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The Sustainable Development Goals 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.
Press Release
07 December 2021
Transformative changemakers named UN's 2021 Champions of the Earth
These Champions of the Earth inspire, defend, mobilise and act to tackle the greatest environmental challenges of our time, including ecosystem protection and restoration. This year’s award recognises laureates in the four categories of Inspiration and Action, Policy Leadership, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation.
Nairobi, 7 December 2021 – The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) today announced its 2021 Champions of the Earth. The Champions were chosen for their transformative impact on the environment and their leadership in advancing bold and decisive action on behalf of people and the planet. Since its inception in 2005, the annual Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmental honour, has been awarded to some of the world’s most dynamic environmental leaders. So far, it has been awarded to 101 laureates, including 25 world leaders, 62 individuals and 14 organizations. This year, UNEP received a record number of nominations from all over the world.
“As we enter into a decisive decade, to cut emissions and protect and restore ecosystems, UNEP’s Champions of the Earth demonstrate that all of us can contribute. Every single act for nature counts. The entire spectrum of humanity has both a global responsibility and a profound opportunity," said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP She added: "This year’s Champions are women who not only inspire us, but also remind us that we have in our hands the solutions, the knowledge and the technology to limit climate change and avoid ecological collapse." UNEP’s 2021 Champions of the Earth are: Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, honoured in the Policy Leadership category for her powerful voice for a sustainable world from the global south, consistently raises the alarm about the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States due to the climate emergency. The Prime Minister is a driving force for climate action across the Latin American and the Caribbean region – the first to agree on the Action Plan for the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. Under her leadership, Barbados has adopted ambitious renewable energy targets, committing to a fossil-fuel free electricity sector and transport by 2030. At the same time, Barbados is implementing numerous conservation and restoration projects, from forests, through cities, to the coastline and the ocean. She also co-chairs the One Health Global Leaders' Group on Antimicrobial Resistance. The Sea Women of Melanesia (Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands), honoured in the Inspiration and Action category, train local women to monitor and assess the impacts of widespread coral bleaching on some of the world's most endangered reefs using marine science and technology. Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka (Uganda), honoured in the Science and Innovation category, was the first-ever wildlife veterinarian of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and is a recognised world authority on primates and zoonotic diseases. As the CEO and co- founder of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), she leads the implementation of three integrated strategic programs using the ‘One Health’ approach. Maria Kolesnikova (Kyrgyz Republic), honoured in the Entrepreneurial Vision category, is an environmental activist, youth advocate and head of MoveGreen, an organization working to monitor and improve air quality in the central Asia region. Under Kolesnikova, MoveGreen developed an app called AQ.kg, which collects real-time data every one to three hours from the two largest Kyrgyz cities, Bishkek and Osh, about the concentration of pollutants in the air, including nitrogen dioxide, PM 2.5 and PM 10. By amplifying the significant work being done on the environmental frontlines, the Champions of the Earth awards aim to inspire and motivate more people to take to address the triple planetary crisis -- climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution, chemicals and waste. This year’s awards highlight the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which runs until 2030, coinciding with the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By halting and reversing the degradation of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, we can prevent the loss of one million endangered species. Scientists say restoring only 15 per cent of ecosystems in priority areas and thereby improving habitats can cut extinctions by 60 per cent. There has never been a more urgent need to revive damaged ecosystems than now. Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people. Ecosystem restoration will only succeed if everyone joins the #GenerationRestoration movement to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. NOTES TO EDITORS About the UNEP Champions of the Earth The UN Environment Programme’s Champions of the Earth honours individuals, groups, and organizations whose actions have a transformative impact on the environment. The annual Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour. It recognizes outstanding leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector. About the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration The United Nations General Assembly has declared the years 2021 through 2030 the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations together with the support of partners, it is designed to prevent, halt, and reverse the loss and degradation of ecosystems worldwide. It aims at reviving billions of hectares, covering terrestrial as well as aquatic ecosystems. A global call to action, the UN Decade draws together political support, scientific research, and financial muscle to massively scale up restoration. UNEP@50: A time to reflect on the past and envision the future The 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, was the first-ever UN conference with the word “environment” in its title. The creation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) was one of the most visible outcomes of this conference of many firsts. UNEP was created quite simply to be the environmental conscience of the UN and the world. Activities taking place through 2022 will look at significant progress made as well as what’s ahead in decades to come About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. For more information, please contact: Moses Osani, Communication Officer, UNEP, + 254 716 145616, moses.osani@un.org Read more here 👉🏽2021 Champions of the Earth | Champions of the Earth (unep.org)
“As we enter into a decisive decade, to cut emissions and protect and restore ecosystems, UNEP’s Champions of the Earth demonstrate that all of us can contribute. Every single act for nature counts. The entire spectrum of humanity has both a global responsibility and a profound opportunity," said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP She added: "This year’s Champions are women who not only inspire us, but also remind us that we have in our hands the solutions, the knowledge and the technology to limit climate change and avoid ecological collapse." UNEP’s 2021 Champions of the Earth are: Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, honoured in the Policy Leadership category for her powerful voice for a sustainable world from the global south, consistently raises the alarm about the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States due to the climate emergency. The Prime Minister is a driving force for climate action across the Latin American and the Caribbean region – the first to agree on the Action Plan for the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. Under her leadership, Barbados has adopted ambitious renewable energy targets, committing to a fossil-fuel free electricity sector and transport by 2030. At the same time, Barbados is implementing numerous conservation and restoration projects, from forests, through cities, to the coastline and the ocean. She also co-chairs the One Health Global Leaders' Group on Antimicrobial Resistance. The Sea Women of Melanesia (Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands), honoured in the Inspiration and Action category, train local women to monitor and assess the impacts of widespread coral bleaching on some of the world's most endangered reefs using marine science and technology. Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka (Uganda), honoured in the Science and Innovation category, was the first-ever wildlife veterinarian of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and is a recognised world authority on primates and zoonotic diseases. As the CEO and co- founder of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), she leads the implementation of three integrated strategic programs using the ‘One Health’ approach. Maria Kolesnikova (Kyrgyz Republic), honoured in the Entrepreneurial Vision category, is an environmental activist, youth advocate and head of MoveGreen, an organization working to monitor and improve air quality in the central Asia region. Under Kolesnikova, MoveGreen developed an app called AQ.kg, which collects real-time data every one to three hours from the two largest Kyrgyz cities, Bishkek and Osh, about the concentration of pollutants in the air, including nitrogen dioxide, PM 2.5 and PM 10. By amplifying the significant work being done on the environmental frontlines, the Champions of the Earth awards aim to inspire and motivate more people to take to address the triple planetary crisis -- climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution, chemicals and waste. This year’s awards highlight the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which runs until 2030, coinciding with the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By halting and reversing the degradation of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, we can prevent the loss of one million endangered species. Scientists say restoring only 15 per cent of ecosystems in priority areas and thereby improving habitats can cut extinctions by 60 per cent. There has never been a more urgent need to revive damaged ecosystems than now. Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people. Ecosystem restoration will only succeed if everyone joins the #GenerationRestoration movement to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. NOTES TO EDITORS About the UNEP Champions of the Earth The UN Environment Programme’s Champions of the Earth honours individuals, groups, and organizations whose actions have a transformative impact on the environment. The annual Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour. It recognizes outstanding leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector. About the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration The United Nations General Assembly has declared the years 2021 through 2030 the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations together with the support of partners, it is designed to prevent, halt, and reverse the loss and degradation of ecosystems worldwide. It aims at reviving billions of hectares, covering terrestrial as well as aquatic ecosystems. A global call to action, the UN Decade draws together political support, scientific research, and financial muscle to massively scale up restoration. UNEP@50: A time to reflect on the past and envision the future The 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, was the first-ever UN conference with the word “environment” in its title. The creation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) was one of the most visible outcomes of this conference of many firsts. UNEP was created quite simply to be the environmental conscience of the UN and the world. Activities taking place through 2022 will look at significant progress made as well as what’s ahead in decades to come About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. For more information, please contact: Moses Osani, Communication Officer, UNEP, + 254 716 145616, moses.osani@un.org Read more here 👉🏽2021 Champions of the Earth | Champions of the Earth (unep.org)
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Press Release
07 December 2021
UN House Aglow in Orange to Mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence
The campaign, which commenced on 25 November with the International Day to End Violence Against Women will conclude on 10 December – Human Rights Day.
On the evening of 1 December 2021, officials of Government, including the Honourable Cynthia Forde, J.P., M.P., Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, heads of United Nation agencies, representatives from the Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, regional institutions and civil society organisations gathered in the foyer of UN House to shine the spotlight on gender-based violence and asked the region to join with the world to “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women and Girls Now! It’s Everyone’s Business!”.
The theme is an adaptation of the global 16 Days theme to align with the Caribbean Regional Spotlight Initiative’s mandate to end violence against violence and girls (VAWG). The Regional Spotlight Initiative calls on each actor from regional institutions, all sectors of society, families and individuals to make it their business to end VAWG and Family Violence (FV). The Caribbean Regional Spotlight is part of the Global Spotlight Initiative – the multi-year partnership between the European Union and the United Nations to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030.
The Spotlight Initiative demonstrates a significant, concerted, and comprehensive investment in gender equality and ending violence to make a transformative difference in the lives of women and girls. VAWG in the Caribbean is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations, and the Caribbean Regional Spotlight Initiative is focused on ending VAWG, Intimate Partner Violence and Family Violence (FV).
The global statistics show that nearly one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in her lifetime. In spite of tireless efforts the level of violence against women has remained largely unchanged over the last decade. This was empasized by Tonni Brodber, Representative, UN Women Multi-Country Office – Caribbean during her opening remarks.
"For us in the Caribbean region, the problem of gender-based violence, like everywhere else, is pervasive, we are not unique in this, unfortunately, and the available data portrays a bleak picture, but we can always move from bleakness to the orange to resilience. When we have these kinds of events, sometimes we forget how close to home, this hits for many of us. . . [we’re] not having a talk fest, we're highlighting the fact that we need to have targeted action to deliver for our communities," she stated.
The Caribbean boast an above global average rate of Intimate Partner Violence (between 55% to 39% of ever-partnered women experience any kind of Intimate Partner Violence) signaling the urgent need for change now.
“This task is no small one, it is definitely, not an easy fix, but I assure you of the UN’s collective commitment to amplify efforts across our six national Spotlight Initiative programmes and the Regional Spotlight Initiative,” stated Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
Dr. Carlene Radix, Head of the Human and Social Division at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission joined the ceremony virtually to deliver remarks reminding us that “some of our social norms and practices perpetuate sexism, male dominance and privilege and lay a foundation for violence against women.
“And therefore it's clear that we need men to be at the forefront of ending violence. If men can work towards a positive transformation of social norms, take responsibility and hold others accountable, it will help to shift the needle.”
In his feature address, also delivered virtually, newly-appointed Deputy Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Dr. Armstrong Alexis, also called on the men and boys of the region to become champions of gender equality, while reaffirming the Caribbean Community Secretariat continued support to fight to eliminate family violence, especially violence against women and girls in the Caribbean.
"It is incumbent upon all of us to continue advocating for a violence-free Caribbean. I pledge the support of CARICOM and wish you a festive holiday season. Beat up the festive drums not our women and girls!"
It was just after 7 p.m. when guests were ushered to the grounds to witness the illumination of the UN’s three-story building, executed perfectly by Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq and Minister Forde. With a flip of a switch the UN House radiated a soft, yet beautiful glow of orange, a symbol of hope that soon gender-based violence, in all its forms, will be eliminated from the lives of women and girls who live with the scourge on a daily, across the world and here in the Caribbean.
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Story
02 December 2021
UN Resident Coordinator Congratulates Grenada on Spotlight Results.
The celebratory event themed "Spotlight on Results: Ending Family Violence" held on November 25, 2021, sought to highlight the impactful work being done by the Recipient UN Organizations, and Government and Civil society partners through the Spotlight initiative, to jointly contribute to the elimination of violence against women and girls in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
UN Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq, opened the event, highlighting the significance of the 16 Days of Activism and the importance of this work, while quoting the prevalence of violence against women in the Caribbean and in Grenada.
“46% of women have experienced at least one form of violence over their lifetime, and this rate was 39% in Grenada," he stated.
Mr. Trebucq acknowledged notable results made under the spotlight initiative, including improvement of essential services to victims and survivors, enhancement of the Government's regulatory framework, and strengthening of the National Gender Machinery, the women’s movement, and civil society organizations. He commended the Government for its leadership and commitment, as shown by approval of the Standard Operating Procedures and introduction of gender budgeting in the national budget, which are central to addressing to gender inequality and applying the principle of “leave no one behind”. He also commended UNICEF, UNDP, PAHO/WHO and UN Women for their immense support to Grenada under the Spotlight Initiative and for delivering the Spotlight as one UN.
