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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06 March 2025

Hurricane Beryl Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) - Grenada

This Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report presents the background, context, effects, impact, recovery needs and recovery strategy following the impact of Hurricane Beryl in the tri-island State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The Government of Grenada requested assistance from the UN Development System, the World Bank and the European Union to conduct a post disaster needs assessment. The multi-donor approach was agreed to as the most suitable approach to avoid duplication of efforts. The report was prepared under the leadership of the Ministry of Economic Development, Planning, Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, Marine Resources and Cooperatives through its Economic Development, Planning and Cooperatives Permanent Secretariat. This PDNA was supported by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), United Nations Agencies (UNRCO, ECLAC, FAO, PAHO, UNDRR, UNESCO, UNICEF, UN Women, UNDP, WFP) and the European Union, with facilitation by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It also benefited from the valuable inputs of bilateral and multilateral partners, such as the World Bank, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Caribbean Catastrophe Recovery Insurance Facility (CCRIF). It is anticipated that the findings of the PDNA and the specific strategic interventions proposed therein will be utilized as the main blueprint for developing a detailed recovery programme for the country, as well as an instrument for facilitating access to technical and financial resources for the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts over the short, medium to long term.

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20 February 2025

Guterres declares ‘trouble in paradise’ in support appeal for the Caribbean

"The exquisite beauty of the Caribbean is famed the world over. But there is trouble in paradise."United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres sounded the alarm in his address to Caribbean leaders gathered at the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on 19 February 2025 in Barbados.From the ongoing socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to soaring debt and escalating extreme weather events, Guterres described a region beset by crises beyond its control and called for international solutions.Against the backdrop of these compounding challenges, the CARICOM Summit is taking place at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in Bridgetown under the theme ‘Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development’. Heads of State and Government are expected to address a range of issues, including food security, climate change, reparations for historical injustices and regional integration through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).In his address, Guterres outlined three key areas where a unified Caribbean is crucial for progress:Unity for Peace and SecurityGuterres emphasised the urgent need to address the crisis in Haiti, where gang rule has inflicted immense suffering on the population. He said that he would soon report to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Haiti, including proposals on the role the UN can play to support stability and security and address the root causes of the crisis. "It is my intention to present to the Security Council a proposal that is very similar to the one that we have presented for Somalia in which the UN assumes the responsibility of the structural and logistical expenditures that are necessary to put a force in place and the salaries of the force are paid through the trust fund that already exists. And if the Security Council will accept this proposal, we’ll have the conditions to finally have an effective force to defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive."He commended CARICOM's support and reiterated his call for a “political process – owned and led by the Haitians – that restores democratic institutions through elections.”The Secretary-General also urged regional leaders to continue tackling the "weapons and drug trafficking that is fuelling violence across the Caribbean", even while appealing to "countries of origin and countries of destination" for stronger cooperation in waging this battle. Unity for Climate ActionAcknowledging the disproportionate impact of climate change on the Caribbean, Guterres stated, "You face a deplorable injustice: A crisis you have done next to nothing to create is wrecking economies, ruining lives, and threatening your very existence." He called for renewed commitment to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and urged G20 countries to lead in the delivery of ambitious climate action plans. All member States adhering to the Paris Agreement are required to submit new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in 2025, aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change. Guterres also stressed the need for increased climate finance, adaptation measures, and meaningful contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund."You must be able to find new innovative sources of financing and namely to finally put serious a price on carbon.Unity for Sustainable DevelopmentGuterres emphasised the global challenges in financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that debt servicing consumes funds while international financial institutions remain underpowered. He praised Caribbean countries for their leadership in pushing for change, stating, "Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of the fight for change – pioneering bold and creative solutions."The Secretary-General highlighted the progress marked by the Pact for the Future, which commits to advancing an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year. He noted that the Pact calls for considering structural vulnerabilities in access to concessional funds, including through the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI). Additionally, it calls for representation in international financial institutions to "correct for the world's vast inequalities and injustices," and for effective action on debt.Guterres urged the implementation of these commitments and emphasized the importance of ensuring all countries can benefit from sustainable development technologies by delivering on the Global Digital Compact.The Secretary-General concluded his address by acknowledging the power of Caribbean unity. "A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force. I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promise." — UN Secretary-General António GuterresThis story was first published by UNIC

