intensive, so that we can better manage during dry seasons. At the same time, we must seize the opportunity to invest in water storage solutions, especially considering the floods that occur during the events. This presents one the greatest opportunities for investment in irrigation”.Hon. Floyd Green noted that Jamaica experienced a USD 370 million loss to its agri-food system due to Hurricane Beryl, which struck early in the hurricane season. He added, “90 percent of our farmers are small scale, operating on less than one acre of land, making access to affordable water crucial. The Caribbean faces significant challenges in securing investments for agriculture, so we are particularly grateful to FAO for this investment opportunity”.During the panel discussion, Mr. Edward Bresnyan Jr. emphasized the various efforts to support farming in the CARICOM region, such as, conducting analytical work focused on improving resilience, enhancing nutrition security and improving competitiveness. All of this is particularly relevant in the context of irrigation. Some examples, drip irrigation, covered agriculture using greenhouses, and initiatives in water basins to protect water sources.Fellow panelist, Pablo Bartol stressed the importance of economic stability for agricultural investment, stating, “The stabilization of local currencies is a requirement for investments. Stable water provision is also essential for investment in the agriculture system. Without a stable currency, investment will not flow into countries”.During the closing remarks, Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of CARICOM, expressed her appreciation for the discussions, stating, “FAO and the Caribbean community share a long-standing partnership that supports the bilateral relationship FAO maintains with each of our member states. CARICOM recognizes the Hand-in-Hand Initiative as a valuable tool for removing barriers to agricultural development. We appreciate the support of the governments, development partners, and the private sector in promoting more targeted agricultural investments and implementing policies that foster resilient, sustainable and productive agrifood systems”.About the Hand-in-Hand (HiH) InitiativeThe HiH Initiative is a global flagship initiative launched by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu in 2020. To date, 72 countries have joined the initiative which supports the implementation of ambitious, country-led programs to accelerate the transformation of agri-food systems by eradicating poverty (SDG 1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG 2), and reducing inequalities (SDG 10). Through this initiative, FAO prioritizes countries and territories where poverty and hunger are highest, where national governments request capacity strengthening, or where operational challenges are greatest due to natural or man-made crises.The areas of intervention include developing value chains for priority commodities, creating agro-industries and efficient water management systems, introducing digital services and precision agriculture, reducing food loss and waste, and addressing climate challenges and weather-related risks.The 2024 Investment Forum is the cornerstone of the initiative's partnership-building efforts, providing a platform for national authorities to present opportunities to investors, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and donors, focusing on the potential for investment in national agriculture and opportunities in agri-food value chains.For participating countries, long-term public sector investment financing is critical to the success of the HiH Initiative. For multilateral development banks, blended finance structures and risk mitigation mechanisms can support private sector investors in the poorest and most fragile countries, helping to enhance their role in fostering sustainable development. .........................................This story was first published by FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.