Mr. Trebucq emphasized that even while improvements have been made, further work must be done to achieve the goal of ending violence against women and girls.
“Let’s celebrate the successes we have seen so far, but let’s not forget that as we speak during this event, more girls and women are, or would be, abused,” he said.
See a clip of the address here:
Address from UN Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq
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Story
25 November 2021
UN Launches initiative to tackle Vaccine Hesitancy and increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake
To address this issue, UN Barbados and Eastern Caribbean mission, in collaboration with regional authorities and development partners, have embarked on an initiative to boost uptake, counter misinformation and save lives. An inter-agency proposal that aims to support the Eastern Caribbean countries and Overseas Territories was formally launched by the UN and is being implemented with the support of development partners, primarily USAID and Canada, who have committed financial resources to the endeavour.
Addressing the virtual ceremony, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Didier Trebucq highlighted the importance of vaccination as the pandemic is heavily impacting economies and societies, increasing debt and deepening existing inequalities. Noting that restrictions of movement through border controls, curfews, school closures and lockdown measures have come at a huge cost to the region with countries’ debt to GDP ratios increasing by 21 percentage points between 2019 and 2020, and currently exceeding 100% of national income in some instances. The UN head urged other partners and donors to join the UN in this important undertaking.
“Partners and colleagues, the time for developing innovative strategies is now; if Caribbean SIDS are to restore their economies and have a fighting chance to get back on track the 2030 Agenda."
The joint proposal brings together six UN Agencies – PAHO/WHO (acting as technical lead agency), UNICEF, UNDP, UN Women, ITU and ILO – who are partnering with regional Governments to address vaccine hesitancy through policy advisory support; behavioural change strategies to complement ongoing communication and advocacy; addressing vaccine motivation; and strengthening vaccine rollout.
PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Yitades Gebre, painted a picture of lagging vaccine rates in recent months that has resulted in more than 62,000 COVID-19 doses being discarded due to expiration dates. He called for a more holistic approach to combatting misinformation perpetuated via social media and online forums.
“In August 14,000 vaccines were unused, In September 38,200 doses were also wasted and in October 9,600, which is a rough estimate. There is both vaccine hesitancy and open vial wastage.”
Dr. Gebre also revealed plans by the UN to strengthen vaccine delivery to minimize hesitancy, with a global coverage target of 70% by June 2022, with interim targets of 10% and 40% by September and December 2021 respectively.
Health Ministers from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda were also present to support the initiative, while giving first-hand reports of the COVID-19 situation in their countries.
Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Hon. St. Clair Prince, told the forum his Government had been navigating the impact of multiple crises - Dengue, COVID-19, and the eruption of La Soufriere volcano. Reporting evidence of vaccine effectiveness in reducing transmission, illness, and death, he strongly signaled his Government’s commitment to working to combat vaccine hesitancy.
“Our commitment is to continue to work on these key areas - research and policy, behavioural change strategies, risk communications and advocacy, vaccine rollout, vaccine monitoring and of course continuing to work with the UN and our partners to get vaccine hesitancy down in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”
Minister of Health and Social Security, the Hon. Nikolas Steele, noted that at the start of the pandemic in early 2020 Grenada had a 98.5 percent vaccination rate on all of the other WHO approved and prescribed vaccines. He emphasized that what had changed was the messaging surrounding COVID, the public debates on vaccines and most definitely the rise of conspiracy theories.
“But I think the most important aspect that we did underestimate was the power of social media and the fact that we have no control over it."
Minister Steele also referenced the fact that unvaccinated persons were demonstrating and encouraging others not to be vaccinated, and persons who traditionally complied were becoming weary of the sacrifices being made to help those who chose not to. He underlined the need for maintaining balance.
"As we move forward we need to find that ideal balance between carrot and stick to deal with the vaccination issue. There have been different reactions from the public, and time will tell which combination was the most effective. In Grenada , we choose to use more of education and less of legislation, and use legislation based on the risk levels of certain sectors, but there is no rule book.”
Minister Steele also underscored the need to ensure supply frequency and reliability of vaccines , that the vaccine debate to be restricted to only COVID-19 vaccines, and for the region to maintain vaccine certificate integrity.
The Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment of Antigua and Barbuda, told the forum that Antigua had always felt it important to maintain the delicate balance between protection of lives and livelihoods, which had not been an easy. He further admitted that enough may not have been done to educate the public on their personal role in public health, and the fact that this responsibility did not solely rest with clinicians.
“We have paid a high cost for our failure to really invest sufficiently in preventing the morbidities in our populations and allow the coronavirus to thrive. Recently there were 99 deaths at our hospital and 95 persons were unvaccinated. Yet with this alarming state of affairs with deaths and suffering we still have hesitancy, and this is why I welcome this dialogue and commend the UN and PAHO for facilitating[it]"
Minister Joseph emphasized that in Antigua they did not start off with mandates, but these only became necessary when a rapid decline in the economy and an increase in deaths and suffering were witnessed. He reveled that between September 30 when COVID-19 vaccine mandates were announced and November 17, Grenada recorded an uptake in vaccines by 13,000 persons. "We can with the right measures save lives and livelihoods," he concluded.
USAID Regional Representative, Mr. Clinton White told the forum that bolstering country readiness, with emphasis on addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, is critical to getting vaccine doses into the people who need them.
"As announced at the Global COVID-19 Summit USAID plans to provide an additional $195 million in American Rescue Plan Funds for vaccine readiness and delivery around the world, which builds on the almost $700 million USAID is programming in vaccine readiness and delivery to help countries around the world to strengthen their programmes and enhance equity.”
Head of Cooperation, Global Affairs Canada, Ms. Jennifer Heys also reiterated Canada’s commitment to a robust global effort to stop COVID-19 and address its devastating health, socio-economic and security impacts on people around the world. She stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic is a global threat that will only be overcome through coordinated global action.
“To date, Canada has mobilized more than $2.5 billion in international assistance in response to the COVID‑19 pandemic globally. Over $1.3 billion in new funds has been committed to date to help ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments for people around the world.”
UN Heads of Agencies from UNICEF, ITU and ILO also provided insight on current approaches to counter vaccine hesitancy. These included more concerted efforts to utilise social media to directly target and educate youth, other target groups and the public, with trusted, sourced, reliable information to counter misinformation and fake news.