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27 October 2025

WFP activates Regional Logistics Hub to speed emergency assistance to Jamaica

UN WFP and partners pack and ship vital food and relief supplies from Barbados to Jamaica, where a team is on the ground, ready to support emergency response.The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is on the ground in Jamaica, coordinating with the government and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), to support with emergency logistics and telecommunications, supply chain, and food and cash assistance as required. Photo: © WFPWFP and partners are packing 2,000 boxes of emergency food supplies in Barbados. They will be ready to be sent by air to Jamaica as soon as airports reopen there. The kits include oil, tuna, canned beef, lentils and rice, enough to feed families for several days. Also in Barbados, the WFP logistics team is supporting other United Nations agencies (IOM and UNICEF) with the humanitarian response by loading critical supplies - water purification kits, bedding, tarps, mattresses, solar lamps, hygiene kits, and forklifts - before shipping them by sea to Jamaica. These items were stored in the Caribbean Regional Logistics Hub led by WFP and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). The Hub was inaugurated this year to drastically reduced emergency response times in the region. Photo: © WFPWFP has also partnered with the Government of Jamaica and the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, a sovereign insurance mechanism, to enable access to quick financial liquidity for vulnerable impacted households via national social protection systems, should the tropical cyclone policy for wind speed trigger. Building on the support provided during Hurricane Beryl in 2024, WFP continues to strengthen emergency preparedness and response in Jamaica. Over the past year, we’ve trained national teams in warehouse management, pre-positioned logistics assets including connectivity units, and supported the rollout of digitized household damage assessment forms across parish offices—ensuring faster, more coordinated response when it matters most.In the aftermath of Beryl, over 14,000 affected people in Jamaica received WFP cash assistance to help them ensure their food security and rebuild their livelihoods.

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17 October 2025

Fund resilience, not disasters: youth in Barbados highlight financing as key to a safer future