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18 October 2024

How Barbados became a mighty voice for climate justice

Barbados is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change. The nation of 280,000 people is in the heart of the Caribbean, a region where hurricanes, droughts and rising seas are expected to severely impact communities in the coming years. The recent passage of Hurricane Beryl, which devastated parts of the Caribbean, including Jamaica, is a prime example of those perils. Barbados has launched an ambitious effort to adapt to an uncertain climate future. Called Roof to Reefs, it includes everything from reinforcing homes to buttressing critical infrastructure to protecting coastal and marine ecosystems. It focuses on integrated, home-grown solutions that build resilience to the climate crisis. But like many small-island developing states, Barbados faces a debt crisis which makes investing in climate adaptation challenging. That dilemma has led the country to spearhead the Bridgetown Initiative. Named after Barbados’ capital, it proposes a radical rethinking of the global financial system, calling for a combination of debt relief, new lending and private sector investments in vulnerable developing countries, which would use the money explicitly to prepare for the effects of climate change. “A climate catastrophe perhaps could hit a larger nation and it would be restricted to a particular location. But for us, it is a national event,” said Travis Sinckler, a senior environment officer with the Ministry of Environment in Barbados. “We have to brace ourselves. We have children. We have a population that we need to protect.” Barbados is leading the Bridgetown Initiative, which proposes a radical rethinking of the global financial system, calling for a combination of debt relief, new lending and private sector investments in vulnerable developing countries. Credit: AFP/Chandan KhannaThe Bridgetown Initiative has put Barbados and its Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, at the forefront of the push for climate justice for small island developing states. This group of 39 nations, from the Caribbean to the South Pacific, faces a future of rising seas and severe storms that many have called an existential threat. For these countries, fending off climate change will cost upwards of US$26 billion annually, an overwhelming bill given their size. In an effort to counter climate change, Barbados has forged a strong partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). During the last several years, UNEP has helped the country to strengthen its environmental management and governance systems for marine and terrestrial ecosystems. UNEP has also supported environmental tracking systems and contributed to the development of sustainable finance initiatives, while being a vocal supporter of small island states and their quest for climate justice. “UNEP has always been there,” said Sinckler. “It has been a major partner.” It is a collaboration that goes two ways. Barbados was one of 58 nations in 2023 to contribute its full share to UNEP’s Environment Fund, the organization’s main source of flexible funding and the bedrock of its work on the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Sinckler said that support was designed to help UNEP live up to its mandate of monitoring the state of the environment and uniting countries in a multilateral effort to protect the planet. “UNEP, as the world’s leading environmental authority, is like the conscience of the global commons,” he said. Sinckler was in Nairobi earlier this year for the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), the world’s highest-level decision-making body on matters related to the environment. During the gathering, several small-island developing nations pushed the world to ramp up its efforts to counter climate change and compensate vulnerable countries for the losses and damages they have suffered because of the crisis. That effort resulted in a closing declaration in which countries reaffirmed their commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change and vowed to support developing nations contending with the fallout from the climate crisis. Sinckler said UNEA is a crucial forum for nations like Barbados and an opportunity to showcase how climate change is already upending lives and livelihoods. “We go in there, we can present our issue, and we can engage. Everyone has a voice,” he said. “Us meeting our contribution to the Environment Fund is to ensure this governance modality continues and that it is representative of all countries, large and small.” Bridgetown residents prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Beryl earlier this month, one of a growing number of storms expected to accompany climate change. Credit: AFP/Chandan Khanna The collaboration between Barbados and UNEP extends beyond action on climate change. UNEP has supported the country’s efforts to conserve biodiversity, control invasive species, rein in marine pollution and phase out ozone-depleting chemicals, among other things. UNEP also helped Barbados produce its first report on the state of its environment, a second edition of which is now underway. And UNEP is supporting the nation as it modernizes its environmental governance and develops strategies for greening its economy. Sinckler says that type of technical assistance work is vital for small island developing states, which often only have a handful of people working on environmental issues. “If you look around the room [at international summits], small island developing states are represented by one or two people,” he said. “These are the same one or two people that, at home, are implementing every convention, monitoring every aspect of the environment and engaging in meetings at the regional level. So, capacity support is significant.” The world remains off track in the effort to rein in the greenhouse gas emissions that are driving climate change. Based on current national commitments, the Earth is on pace to warm by 2.9°C since the start of the industrial era, a number that would shatter limits in the Paris Agreement. Sinckler, though, believes that by acting together, the countries of the world can ward off disaster. “We have to be optimistic,” he said. “As my prime minister says, we put a man on the moon 60 years ago. So, mustering the human will to respond to a crisis we created is within our reach.” Barbados is one of UNEP’s funding partners, whose full-share contributions to UNEP’s Environment Fund enable agile, innovative global solutions for climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Learn how to support UNEP to invest in people and planet.

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Press Release

05 November 2024

Caribbean Immunization Managers Commended for Beginning Turnaround in Vaccination Coverage