Minister of Health St. Kitts and Nevis, the Hon. Akilah Byron- Nesbitt, in delivering closing remarks, while providing a country update, noted that unfortunately before the first COVID-19 vaccine could have been granted emergency use authorization, conspiracy theorists had already begun a huge anti-vax campaign with social media providing the platform for these theories to be spread at a pace that made it difficult to counter effectively. She noted that by the time they as health officials were armed with the requisite scientific data they were faced with the daunting task of convincing persons that vaccines in general were safe and effective, before they could even begin the conversation about the COVID-19 vaccines. Yet, they were able to make significant strides.
“In St. Kitts and Nevis we have managed to convince 79.4 % of adults in our population (which is 57.1 % of total population) to be vaccinated with at least one dose and 72.9 % of our adult population (which works out to 52% of entire population) with at least a second dose by November 17.This was achieved through a robust community campaign that commenced in February, and without the use of mandates.
The vaccine hesitancy proposal is costed at USD$3.1M ($3,182,000), with a funding gap of USD$2.3M ($2,346,388). Read more here:
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27 October 2021
UN Resident Coordinator calls for redoubling of efforts to increase universal access to COVID19 vaccines in his UN Day Message
Speaking as the United Nations celebrated the adoption of the UN Charter by its founding members in 1945, the Resident Coordinator urged people everywhere, including youth, to step for climate action and to make their voices heard on matters that will impact their future. Meanwhile, he pledged the UN's continued commitment to the region, and to helping Caribbean countries to build back better, greener, and stronger, truly leaving no one behind.
In delivering his message across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Mr. Trebucq stated: "As we approach COP 26, now only one week away, the UN is demanding a strong commitment from world leaders to increase funding for climate adaptation and to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century. This is a matter of survival for Caribbean SIDS. The UN will continue to advocate at the highest level for the region to access the resources needed to effectively minimize vulnerabilities, reduce debt dependency, and accelerate progress towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals."
He concluded: "Together, we must ensure that we support efforts to not only increase universal access to COVID19 vaccines, but also to reduce vaccine hesitancy. Together, we must step up for climate action, and must ensure that the rights and freedoms that underpin the UN Charter, are realised for women and girls, men and boys, and marginalized individuals and groups everywhere. Together we must commit to leaving this planet in a better shape for future generations. On this UN Day let us agree that we and will do it together!"
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20 June 2022
Women in Action: UNDP Partners with Government of Grenada to promote female entrepreneurship
St. Mark’s Women in Action, spearheaded a one-month micro-business development programme for twenty-five (25) local female entrepreneurs over the age of thirty-five. The Women-of-Worth (WoW) Programme focused on delivering training to enhance entrepreneurship skills in areas such as team building, service education and project management. On completion of the programme, the participants received white goods and other needed equipment critical to launching and boosting their businesses.
During the graduation ceremony held in St. Mark, Grenada, earlier this month, the Honourable Minister Modeste Curwen noted, “The WoW programme is funded by UNDP and is instrumental in providing access to much-needed training so that these women, the backbone of our communities, can become financially independent and economically empowered, leading to sustainable livelihoods.” She added, “We saw that there was a wealth of talent where the only thing lacking was a formal training programme and the knowledge that someone believed in them. These ladies have now been given the opportunity to grow and sustain successful businesses, which can redefine the future for not only them and their families but also for our wider community. We are immensely proud of how seriously they have approached the opportunity and we are confident of the success of their businesses.”
The 25 women, from the rural community, were either unemployed or under employed before completing the training and through the intervention are now more financially independent and can create a better future for themselvs and their families. The training combined theory and practical experiences with participants engaging with the community and getting real time feedback from potential customers on their business ideas. Additionally, they developed the necessary skills to produced their own branded posters and how to leverage social media to reach customers and build their brands. Further to these skills the participants were certified in food handling where needed.
Miguel Guirao, Project Coordinator for the Future Tourism Project congratulated the participants and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to building the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Eastern Caribbean region. Mr. Guirao stated, “UNDP focus its efforts to provide Caribbean people with the skills and knowledge to adapt to the new post-COVID environment; building their resilience to external shocks and improving people’s ability to respond to the needs of new and emerging markets”.
Following UNDP’s Blue Economy for Green Islands approach, the Future Tourism project seeks to promote resilience to external shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as climatic and natural disasters. Its goal is to promote economic diversification, job creation and resilience which boosts recovery by supporting the digitally enabled transformation of the business processes and value chains of MSMEs. As the Caribbean continues to seek solutions to build resilience and livelihoods for traditionally vulnerable groups, UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in partnership with governments and stakeholders, persists in its commitment to the advancement of inclusive and sustainable development throughout the region and building resilient communities that can withstand shocks and crises through targeted projects and programmes.
For media queries please contact Shani Leacock – shani.leacock@undp.org
UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at www.bb.undp.org or follow at @UNDPBarbados
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24 May 2022
Eastern and Southern Caribbean States boost resilience with UN and US Government partnership
to share best practices and discuss how to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in countries that have been impacted by multiple shocks, including hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic and the eruption, a year ago, of La Soufrière Volcano in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. to share best practices and discuss how to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in countries that have been impacted by multiple shocks, including hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic and the eruption, a year ago, of La Soufrière Volcano in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
On the margins of the UN Social and Economic Council (ECOSOC) Operational Activities for Development Segment (OAS) which took at UNHQ in New York, 16-19 May, the UN Team (UNCT) in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and USAID discussed best practices to boost resilience for vulnerable Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change, while not historically contributing to the problem.
Addressing the forum, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Development Coordination, Robert Piper emphasized the importance of Global UN Reform in meeting the needs of the world’s most vulnerable populations in SIDS. He explained:
"Since its inception, a central focus of the reform was the UN’s renewed prioritization and increased investment in Small Island Developing States, guided by Member States’ needs and priorities."
"In the Caribbean specifically, we strengthened our support to enable access by SIDS to development financing to increase their resilience to climate change and other external shocks."
Meanwhile, St Vincent and the Grenadines' Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ms. Nedra Miguel underscored the value of the joint support offered to the Caribbean nation during the volcanic eruption of April 2022 which displaced over 20,000 people.
UN Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq explained how Caribbean SIDS have found themselves at an important crossroads in their development. With the UN team-USAID partnership, these countries are in the driving seat of their path towards a new, reimagined Caribbean that is green, diversified, resilient, and sustainable.
“The UN is resolute in its commitment to support the region achieve the SDGs. We are clear that it is only through partnerships with friends of the Caribbean like USAID, that we have a real chance of moving the needle,” he stated.