Young people from across Barbados recently placed resilience financing at the center of national discussions, as they joined government leaders and international partners in a special National Youth Platform to mark the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) on October 13. Under the global theme “Fund resilience, not disasters,” participants underscored the urgent need to increase investments that protect communities from climate and disaster risks. Throughout the morning, youth leaders highlighted how disasters disrupt education, livelihoods, and well-being, but also demonstrated the creativity and innovation they bring to resilience building. Interactive “resilience labs” gave young participants space to exchange solutions, from climate-smart technologies to community-driven approaches, showing that youth are not only vulnerable to hazards but active agents of change. This year’s IDDRR theme calls for a decisive shift: from spending vast sums on disaster response and recovery to investing proactively in measures that reduce risks before disasters strike. For Small Island Developing States such as Barbados, where hurricanes, flooding and other coastal hazards pose an existential threat, financing resilience is both a necessity and a smart investment in sustainable development. Opening the event, Captain Robert Harewood, Deputy Director of the Department of Emergency Management, welcomed participants and stressed that engaging youth in national resilience planning is key to ensuring a safer future for Barbados, while United Nations Resident Coordinator Simon Springett called for closer intergenerational dialogue so that youth priorities feed directly into policy and financing decisions, and shaping innovative responses to challenges that affect their present and future. Mr Springett further noted: “This initiative, supported by several key partners, is both timely and essential. No one single entity can tackle these challenges alone. We must strengthen our collective response to enhance the resilience of our region. The National Youth Platform contributes to these efforts.” “Countries, rich and poor, are facing disasters that are larger and more destructive. This is partially driven by an increase in extreme weather events, but it is also driven by risk-blind investments, which increase the exposure and vulnerability of people and assets,” said Saskia Carusi, deputy chief of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – regional office for the Americas and the Caribbean. The Government of Barbados also reaffirmed its commitment to building resilience. Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Wilfred Abrahams, Minister of Home Affairs and Information, emphasized that investing in resilience is not an expense but a necessity for sustainable development. “Every dollar spent on resilience saves many more in recovery. Investing in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and community preparedness is not a cost — it is a safeguard for the future. The global community must shift financing from reaction to prevention, from disaster relief to resilience-building. For Small Island Developing States, this shift is not a luxury; it is the difference between vulnerability and viability,” he stated. The event also featured a youth-led panel discussion on the theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters – A Youth Perspective.” The panel brought together young leaders from Barbados and across the Caribbean to explore how youth innovation, financing, and partnerships can drive greater investment in resilience. Participants discussed the importance of risk-informed public and private investments, collaboration across sectors, and ensuring that young voices shape the decisions that affect their present and future. Maria Marshall, UNICEF Youth Advocate for the Environment, highlighted that young people should not be seen merely as victims of disasters but as powerful agents of change. “To assume we are just victims would be unfair and untrue. Young people can be powerful agents of change. Involving young people in disaster planning could be constructive,” she said. She added that “the youth bring fresh ideas, energy, and local knowledge that is intricate to their experiences and would improve community resilience.” A highlight of the platform was the official launch of the World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025 Film Festival, which will take place in November. The Festival aims to raise awareness of tsunami hazards in the Caribbean and promote preparedness through film and community engagement. By the close of the event, youth participants presented key recommendations to strengthen national and regional resilience strategies. They were encouraged to drive innovation in disaster risk reduction and to ensure their voices are firmly represented in national platforms and decision-making. -------End-------

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08 October 2025

It takes a village: Caribbean symposium unites parents and policymakers for education transformation

Bridgetown, Barbados, 30 September 2025 – “It takes a village to raise a child.” This timeless Caribbean adage set the tone today as education leaders, policymakers, and parents gathered at the Wyndham Grand Barbados for the opening of the Second Regional Transforming Education Symposium and Policy Dialogue under the theme “Stronger Together: Empowering Parents as Partners in Caribbean Education.”In a historic step, the symposium laid the foundation for the establishment of a Caribbean Parent Teacher Association through the adoption of a regional charter, recognising parents as indispensable partners in children’s success alongside education leaders and policymakers.Daniel Best, President of the Caribbean Development Bank, described education as a journey that begins long before the first school bell rings. “Parents are the first teachers, the ones who instill values, build resilience and sustain learning at home. Every child's success story is a testament to the unseen labour of a mother or guardian, the faith of a father and the resilience of a grandparent who held onto the promise of an education against all odds. Policy makers can craft a vision and a strategy, but it is parents who bring these principles to life, making them an indispensable part of the education system. One cannot succeed without the other.”The three-day symposium convenes around 150 participants, including parents, Ministers of Education, and civil society representatives. It is the second instalment of CDB’s Transforming Education Symposium Series, following last year’s inaugural event.Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation for Barbados, praised the Bank and partners for convening the regional dialogue and underscored parents’ duty to uplift children:“There are a few situations which call for alarm, where children are told oftentimes, that they are not good enough, oftentimes limiting the self-esteem of those children. And if we are to transform the system, parents have also a duty to ensure that we motivate our children, indoctrinating in them every day that they are the best and can be the best.”The symposium agenda centres on four priorities:Building PTA capacity and strengthening governance;Facilitating policy dialogue between parents and Ministers of Education;Sharing challenges and innovative practices in parental engagement;Adopting a Charter for the Caribbean Parent Teacher Association, creating a sustainable platform for collaboration.AbdulKadir Musse, UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean, highlighted the evidence linking parental involvement to student success:“Across the region, we know that early learning and education is not the work of schools alone. Parents, guardians, and families are essential partners in nurturing children’s learning, physical, social and emotional well-being, and future success. When parents are meaningfully engaged in their children’s education, student outcomes improve, school communities thrive, and education systems become more resilient, protective and inclusive. This engagement must begin early: the first 1,000 days of life present a window of unparalleled opportunity to shape brain development, emotional security, and lifelong potential.”CDB AbdulKadir Musse, UNICEF Representative for the Eastern CaribbeanThrough plenaries, workshops, and panel discussions, participants are co-creating a regional framework to ensure PTAs are more effective advocates for student success. By laying the groundwork for the Caribbean PTA, the Caribbean has taken a significant step towards education systems that are inclusive, protective, and empowering for every child.

