RC Trebucq's Remarks at the Launch of the Joint SDG Fund Programme: "Integrated Population Data and Policy Solutions to Accelerate SDGs Achievement in Barbados and Montserrat"

ACKNOWLEDEGEMENTS

• Hon. Joseph Farrell, Premier and Minister of Finance, Montserrat
• Hon. Ryan Straughn, Minister in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Barbados
• Heads and representatives of UN Agencies, particularly the 2 participating agencies in this joint programme: UNFPA – Jewell Quallo-Rosberg and UN Women – Tonni Brodber
• Mrs Annette Weekes, Permanent Secretary, Economic Affairs and Investment Division, Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment, Barbados
• Mr Kenya Lee, Deputy Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, Montserrat
• Other government officials here and abroad
• Donor agencies of the Joint SDG Fund
• Civil Society Representatives,

Good morning.

First, I would like to say how pleased I am to join with Hon. Minister Straughn to sign the 2022- 2023 Country Implementation Plan for Barbados.

This important framework provides a roadmap for our comprehensive support to help Barbados achieve its national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Today’s signing, within the framework of this event, is a practical demonstration of how Barbados and the UN Development System, is pursuing more tailored development cooperation aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of all Barbadians.

The Barbados CIP, aims to support Barbados’ transition to a digital, knowledge-based economy and its development of an innovation ecosystem with a focus on digitalization, entrepreneurship, youth, and support for reimagining Education Programme delivery. It also targets the improvement of protection systems addressing efficiency and effectiveness to strengthen  census capacity and ensure resilient recovery. Strengthening integrated policy support for climate change and disaster risk reduction, with enhanced links to climate financing options and human rights approaches, is also a key plank of the CIP , which also aims to ensure comprehensive programming support for expanding agricultural productivity and food security; improve  access to sustainable financing for inclusive blue/green economy growth,  and support comprehensive programming for expanding agricultural productivity and food security.

Today is also a very special day to launch this Joint SDG Fund Programme on Integrated Population Data and Policy Solutions to Accelerate SDGs Achievement in Barbados and Montserrat for two reasons:

1. Just 10 days ago on November 15, the world’s population reached a monumental milestone of 8 billion people.  This represents 8 billion hopes, dreams, solutions, and possibilities to advance sustainable development for all.
2.  And today, we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women that kicks off the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This is a call to everyone in the Caribbean and around the world to continue to push for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls, and to respect their human rights.

Why is this JP Necessary?

This Joint Programme is being implemented at a very critical juncture, being one of seven in the Caribbean, and 200 globally, being funded by the UN Joint SDG Fund, in keeping with its thrust to Leave No One Behind (LNOB).

One of the major structural issues impeding implementation of the 2030 Agenda regionally is the lack of reliable statistical data.  

Gaps ranging from data collection, quality of data, and levels of disaggregation, according to established SDG criteria, continue to adversely impact policies and programming and worsen the plight of the most vulnerable. This means that we must all continue efforts towards having a clear political commitment to data-driven decision-making.

The importance of data and statistics in addressing social inequalities and to building resilience in affected economies cannot be overstated.

What will this JP achieve?

This Joint Programme will help respective Governments here today to accelerate efforts to increase availability, access, and utilization of quality population data and gender analysis for evidence-based policy and programmes.

For instance, it will enable both countries to map vulnerable individuals, families, and communities using GIS and real time spatial data thereby identifying population groups at risk of being left behind during crises or development efforts, it will also help Governments to measure unpaid care and domestic work, thus creating an enabling environment for gender equality in care work.

Essentially, this initiative will equip Barbados and Montserrat to analyze, cost, and pilot innovative policy options, to address long- term social protection challenges stemming from population change, low fertility rates, and ageing populations – truly realizing the principle of LNOB for the most vulnerable.

If policy options are expanded for improved reproductive choices and increased access to health and social services, and gender gaps are reduced, then the SDGs and the ICPD Programme of Action can be accelerated in these two SIDs, towards the attainment of the 2030 Agenda.

How will this be achieved?

This Joint SDG Fund provides US$814,000 including contributions from UNFPA and UN Women to make these objectives reality. I also assure you of the UN development System’s commitment to this end.

Ladies and gentlemen, addressing and closing the gaps identified are essential to ensuring that there is elimination of poverty, inequalities, discrimination, and exclusion, thereby attaining just, gender equitable, and sustainable populations and societies.

By working together to achieve the SDGs, deliver human rights, and Leave No One Behind, we CAN usher in a world where all 8 billion people can thrive. This Joint Programme is indicative of our mutual commitment to this goal and to the Governments and people of Barbados and Montserrat.

I wish to echo the words of our UN SG in his 2022 UN Day message: “Now, more than ever, we need to bring to life the values and principles of the UN Charter, in every corner of the world, by working to end extreme poverty, reduce inequalities, and rescue the Sustainable Development Goals.”

It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to officially launch this Joint SDG Fund Programme.

Thank you!