Despite this sense of hope and optimism, the Resident Coordinator was also realistic about the challenges that lie ahead for the region. "We know that while we have achieved many gains together, much more needs to be done by 2030. The new UN Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the Caribbean – a roadmap to achieve the SDGs jointly agreed with host governments—is an opportunity to push this ambition, including with regional institutions." This sentiment was echoed by Clinton White, USAID Regional Representative who spoke about the value of the strategic partnership with the UN in the Caribbean region. "Our partnership with UN agencies allowed us to tackle some of these problems by leveraging each other’s value proposition and resources; forging strategic alliances for advocacy and action; jointly engaging in troubleshooting and problem solving; and exploring strategic opportunities for maximum impact." During the discussion which featured interventions from PAHO, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, USAID and the Government of Saint Lucia, panelists discussed some of the developmental support the region has received so far, including in the areas of education and food security. The panel also identified remaining gaps and discussed key steps to ensuring that Caribbean nations become more resilient to future shocks whilst continuing to advance the SDGs.
Claudius Emmanuel, the Permanent Secretary Economic Development and Housing of Saint Lucia told the forum that the UN-USAID support to his country, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, had been “timely, significant and relevant.” He underlined also that coordination support from the UN had also improved with the arrival of three key UN staff on the ground who are housed in his office, including a UN Country Coordination Officer from the Resident Coordinator's Office.
Mr. Emmanuel, who participated virtually, said he had also received pledges of support from the UN system for a new strategic area of focus on youth economy. He told the forum he was looking forward to continued collaboration with the UN and partners.
“The UN is resolute in its commitment to support the region achieve the SDGs. We are clear that it is only through partnerships with friends of the Caribbean like USAID, that we have a real chance of moving the needle,” he stated.
Despite this sense of hope and optimism, the Resident Coordinator was also realistic about the challenges that lie ahead for the region. "We know that while we have achieved many gains together, much more needs to be done by 2030. The new UN Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the Caribbean – a roadmap to achieve the SDGs jointly agreed with host governments—is an opportunity to push this ambition, including with regional institutions." This sentiment was echoed by Clinton White, USAID Regional Representative who spoke about the value of the strategic partnership with the UN in the Caribbean region. "Our partnership with UN agencies allowed us to tackle some of these problems by leveraging each other’s value proposition and resources; forging strategic alliances for advocacy and action; jointly engaging in troubleshooting and problem solving; and exploring strategic opportunities for maximum impact." During the discussion which featured interventions from PAHO, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, USAID and the Government of Saint Lucia, panelists discussed some of the developmental support the region has received so far, including in the areas of education and food security. The panel also identified remaining gaps and discussed key steps to ensuring that Caribbean nations become more resilient to future shocks whilst continuing to advance the SDGs.
Claudius Emmanuel, the Permanent Secretary Economic Development and Housing of Saint Lucia told the forum that the UN-USAID support to his country, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, had been “timely, significant and relevant.” He underlined also that coordination support from the UN had also improved with the arrival of three key UN staff on the ground who are housed in his office, including a UN Country Coordination Officer from the Resident Coordinator's Office.
Mr. Emmanuel, who participated virtually, said he had also received pledges of support from the UN system for a new strategic area of focus on youth economy. He told the forum he was looking forward to continued collaboration with the UN and partners.
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Story
25 May 2022
Deputy UN Chief: SDGs represent humanity's 'best investment' in resilience, sustainable economies - and preventing conflict and crises
In her speech, to the meeting on Operational Activities for Development, Ms. Mohammed, who chairs the UN Sustainable Development Group on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, presented the Report of the Chair of the UNSDG on the Development Coordination Office.
Madam Vice-President, Excellencies,
The world is moving backwards on most of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The COVID-19 pandemic stalled or reversed decades of progress in most countries. And now the ongoing war in Ukraine is exacerbating a three-dimensional crisis in food, energy and finance — a crisis that is pummeling the most vulnerable people and economies in particular.
The SDGs represent humanity’s best investment in resilient, equitable, inclusive and sustainable economies, but also in preventing conflict and crises.
The Secretary-General's message to ECOSOC earlier today was clear.
We have to rescue the SDGs now, and accelerate action to achieve the goals by 2030.
And the now independent and empowered Resident Coordinator system is a critical part of this acceleration.
Three achievements, highlighted in the report on the Development Coordination Office that I am pleased to introduce today, are essential to our efforts.
First, we now have a new generation of Resident Coordinators at the helm of our repositioned UN Country Teams.
Ninety per cent of programme governments agree that Resident Coordinators have the right profile and skillsets to support their countries’ development needs, compared to 88% in 2020.
Fifty-three per cent of them are women; and 50 per cent are from programme countries - up from 41 per cent in 2018.
They are supported by fully staffed Resident Coordinator offices and DCO, with due regard to gender parity and geographical diversity. We have also looked into ways to increase the representation of people living with disabilities and we now have 21 colleagues in RCOs self-identified as living with disabilities.
And surveyed for the first time this year, a majority of UN Country Teams found the support received from RC Offices to be largely effective across their areas of expertise: data, communications, partnership, economy and strategic planning.
Second, the repositioned Resident Coordinator system is enabling more tailored, efficient support from our country teams.
Nearly all programme country Governments note that the Cooperation Framework is ensuring that UN activities are aligned to national priorities.
A total of 70 per cent choose the United Nations as one of their preferred development partners for evidence-based policy advice and 63 per cent for integrated policy advice. Huge improvements therefore from where we started at the beginning of the reform.
And third, we have improved transparency and accountability of the system. Through UN INFO, for example, we can now track and report progress on Cooperation Frameworks’ objectives in an increasing number of countries, in real-time.
Nearly all UNCTs produced annual results reports to inform governments on progress in the implementation of their Cooperation Framework.
Excellencies,
Our collective efforts are bearing fruit.
The Resident Coordinator system is enabling more effective convening of partners and stakeholders, and better UN action to support countries with the scale and ambition needed to achieve the SDGs.
Resident Coordinators, supported by economists in their offices played a leadership role in expanding access to SDG Financing.
To date, the Joint SDG Fund funded 151 Joint Programmes covering 118 countries and territories. This work helped countries leverage SDG financing and invest in social protection, and supported small island developing states.
UNCTs, with the support of UNDP, are also supporting governments in 80 countries to design Integrated National Financing Frameworks to finance their sustainable development priorities.