During the 38th Caribbean Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Managers meeting held in St Kitts and Nevis, from October 28-30, PAHO Assistant Director, Dr Rhonda Sealy, commended the Caribbean Immunization managers for beginning to turn around vaccination coverage across CARICOM Member States, after a decline in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the need to strengthen the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program.Noting that there were still significant challenges, including vaccine hesitancy and disruptions in school and health facility access, she called for a revitalization of this essential program, particularly within the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, and as many countries are transitioning to a one-dose schedule as recommended.To ensure our continued success, I’d like to highlight several recommendations. Firstly, we need unwavering political commitment and financial resources to maintain our targets for eliminating polio, measles, and rubella, as well as controlling other vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s imperative to strengthen our vaccination operations to achieve and sustain a 95% coverage rate for all antigens. Additionally, we must develop targeted strategies to reach children under five years old, enhancing our surveillance capabilities for vaccine-preventable diseases. Training healthcare workers in effective risk communication and community engagement is vital for improving HPV vaccine coverage. Finally, we must invest in robust data systems and infrastructure to support adult immunization without jeopardizing childhood vaccination programs.” Dr Sealy noted in a video message. Dr. Daniel Salas, Executive Manager, Special Program on Comprehensive Immunization, PAHO, emphatically reiterated PAHO’s support for HPV vaccination programs in the Caribbean stating that “the Caribbean is known to be a leader in vaccination and disease elimination, I urge you to be the first subregion to eliminate cervical cancer reducing morbidity and mortality associated with this preventable disease”. During the meeting, Jamaica won the coveted Harry Smith Award for most improved immunization coverage in 2023 while the inaugural Beryl Irons Award went to Grenada for achieving their surveillance targets in 2024 and improved immunization coverage in 2023. Three countries also took away surveillance awards. In first place was Barbados, second place went to St Kitts and Nevis and third place went to Belize. The dedicated healthcare professionals of the EPI program and PAHO were praised by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health in St Kitts and Nevis, Curtis Martin. He emphasized that national health stewardship requires partnership. “PAHO is a blessing. Its technical support of the EPI ranks as a global best practice. Transfer of knowledge and skills have yielded measurable results including the regard for research rigor and the imperative of data and evidence-guided planning and performance assessment and improvement. Through PAHO and other public health protection, prevention and health promotion are in our DNA. PAHO cannot become weary in Caribbean well-being because in our jurisdictions, health is too big to fail,” he asserted.Advisor, Family and Life Course for Primary Health Care, Dr Solange Kobi-Jackson, who delivered remarks on behalf of PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr Amalia Del Riego, described the implementation of solid vaccination programs as one of the noblest commitments to the population, especially protecting the health of children.“The positive result for 2023, reflects the efforts of professionals and the health system, as well as the government’s clear political commitment to invest in health, along with an engaged population that recognizes the importance of vaccination. Nonetheless, it is necessary to continue making progress to bring the Region of the Americas back to the top of the global ranking in immunization coverage, maintain our achievements, and advance in the strategy to eliminate communicable diseases,” Dr Kobi Jackson stressed.While aware of polio, pertussis and measles cases worldwide, Chair of the Meeting and the Caribbean Immunization Technical Working Group (CITaG), Prof Peter Figueroa, praised the EPI Program for contributing considerably to the decrease in deaths and an improvement in the health of children globally and within the Caribbean. “An estimated 154 million deaths averted – that is remarkable and represents the true value of vaccines… However, we cannot be complacent. We have to be alert.” He stressed, while calling on Caribbean countries to maintain vaccination rates of 95% or higher and increase surveillance.The meeting also included an ‘Effective Communication for Vaccine Uptake for Caribbean EPI Managers workshop’ which included presentations on risk communication and community engagement, increasing vaccination coverage using the behavioural and social drivers of vaccination, crisis communication and vaccination messaging. The group also participated in a panel discussion that highlighted the risk communication strategies used in the measles case management employed by Turks & Caicos, plans to create a risk communication plan for new vaccine rollouts by Grenada and the role of communications during an ESAVI by Suriname.Caribbean EPI meetings are held annually, and this year’s theme was Stronger Together: Advancing Immunization, Eliminating Disease.

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Press Release

24 September 2024

United Nations adopts ground-breaking Pact for the Future to transform global governance

New York, 22 September 2024 – World leaders today adopted a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. This Pact is the culmination of an inclusive, years-long process to adapt international cooperation to the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The most wide-ranging international agreement in many years, covering entirely new areas as well as issues on which agreement has not been possible in decades, the Pact aims above all to ensure that international institutions can deliver in the face of a world that has changed dramatically since they were created. As the Secretary-General has said, “we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents.”