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06 October 2025

Strengthening partnerships for decent work in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (ILO-News) - From 16–19 September 2025, the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, led by Mr. Joni Musabayana, Director, undertook a mission to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) as part of its Strategic Engagement strategy to deepen partnerships and tailor support to the OECS. The team included Ms. Vera Guseva, Specialist, Workers' Activities, Mr. Abdelmalik Muhummed, Specialist, Employment and Labour Market, and Ms. Ingerlyn Caines-Francis, Senior Programme Officer.Over the four-day mission, the ILO engaged with a wide cross-section of Government, employers, workers, and development partners, reaffirming its commitment to advancing social justice and decent work in SVG.Policy and Government engagementEngagements with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour underscored the country’s key labour priorities and the opportunities to deepen alignment with ILO programmes. In meetings with Hon. Saboto Caesar, Minister, and Ms. Raquel Lawrence, Labour Commissioner, discussions focused on strengthening national systems for occupational safety and health (OSH) and governance, improving the availability and use of reliable labour market data, and reinforcing social dialogue as a functional mechanism for advancing decent work.The mission also had the opportunity of a courtesy call on Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. On conclusion of the discussion which looked at a wide range of issues, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening labour institutions and advancing decent work in line with national development goals. Strengthening social dialogue The ILO met with representatives of the Public Service Union (PSU) represented by First Vice President Gweneth Baptiste Stoddard and General Secretary Shelly-Ann Alexander Ross and their team, as well as the National Workers’ Movement (NWM) led by General Secretary Mr. Noel Jackson. These discussions focused on revamping the labour congress, enhancing workers’ representation and promoting meaningful social dialogue.A meeting with the Saint Vincent Employers’ Federation (SVEF), led by Executive Director Mrs. Phyllis John Primus, explored challenges being faced by employers, current institutional priorities of the SVEF and the importance of tripartite dialogue.Social protection and labour market resilienceThe team met with Mr. Stewart Haynes, Director of National Insurance Services (NIS), and discussed, among other things, support to the 13th Actuarial Valuation and feasibility study on an Unemployment Insurance Scheme which is aimed to go beyond an income replacement mechanism toward a framework that ultimately improves employability. The NIS was commended by the ILO for deliberate action taken to implement recommendations of actuarial assessments and their demonstration of impact. Additionally, consultations with Mrs. Lavorne Williams, Chief Statistician at the Central Statistical Unit, Ministry of Finance, explored ways to strengthen labour statistics and promote evidence-based policymaking. In particular, she outlined plans for strengthening labour market information systems.Partnerships for development coordinationTo ensure alignment with broader development efforts, the ILO team met with Ms. La Fleur Quammie, UN Country Coordination Officer for SVG, and discussed how the current focus of UN programming in country can support national labour and employment priorities. She emphasized the importance of collaboration across UN agencies in advancing shared development priorities.This mission provided a renewed platform for the ILO to support SVG in shaping policies and programmes that address the realities of workers, employers, and communities. By combining technical expertise with strengthened partnerships, the ILO remains committed to advancing decent work and social justice across the OECS.