The collective results of the UN development system, highlighted in the report, give confidence that the UN development system can rise to the challenges ahead of us, especially as we take the final steps in consolidating these reforms.
With UN collective support:
49 million people gained access to water and sanitation.
Over 76.5 million tons of CO2 emissions were averted through clean energy initiatives.
183 million children received distance learning.
And 1.4 billion COVID-19 vaccines were delivered to 145 countries.
These results are encouraging. But we still have a long way to go.
This morning, the Secretary-General shared with us clear priorities for the UN development system to support the structural transformations needed to achieve the SDGs:
Support key transitions in energy, food system, digital and other transitions, and strengthen human capital investments critical to advance all the goals; and a complete overhaul of our global financial system to support countries access to SDG financings.
The Resident Coordinator system has an important role to play in enabling these transformative changes.
The draft Results Framework for the Resident Coordinator system, annexed to my report, will provide Member States with an additional tool to monitor our progress in that regard, and ensure ECOSOC is fully equipped to exert its oversight of the RC system.
I thank you for your engagement and guidance throughout the drafting process.
In addition, I will soon present to the governing boards of the UN development system entities a checklist on the reform to help them, and their boards ensure full implementation.
This is also a response to a key ask of Member States in the General Assembly resolution on the RC system.
Entities’ country programme plans must align with and tangibly contribute to achieving the outcomes within Cooperation Frameworks.
And UN development system entities’ business models must enable Resident Coordinators to play their convener and coordination roles to the fullest.
Excellencies,
In 2021, at a time when a determined SDG push was needed, funding to the Resident Coordinator system continued to fall short of the required total annual budget of $281 million.
The many returns on investments in development coordination are clear – independent, authoritative leadership; strengthened convening and better coordination; and improved operational efficiency for more ambitious results.
I thank you, the Member States, for your continued leadership in the General Assembly, ECOSOC, in governing bodies in capitals and in countries.
Together, we have come a long way. We must continue the journey together over these next eight years, in earnest, with a sense of urgency, and at the scale needed to keep the promise of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
A continued shortfall in funding poses a real risk for the ambition of our reforms and the ultimate objective to advance the 2030 Agenda. Reversing this trend, and closing the funding gap, must remain an absolute priority.
With my UNSDG colleagues, I look forward to hearing your views and feedback to better meet the needs and priorities of countries and their people.
Thank you.
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Story
06 April 2022
UN Secretary-General António Guterres announces the Prime Minister of Barbados and Prime Minister of Canada as the new Co-Chairs of the SDG Advocates group
UN Secretary-General António Guterres announces the Prime Minister of Barbados and Prime Minister of Canada as the new Co-Chairs of the SDG Advocates group
Amidst the growing number of development crises facing the world, today United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada as new Co-Chairs of the Sustainable Development Goals Advocates group.
“The Sustainable Development Goals are the world’s blueprint to build a healthier, greener and sustainable future by 2030. With the clock ticking and multiple crises driving us further off track, we must do everything in our power to deliver the SDGs,” said UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. “I’m pleased that Prime Minister Mottley and Prime Minister Trudeau will help lead advocacy to do just that.”
“Let us seize the moment to move forward, together, to ensure the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the end of the Decade of Action and Delivery on the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.
Prime Minister Mottley has campaigned extensively for climate action and debt sustainability in middle-income countries and small states. In 2021, she was awarded the Champions of the Earth Award for her leadership.
“To build a better future for people and the planet, we must all place the values of inclusion and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals aim to create a world that is fair, equal, and peaceful, with clean air and clean water for everyone. As Co-Chair of the SDG Advocates group, I look forward to rallying countries, governments, the private sector, and others, to come together to accelerate our progress and continue to raise our voices - and our ambition - on the path to 2030,” said Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.
Prime Minister Trudeau has been a strong advocate for climate action and nature protection, the empowerment of women and girls around the world, and ensuring an inclusive and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SDG Advocates are influential leaders who support the Secretary-General in raising global ambition and action to keep the promise of the SDGs.
The previous Co-Chairs, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana and former Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg have led the group since 2016 and 2014, respectively. The Secretary-General has thanked them for putting the SDGs on the global political agenda.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Prime Minister Erna Solberg will continue to stay engaged as Co-Chairs of the SDG Advocates Emeritus Group, a group of alumni Advocates who continue to support the achievement of the SDGs.
SDG Advocates
Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of the Belgians
His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, 14th Emir of Kano
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar
BLACKPINK, K-pop Girl Group
Richard Curtis, Screenwriter, Producer and Film Director
Hindou Ibrahim, Activist for Climate Action and Indigenous Rights
Graça Machel, Founder and Chair of the Board, Graça Machel Trust
Dia Mirza, Actor, UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador
Valentina Muñoz Rabanal, STEM Activist
Edward Ndopu, Public Intellectual, Humanitarian and Founder of A BILLION REASONS
Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Earth Institute at Colombia University
Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Peace Laureate, Founder of Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation
Brad Smith, President, Microsoft Corporation
Forest Whitaker, Founder and CEO, Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative, UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation
Social Media
Please follow @SDGAdvocates for information and updates using hashtag #SDGs and #GlobalGoals
Media Contacts
Stephanie Tremblay
Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
United Nations
E: tremblay@un.org
Media Relations
Office of the Prime Minister of Canada
E: media@pmo-cpm.gc.ca
Roy Morris
Director of Citizen Engagement and Media Relations
Prime Minister’s Office, Barbados
E: roy.morris@pmo.gov.bb
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Story
24 March 2022
UN Common Premises officially opened and Government of Antigua and Barbuda signs second Country Implementation Plan with the UN
This will see resident UN offices and agencies operating from under one roof. This key milestone for the twin island state, comes as Antigua and Barbuda, and the wider region, prepares to embark on a new five-year UN Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF), with complimentary Country Implementation Plans (CIP) specifically tailored to national contexts and priorities.
Speaking during a ceremony to mark the official inauguration of the Independence Drive offices, and the signing of Antigua and Barbuda’s new CIP, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq stated: “this day symbolizes a very critical milestone and a robust commitment with the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda and also serves to concretely reaffirm our continued tailored support towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the SAMOA pathway, at country level.”