Overall, the agreement of the Pact is a strong statement of countries’ commitment to the United Nations, the international system and international law. Leaders set out a clear vision of an international system that can deliver on its promises, is more representative of today’s world and draws on the energy and expertise of governments, civil society and other key partners.
The Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities,” said the Secretary-General during his remarks at the opening of the Summit of the Future. The President of the General Assembly noted that the Pact would “lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order – for all peoples and nations.”
The Pact covers a broad range of issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. Key deliverables in the Pact include:

In the area of peace and securityThe most progressive and concrete commitment to Security Council reform since the 1960s, with plans to improve the effectiveness and representativeness of the Council, including by redressing the historical under-representation of Africa as a priority.The first multilateral recommitment to nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, with a clear commitment to the goal of totally eliminating nuclear weapons.Agreement to strengthen international frameworks that govern outer space, including a clear commitment to prevent an arms race in outer space and the need to ensure all countries can benefit from the safe and sustainable exploration of outer space.Steps to avoid the weaponization and misuse of new technologies, such as lethal autonomous weapons, and affirmation that the laws of war should apply to many of these new technologies.
On sustainable development, climate and financing for developmentThe entire Pact is designed to turbo-charge implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.The most detailed agreement ever at the United Nations on the need for reform of the international financial architecture so that it better represents and serves developing countries, including: Giving developing countries a greater say in how decisions are taken at international financial institutions;Mobilizing more financing from multilateral development banks to help developing countries meet their development needs;Reviewing the sovereign debt architecture to ensure that developing countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their future, with the IMF, UN, G20 and other key players working together;Strengthening the global financial safety net to protect the poorest in the event of financial and economic shocks, through concrete actions by the IMF and Member States;and accelerating measures to address the challenge of climate change, including through delivering more finance to help countries adapt to climate change and invest in renewable energy.    Improving how we measure human progress, going beyond GDP to capturing human and planetary wellbeing and sustainability.A commitment to consider ways to introduce a global minimum level of taxation on high-net-worth individuals.On climate change, confirmation of the need to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
On digital cooperationThe Global Digital Compact, annexed to the Pact, is the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation and AI governance.At the heart of the Compact is a commitment to design, use and govern technology for the benefit of all. This includes commitments by world leaders to: Connect all people, schools and hospitals to the Internet;Anchor digital cooperation in human rights and international law;Make the online space safe for all, especially children, through actions by governments, tech companies and social media;Govern Artificial Intelligence, with a roadmap that includes an International Scientific Panel and a Global Policy Dialogue on AI;Make data more open and accessible, with agreements on open-source data, models, and standards;This is also the first global commitment to data governance, placing it on the UN agenda and requiring countries to take concrete actions by 2030.
Youth and future generationsThe first ever Declaration on Future Generations, with concrete steps to take account of future generations in our decision-making, including a possible envoy for future generations.A commitment to more meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in the decisions that shape their lives, especially at the global level.
Human rights and genderA strengthening of our work on human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women.A clear call on the need to protect human rights defenders.Strong signals on the importance of engagement of other stakeholders in global governance, including local and regional governments, civil society, private sector and others.
There are provisions across the Pact and its annexes for follow-up action, to ensure that the commitments made are implemented.

Summit Process
The Summit process and the Pact have been deeply enriched by the contributions of millions of voices and thousands of stakeholders from around the world.

The Summit brought together over 4000 individuals from Heads of State and Government, observers, IGOs, UN System, civil society and non-governmental organizations. In a broader push to increase the engagement of diverse actors, the formal Summit was preceded by the Action Days from 20-21 September, which attracted more than 7,000 individuals representing all segments of society. The Action Days featured strong commitments to action by all stakeholders, as well as pledges of USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.###
For more information: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future
Media contacts:
Francyne Harrigan, United Nations Department of Global Communications | harriganf@un.org
Stefania Piffanelli, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations | piffanelli@un.org
Jackquelyn Kay Topacio, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations | jackquelyn.topacio@un.org

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Press Release

20 September 2024

Marginalized youth in Saint Lucia to benefit from enhanced vocational training opportunities