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25 September 2025

UNGA80 High-level Week | Caribbean Debate Schedule

The General Assembly High-level week begins on Monday 22 September with the High-level Meeting to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations, which will convene from 9 to 10 a.m. (Eastern Caribbean time/UTC-4) in the General Assembly Hall in New York. Heads of State and Government will reflect on the achievements of the Organization since it’s establishment and chart a future path for a more inclusive and responsive multilateral system. The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, and Secretary-General António Guterres will deliver remarks. Other High-level events on 22 September:High-level Meeting on the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)SDG Moment (2 to 4 p.m.)High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution (3 to 6 p.m.)UNGA80:Schedule of Meetings High-level Meetings Meeting summariesGeneral Debate:The General Debate begins on 23 September and is scheduled to continue through the 27th and on the 29th. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) platforms and events include SDG Moment (22 September), Goals Lounge (20-26th), and SDG Media Zone (22-26th).Live stream of all events: UN WebTV. Follow CaribbeanUN for UNGA80 coverage. Caribbean Debate Schedule:Tuesday 23 September MORNING (9 am - 2:45 pm)Suriname (9th speaker) — Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President of the Republic of SurinameWednesday24 September AFTERNOON (3 - 9 PM)Guyana (8th speaker) — PendingThursday 25 September MORNING (9 am - 2:45 pm)Haiti (7th speaker) — PendingThursday 25 September AFTERNOON (3 - 9 PM)Dominica (4th speaker) — PendingFriday 26 September MORNING (9 am - 2:45 pm)Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (6th speaker) — PendingBarbados (17th speaker) — PendingFriday 26 September AFTERNOON (3 - 9 PM)Trinidad and Tobago (7th speaker) — PendingAntigua and Barbuda (9th speaker) — PendingBelize (10th speaker) — PendingSaturday 27 September MORNING (9 am - 2:45 pm)Bahamas (1st speaker) — PendingJamaica (3rd speaker) — PendingGrenada (4th speaker) — PendingSaint Kitts and Nevis (6th speaker) — PendingMonday 29 September MORNING (9 am - 2:45 pm)Saint Lucia (5th speaker) — PendingFirst published by Caribbean UN

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Press Release

27 October 2025

Saint Lucia Advances Food Systems Transformation with National Dialogue

More than 40 representatives from government ministries, farmer organizations, academia, development partners, and civil society recently convened in Saint Lucia for a National Food Systems Dialogue—an important milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to transform its food and agriculture systems for greater sustainability, equity, and resilience.The dialogue is part of Saint Lucia’s continued engagement in the UN Food Systems Summit follow-up process, supporting countries in aligning food systems transformation with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Convened by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development in collaboration with the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Office, the event brought together key stakeholders to review and validate Saint Lucia’s draft Food Systems Transformation Pathway. Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bradley St. Ange, opened the dialogue by emphasizing the central role of food systems in Saint Lucia’s development agenda: “Our food system is the lifeblood of human existence. Yet it faces serious pressures—from climate change to global market disruptions. This pathway will serve as our national roadmap for how we produce, distribute, and consume food in ways that nourish our people, sustain our environment, and strengthen our economy.”Mr. St. Ange further stressed that the pathway’s success depends on national ownership and collective responsibility: “It must not remain a report on a shelf or a concept driven by external partners. It is our responsibility—as Saint Lucians—to make it work for us, through our policies, our programs, and our partnerships.” Mr. Kenroy Roach, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, commended Saint Lucia’s leadership: “Food systems are not just about farming—they are about people, planet, and prosperity. Saint Lucia’s efforts show that small island states can lead boldly, innovate locally, and build resilient food systems that serve their people and protect the planet.”UN Food Systems Coordination Hub Regional Food Systems Specialist, Juana Giraldo González, facilitated interactive sessions, guiding participants to propose practical solutions for food and nutrition security, equitable livelihoods, climate-smart production, and policy coherence.Participants identified opportunities to strengthen policy coordination, boost local production, promote nutrition education, and better connect farmers with key markets and the national school feeding programme.Consultant Dr. Lystra Fletcher-Paul, author of the draft Food Systems Transformation Pathway, presented the framework’s main findings—highlighting Saint Lucia’s relatively low levels of food insecurity, but noting rising challenges related to obesity, nutrition, and the affordability of healthy diets.The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from the Government to mobilize resources and implement the proposed recommendations. Permanent Secretary St. Ange affirmed: “Real transformation begins here at home—with the choices we make, the partnerships we build, and the leadership we show. Together, we can ensure a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous Saint Lucia.”The event was held at Bay Gardens Beach Resort in Rodney Bay, with participation from ministries including Agriculture, Commerce, Sustainable Development, Health, Education, Finance, and External Affairs. Agencies such as the St. Lucia Marketing Board, Central Statistics Office, OECS Commission, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Global Green Growth Initiative (GGGI) were also represented. The UN Development System was represented by PAHO, WFP, FAO, the RCO and the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub. For further information, please contact:
Dr. Lorraine NicholasResident Coordinator Office,Country Coordination Officer, Saint LuciaEmail: lorraine.nicholas@un.org Tel: +1(758)730-0771