He especially thanked the Government “for the gift of a UN office which is embracing the spirit of UN Development System repositioning and specifically the Secretary General’s Efficiency Agenda to increase by 50 percent, the number of Common Premises globally.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. E.P. Chet Green described the proceedings as a momentous occasion in the further deepening and strengthening of ties between the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda and the United Nations. “It is indeed a celebration and reaffirmation of multilateralism, which remains the best option for the survival of small states like Antigua and Barbuda within the global sphere,” he noted, adding that the work of the United Nations meant that island nations like Antigua and Barbuda, had a voice and a place where their concerns could be addressed.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Walton Webson, who has been championing the call for greater UN visibility and presence since 2018, said the opening of the UN Common Premises was a special moment for this team in New York, and “a day that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda is very proud of.”
Alluding to benefits including speedy and immediate turnaround in instances of disasters , Ambassador Webson underlined: “The real work is amongst the people and delivering to the community. I hope that by year-end a lot more of the other Agencies will come on board.”
Initially, three UN Agencies UNDP, UNICEF and FAO, as well as an extension of the Resident Coordinator Office, in the form of a Country Coordination Officer to assist in coordinating UN Development System support, will be part of the joint UN office. As cooperation is scaled up under the newly signed CIP, plans are underway for other agencies to join the office.
Yesterday’s ceremony took place on the margins of the Small Islands Developing States Stakeholders Meeting, which brought together key UN stakeholders, in particular the Resident Coordinators and strategic representatives from the various UN agencies, funds and programmes, to provide solutions to accelerating progress on the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway (Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action), as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
###
For further Information please contact:
Andrea Andrew
Country Coordination Officer
UN Resident Coordinator Office
St. John's , Antigua and Barbuda
andrea.andrew@un.org ; 1 (268) 720- 6192
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Press Release
20 June 2022
UNDP Welcomes Experienced Resident Representative to Accelerate Sustainable Development Efforts in the Region
Since taking office on Monday, May 16, 2022, Limya is staying true to the commitment she made at her first courtesy call with acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Sandra Husbands, where she presented her Letter of Credence.
“We come with the spirit of making ourselves available; we want to hear from you what you are focusing on, what you see as your priorities and where we can make a contribution. This is our objective, our responsibility, and the reason why we’re here, so do lean on us and we will always be there,” Limya stated at the meeting.
Discussions also focused on the Blue and Green Economies, as well as other priorities for Barbados. She will be presenting credentials in the 10 countries and territories served by the MCO.
From her first week in office, Limya has engaged and strengthened relationships with partners and stakeholders. Taking special attention to identify their needs and challenges in order to support the development of targeted and effective programmes and solutions. Employing a hands-on approach, Limya has extensive experience in effecting positive change as witnessed in her previous role as Resident Representative UNDP Albania. There she mobilised over USD 150 million during her five-year tenure. This included new initiatives on blue economy, green growth, innovation and transitioning MSMEs and their value chains. She led the response to the devastating earthquake of November 2019 in Albania including supporting the immediate response, household and building damage assessments, PDNA and the Donor Conference (which raised a record Euro 1.1 billion). In addition to this, she has supported government initiatives on disaster risk reduction and climate change and was instrumental in the creation of the first marine protected area.
With over 18 years of expertise within UNDP, Limya has worked extensively with governments, strategic partners and stakeholders and remains dedicated to progressing the work of UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in its commitment to advancing economic diversification, job creation and resilience with the "Blue Economy for Green Islands" vision.
As the Caribbean continues to seek solutions to build resilience and livelihoods for traditionally vulnerable groups, UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in partnership with governments and stakeholders, persists in its commitment to the advancement of inclusive and sustainable development throughout the region and building resilient communities that can withstand shocks and crises through targeted projects and programmes.
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Press Release
17 February 2022
St. Kitts and Nevis and the UN sign new five-year Regional Cooperation Framework
UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris today formalized this commitment in the signing of the 2022-2026 United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF).
The MSDCF, which follows over a year of consultations at various levels , will serve as the overarching blueprint for UN collaboration in the region for the next five years; and will cascade into a more specific Country Implementation Plan for St. Kitts and Nevis.
In delivering opening remarks to the virtual ceremony before signing the agreement on behalf of the UN Development System, Mr. Trebucq, commended the Government for its leadership and commitment to put people first, as evidenced in its robust Poverty Alleviation Programme, capital projects, and other activities outlined in its 2022 budget to foster job creation and facilitate economic recovery.
Noting the difficulties faced by the region over the last two years, including loss of lives, pressure on health systems, the climate crisis, and additional macroeconomic and fiscal challenges wrought by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the UN Head observed: “Prime Minister, your presence here today and that of senior officials is proof of the high level of significance that the Government of SKN places in its partnership with the UN. I want to truly thank you for the trust. To this end, you would appreciate the people-centric nature of this 5-year Cooperation Framework. It seeks to achieve two urgent priorities: accelerate progress towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and facilitate faster recovery from the socio-economic impact of COVID-19.”
In addressing the ceremony shortly before signing the new agreement, Prime Minister Harris said the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed the vulnerabilities of St. Kitts and Nevis and other Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS), not only affecting health systems, but their ability to provide for themselves and to ensure food security. Describing the pandemic as “brutal” to tourism dependent islands like St. Kitts, he noted that over the past two years the pandemic had “literally wiped out the tourism sector.”
While able to respond in part due to fiscal prudent management, the Prime Minister noted that measures taken to address poverty and to save jobs, had come at a high cost to income flows. Given the current challenges and the difficulty of overcoming climate change consequences, while not yet out of the shadow of COVID-19, he emphasized the importance of partnerships and the need for every country that can contribute to another to do so.
“We shall continue to need the UN support to help small island developing states such as St. Kitts and Nevis , because the SDGs are, still in some respect, elusive for some SIDS,” he concluded.
Members of the UN Sub-regional Team from UNDP, FAO, PAHO, ITU, UNFPA, WFP and UNOPS, also participated in the signing ceremony, and offered congratulations to the Government, while giving assurances of their continued support.
The MSDCF identifies four key priorities for achieving resilient sustainable development in the region: increased support to the economic resilience agenda; intensified efforts to ensure realization of human rights for all; strong commitment to enhancing inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation; and scaled up support to ensure that Caribbean societies remain peaceful and just societies.
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Press Release
03 February 2022
The UNESCO-EU Transcultura Programme promotes training of Caribbean youth in cultural entrepreneurship
A total of 300 scholarships, covering free access to 10 management courses, will be available to 300 young people from the Caribbean, with expertise in the cultural and creative industries, to allow them to develop their skills and business projects. The deadline for applications has been extended until February 28, 2022.