Castries, Saint Lucia: Young persons enrolled at the Center for Adolescent Renewal and Education (C.A.R.E) in Saint Lucia can now benefit from professional training in the field of hospitality, thanks to the official opening of a newly constructed state-of-the-art hospitality and catering block earlier this month.The facility is part of a United Nations project entitled “Upgrading Saint Lucia’s capacity to provide impactful vocational training for marginalized youth”, implemented by the International Labour Organization's (ILO), Decent Work Team in the Caribbean, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training in Saint Lucia. It is funded under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund for South-South Cooperation. This initiative is one of several interventions offered by the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean office, as part of a packaged UN Development System offer to the Government to address its citizen security concerns. Country-level consultations by the UN revealed that the relatively high youth unemployment rate in Saint Lucia contributes to the high levels of crime and violence among youth. Delivering remarks during the recent Opening Ceremony, Prime Minister the Hon. Phillip Pierre commended the efforts of C.A.R.E to provide hope for vulnerable and disadvantaged youth, noting that they are committed to these young people, who most of society had written off. Jada Charles, a current student at care pursuing the Office Skills programme, is elated about the addition to C.A.R.E. She contended that “given the increasing demand by young persons for programmes offered by C.A.R.E., which places added pressure on space availability, the new block will make students more comfortable." Given Saint Lucia's dependence on the tourism sector for economic prosperity, you cannot go wrong with hospitality skills as they are in high demand, Jada added.The opening ceremony was held on September 6, 2024, on the grounds of the newly built facility in Cul de Sac, Castries. This block is the first of a set of buildings that will constitute the evolving C.A.R.E Complex. The complex will be managed by C.A.R.E., in collaboration with the Department of Education. ABOUT C.A.R.E.C.A.R.E., a local NGO, is a community-based voluntary organization established to empower vulnerable and marginalized youth to pursue career aspirations and decent work opportunities. C.A.R.E currently provides technical/vocational, as well as academic training, through courses, for over two hundred students at four centers across the island.

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Press Release

20 September 2024

FAO and partners working on safeguarding Caribbean Bananas

Castries, Saint Lucia – Bananas are crucial to the economies of many Caribbean countries, providing income for smallholder farmers and contributing significantly to export revenues. However, the threat posed by fusarium wilt, particularly the Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) strain, is a challenge that the countries need to confront with urgency and collaboration.While the disease has not yet been reported in the Caribbean, experts advise countries in the region to adopt a multi-dimensional approach to control and manage this threat through prevention, early detection, and contingency planning.“Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean are particularly vulnerable to external shocks and climate-related changes including exacerbation and proliferation of plant pathogenic diseases like Foc TR4,” said Jean Baptiste Kemuel, Chief of Extension and Rural Advisory Services at Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives.With the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Caribbean Plant Health Directors Forum (CPHD), using the farmer field school (FFS) approach, technical staff, extension workers, and other stakeholders were trained to prepare for a potential Foc TR4 incursion in the Caribbean. Participants came from 10 Caribbean countries: Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.“Through this training, we are equipping countries' need to conduct surveillance and monitoring, analyze risks, and enforce strict phytosanitary measures to prevent the introduction of the pathogen and contain it swiftly in case of any incursion,” explained Maged Elkahky, FAO’s plant pathologist in his keynote address. He further noted that strengthened interregional collaboration is equally crucial for efficiently preventing and managing Foc TR4 in the region. Unlike other plant diseases that can be managed with pesticides or cultivation practices, TR4 is particularly insidious. Once it invades the soil, it can persist for decades, banning banana production and devastating farmers' livelihoods.Why bananas matterBananas are an economic lifeline for many communities in the Caribbean and Latin America where over 28 percent of the world's bananas are grown. In 2022, the region's production volume of bananas and plantains reached over 40 million metric tons. The latest research, best practices, and innovative solutions were shared during the weeklong training to combat this devastating disease.“Bananas and plantains are not only important for income generation but also for nutrition security in the Caribbean. TR4 is already present in South America and Caribbean countries must work hard and together to increase preparedness focusing on prevention, biosecurity measures, early diagnostic and contingency," stated Melvin Media, FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Officer.He added that this was the first workshop on TR4 focused on Farmer Field School approach, and that participants "are now better prepared and will share knowledge in the respective countries."

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