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Press Release

13 October 2025

IOM Chief Highlights Record Disaster Displacement and Calls for Resilience Fundin

Geneva, 13 October 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is urging greater investment in disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts, warning that intensifying disasters and climate impacts are driving record levels of displacement and demand a decisive shift in global financing priorities. This year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) takes place under the theme Fund Resilience, Not Disasters, a call to redirect resources from costly response to proactive prevention and preparedness.“We must reaffirm a simple but urgent message: fund resilience,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “Every dollar invested in resilience saves many more in avoided losses and protects the dignity of those most at risk. The choice is ours. We can continue to fund disaster response or we can invest in resilience. This is the message IOM will take forward as we work with partners to ensure climate and disaster financing reflects the needs of people on the move.”In 2024 alone, nearly 46 million people were displaced by disasters, the highest number ever recorded. Despite this, disaster risk reduction efforts remain severely underfunded. Most governments allocate less than 1 per cent of their budgets to prevention, while international assistance continues to decline.IOM is urging governments, donors, and the private sector to scale up investments that reduce the risk and impact of disaster on displacement and strengthen resilience for vulnerable communities. This means integrating human mobility into risk-informed development and climate finance, ensuring that communities can adapt, relocate safely, or rebuild with dignity after disaster strikes.Looking ahead to the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), IOM will advocate for disaster and climate risk reduction to be at the heart of climate finance negotiations, in line with the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group and the outcomes of the Financing for Development Conference. Through innovative tools such as the Risk Index for Climate Displacement and the Climate Catalytic Fund, IOM aims to demonstrate how predictive analytics and community-driven finance can target hotspots, prevent displacement, and protect development gains. For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre.

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Press Release

14 July 2025

Countries must urgently step up to transform their HIV responses amid an international funding crisis that risks millions of lives