These workshops will last 6 weeks and use a b-learning methodology, that combines traditional teaching with online tools. The offer includes: Small Business Management, Effective Management and Leadership, Effective Business Communication, Project Management, Finance for Non-Financial Managers, Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, Financial Monitoring and Evaluation, Sales and Marketing Management, Brand Management and Grant Proposals Writing. Courses will be taught in English by UWIOC professors with interpretation into Spanish and French. Teaching materials will be available in the three languages.
Cultural training for sustainable development in the Caribbean
The University of the West Indies is part of the Regional Cultural Training Hub promoted by the Transcultura Programme to strengthen the skills of young Caribbean professionals in the cultural and creative sectors. To date, more than 200 people have benefited from the training sessions organised by the Hub. New scholarship schemes will be launched in the future.
The call will remain open until 28 February for young creators and cultural professionals between 18 and 35 from Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Republic of Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply on the website https://www.open.uwi.edu/transcultura/scholarships
The Transcultura team will also organise a webinar on February 15 at 14:00 on ‘How to become a Transcultura Fellow’, that will focus on this call and the general conditions to access Scholarships. You can access the webinar on this link: https://unesco-org.zoom.us/j/98917027848
About Transcultura
The Transcultura Programme: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, implemented by UNESCO and financed by the European Union, aims to harness diversity to build bridges between people and cultures from different linguistic areas. The program is built on two strategic areas of action: the first one focusing on strengthening the skills and capacities of young cultural professionals and the second one on enhancing opportunities through knowledge transfer and exchanges.
About the Regional Cultural Training Hub
The Regional Cultural Training Hub links key Caribbean institutions to promote the professionalization of the cultural and creative industries sector. Seven Cuban institutions and one from the Caribbean make up the Hub: the International Film and Television School of San Antonio de los Baños, the University of the Arts, the Higher Institute of Design, the Cuban Fund for Cultural Assets, the San Geronimo University College of Havana, the Workshop School “Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos”, the College of Santa Clara, and the University of the West Indies.
More information:
Raquel Avila Dosal
Communication Officer - Transcultura
UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean
Cluster Office for the Latin Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic and Haiti)
+53 78322840
r.avila-dosal@unesco.org
https://es.unesco.org/fieldoffice/havana/transcultura
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Press Release
03 February 2022
Grenada and the United Nations sign new five-year Regional Cooperation Framework
The Framework, which will align with individual Country Implementation Plans, will govern UN collaboration in the region for the next five years, to support countries to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, climate shocks and other vulnerabilities in a sustainable way, that leaves no one behind.
The new cooperation framework was signed by Dr. The Rt. Hon Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator during a hybrid ceremony between UN House in Barbados and Grenada’s Cabinet Office, via zoom.
Mr. Trebucq was joined by several members of the UN Sub-regional Team in commending the Government of Grenada for its substantive contribution to the Cooperation Framework and for its strengthened partnership with the UN Sub-regional Team.
In delivering opening remarks, Mr. Trebucq stated that “the MSDCF represents the beginning of a new era of cooperation for the UN and the Caribbean” in terms of reflecting the challenges and priorities of the Region and its approach to implementing initiatives to address same.
The Resident Coordinator, further, reaffirmed the committed support of the UN to the Government of Grenada in “charting the course to ensure that the process to achieve national priorities is consultative, engages all facets of society and facilitates removal of all barriers”.
Prime Minister Mitchell, while acknowledging the support of the UN agencies over the years, referred to their reassuring presence and contributions relevant to the socio-economic impact of COVID-19, conveyed his pledge of support “to work collaboratively with the UN in the implementation of Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2022-2026 [and other ensuing implementation plans].”
Members of the UN sub-regional team from UNDP, UN Women, FAO, UNOPS, WFP, UNESCO, UNICEF, and UNEP also participated in the signing ceremony, and offered congratulations to the Government, while giving assurances of their continued support.
The MSDCF identifies four key priorities for achieving resilient sustainable development in the region: increased support to the economic resilience agenda; intensified efforts to ensure realization of human rights for all; strong commitment to enhancing inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation; and scaled up support to ensure that Caribbean societies remain peaceful and just societies.
--Ends--
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Press Release
19 January 2022
Vaccine hesitancy: Landmark new study shows us the way forward, says UN
Speaking at the 14 January virtual launch of a groundbreaking study on vaccine hesitancy across six countries in the subregion, Mr. Trebucq noted, “If we are to find our way out of this pandemic, vaccination is the best answer. If we don’t get the pandemic under control, we may well be looking at a lost decade of development.”
More than 5,000 people were interviewed for the study across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. Commissioned by UNICEF, funded by USAID and conducted by the Caribbean Development Research Services Inc (CADRES), the wide-ranging study reports that the typical unvaccinated person in the region is under 30, out of formal work and educated to secondary level.
The report also reveals that unvaccinated respondents believe that the vaccines were developed too quickly, are uncertain about what is in them and it is simply their choice not to take them. According to Mr. Trebucq, there is room for hope however.
“The study provides insight into what might change minds. 51 per cent cite the need for more medical and scientific information. Over 40 per cent want to know more about side effects and efficacy. 30 per cent want information on the impact of the vaccine on sexual health and their ability to have children. These are all rich veins to explore.”
The research also suggests that vaccine promotion interventions need to be tailored to their audience. “It shows us that different countries have different vaccine hesitancy factors and we need to respond accordingly. No one size fits all,” said Dr. Aloys Kamuragiye, UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean Area. “I urge all ministries of health and other stakeholders working to address the vaccine hesitancy phenomenon to take this data seriously.” he added.
Several ministers of health at the launch agreed that the research would help guide future policy. Lt. the Most Honourable Col. Jeffrey Bostic, Minister of Health and Wellness in Barbados, maintained:
“We are really happy and appreciative of the efforts on the part of USAID and UNICEF and all those responsible for doing this very important work…We look forward to implementing as many of the recommendations as possible.”
The importance of working collaboratively was also stressed by Dave Schnier, Deputy Chief of Mission for the US Embassy in Barbados.
“Through partnerships with government and stakeholders the US is committed to helping Caribbean governments everywhere overcome vaccine hesitancy. We are proud to work with our partners gathered here to achieve this goal.”
Read the full Report 👉🏽: https://easterncaribbean.un.org/en/168841-covid-19-vaccine-hesitancy-survey-report-2021
For more information, contact Lisa McClean-Trotman: (246) 467-6157 / Email: lmccleantrotman@unicef.org
Follow us on: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram & Twitter
http://www.unicef.org/easterncaribbean
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