GENEVA/JOHANNESBURG, 10 July 2025—UNAIDS today launched its 2025 Global AIDS Update, AIDS, Crisis and the Power to Transform, which shows that a historic funding crisis is threatening to unravel decades of progress unless countries can make radical shifts to HIV programming and funding.The report highlights the impact that the sudden, large-scale funding cuts from international donors are having on countries most affected by HIV. Yet it also showcases some inspiring examples of resilience, with countries and communities stepping up in the face of adversity to protect the gains made and drive the HIV response forward.Some 25 of the 60 low and middle-income countries included in the report have indicated increases in domestic budgets for their HIV responses in 2026. The estimated collective rise among the 25 countries amounts to 8% over current levels, translating to approximately USD 180 million in additional domestic resources. This is promising, but not sufficient to replace the scale of international funding in countries that are heavily reliant.A global emergency: massive cuts and weakening of aid consensus threaten to reverse progressDespite marked progress in the HIV response in 2024, the weakening aid consensus and significant and abrupt funding shortfalls in the HIV response in 2025 have triggered widespread disruption across health systems and cuts to frontline health workers—halting HIV prevention programmes and jeopardizing HIV treatment services.In Mozambique alone, over 30 000 health personnel were affected. In Nigeria, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation has plummeted from 40 000 to 6000 people per month. If US-supported HIV treatment and prevention services collapse entirely, UNAIDS estimates that an additional 6 million new HIV infections, and 4 million additional AIDS-related deaths could occur between 2025 and 2029.“This is not just a funding gap—it’s a ticking time bomb,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. “We have seen services vanish overnight. Health workers have been sent home. And people—especially children and key populations—are being pushed out of care.”Even before the large-scale service disruptions, the reported data for 2024 shows that 9.2 million people living with HIV were still not accessing life-saving treatment services last year. Among those were 620 000 children aged 0—14 years living with HIV but not on treatment which contributed to 75 000 AIDS-related deaths among children in 2024.In 2024, 630 000 people died from AIDS-related causes, 61% of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Over 210 000 adolescent girls and young women aged 15—24 acquired HIV in 2024—an average of 570 new infections every day.HIV prevention services are severely disrupted. Community-led services, which are vital to reaching marginalized populations, are being defunded at alarming rates. In early 2025, over 60% of women-led HIV organizations surveyed had lost funding or were forced to suspend services. The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) reached 2.3 million adolescent girls and young women with comprehensive HIV prevention services in 2024 and enabled 2.5 million people to use HIV PrEP—many of these programmes have now stopped completely.Meanwhile, the rise in punitive laws criminalizing same-sex relationships, gender identity, and drug use is amplifying the crisis, making HIV services inaccessible. Countries like Uganda, Mali and Trinidad and Tobago have seen recent harmful and discriminatory changes to their criminal laws targeting key populations, pushing them further from care and dramatically raising their risk of acquiring HIV.A beacon of hope: countries and communities are stepping up to protect essential HIV treatment gains and progress is being madeSouth Africa currently funds 77% of its AIDS response and its 2025 budget review includes a 5.9% annual increase in health expenditure over the next three years, including a 3.3% annual increase for HIV and tuberculosis programmes. The government intends to finance the development of a patient information system, a centralized chronic medicine dispensing and distribution system, and a facility medicine stock surveillance system.As of December 2024, seven countries—Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—had achieved the 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed. These successes must be maintained and further scaled up.The report also highlights the emergence of unprecedented, highly effective new prevention tools like long-acting injectable PrEP, including Lenacapavir, which has shown near-complete efficacy in clinical trials—though affordability and access remain key challenges.“There is still time to transform this crisis into an opportunity,” said Ms. Byanyima. “Countries are stepping up with domestic funding. Communities are showing what works. We now need global solidarity to match their courage and resilience.”A call for solidarity The 2025 Global AIDS Update concludes with an urgent call: the global HIV response cannot rely on domestic resources alone. The international community must come together to bridge the financing gap, support countries to close the remaining gaps in HIV prevention and treatment services, remove legal and social barriers, and empower communities to lead the way forward.UNAIDS emphasizes that every dollar invested in the HIV response not only saves lives but strengthens health systems and promotes broader development goals. Since the start of the epidemic, 26.9 million deaths have been averted through treatment, and 4.4 million children protected from HIV infection through vertical transmission prevention.“In a time of crisis, the world must choose transformation over retreat,” said Ms Byanyima. “Together, we can still end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030—if we act with urgency, unity, and unwavering commitment.”UNAIDS report is being launched ahead of the Scientific AIDS Conference IAS 2025 taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 13-17 July 2025.

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Press Release

02 July 2025

Caribbean Airports Boost Disaster Readiness Ahead of Hurricane Season

Bridgetown, Barbados - The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) Inc., DHL, and the European Union, successfully completed the first-ever ‘Get Airports Ready for Disasters’ (GARD) Workshop in the Eastern Caribbean.The workshop, held at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados, marks a significant step in strengthening regional disaster preparedness ahead of the 2025 hurricane season. This crucial three-day initiative brought together 22 participants, including airport authorities, national disaster management agencies, security forces, regional airlines, and disaster response agencies from Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and Trinidad and Tobago. The workshop focused on assessing airport infrastructure, coordination mechanisms, and logistical capacities to manage the surge in humanitarian cargo and passengers that typically follows a major disaster.
  Brian Bogart, Representative and Country Director for the World Food Programme Caribbean noted: "Airports are critical in emergencies. They often are the epicentre for coordinating supply chain elements of a response. At WFP, we continue to explore additional options to support maximizing the region's capacity and infrastructure for crisis response."
Frank Losada, DHL Go Help Leader USA & Caribbean and one of the lead trainers for the workshop, emphasized the training's importance for the hurricane-prone Caribbean region. "When there is a disaster, like a hurricane or a tsunami, the airport usually becomes a chokepoint," he explained. "It is critical that airports are ready to receive that cargo and ensure aid gets to people in need as fast as possible."
  Reflecting on his experiences during events like the La Soufriere volcano eruption and recent hurricanes in the Caribbean, Hadley Bourne, Chief Executive Officer of GAIA Inc., also welcomed the timely training. "This is very integral to national safety and national development. Disaster management and preparedness is nothing to be taken lightly in any form," he maintained.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of CDEMA, Kevon Campbell highlighted the indispensable role of partnerships in supporting communities during crises. "We have seen time and again how disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies test the limits of our regional systems," he said, "But we have also seen how preparatory actions, planning, and partnerships—especially those forged in workshops like this—can make a profound difference in saving lives and restoring order."With a prediction for 17 named storms during the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season, this workshop sought to better position airports, humanitarian organizations, and private sector agencies to collaborate effectively should the need arise. The GARD workshop is one of several joint activities between WFP and CDEMA, who engage in year-round trainings and simulations across the Caribbean to assess and address gaps in disaster preparedness, ensuring people quickly get the help they need when crisis strikes.
WFP remains committed to strengthening regional logistics and supply chain readiness in the face of growing climate threats across the Caribbean.
#########The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
For more information please contact: carla.alleyne@wfp.orgFollow WFP on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media @wfp_Caribbean

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Press Release

16 April 2025

OHCHR Strengthens Regional Action to Protect Environmental Defenders in Latin America and the Caribbean

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis (11 April 2025) – From April 7–11, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) co-organized with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Women, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the 3rd Forum on Human Rights Defenders in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean, under the Escazú Agreement, held in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.This landmark event marked the first official regional gathering on the Escazú Agreement in the Caribbean, bringing together nearly 200 participants from 31 nationalities, including environmental human rights defenders, government representatives, civil society organizations, and international experts.As a co-organizer, OHCHR reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of environmental defenders throughout the region. The Forum advanced the regional understanding and implementation of Article 9 of the Escazú Agreement, which focuses on the protection of environmental human rights defenders.The dynamic discussions led to a wide array of proposals for an upcoming regional assessment on the situation of environmental defenders—spotlighting significant progress while acknowledging ongoing challenges. A key highlight was the integration of a gender perspective, which resulted in clear, actionable recommendations for gender-responsive protection mechanisms.Through workshops prepared and facilitated by OHCHR, participants also strengthened their knowledge and skills in access to justice and digital security, equipping defenders with practical tools to enhance their safety and impact.The exchange of experiences and innovative ideas fostered stronger regional cooperation networks, laying a robust foundation for future action under the Escazú framework.OHCHR’s leadership in this Forum—spearheaded by the Environment and Civic Space Teams from the LAC Regional Strategies Project (ROSA & ROCA) financed by Sweeden, in close coordination with its CARICOM and Mexico offices—was instrumental in achieving these outcomes. This effort reflects OHCHR’s continued dedication to supporting human rights defenders and building resilient civic spaces across Latin America and the Caribbean.

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