Bridgetown, November 29, 2024: The Governments of Barbados and Montserrat are better equipped to collect and analyze data, to foster gender equality and advance inclusive health and social development policies, thanks to a recently concluded Joint SDG Fund Programme for Integrated Population Data and Policy Solutions. This marks a significant step forward in sustainable development for both countries.The two-year programme was implemented under the leadership of UNFPA (the United Nations Population Fund), in collaboration with UN Women (the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women), and in partnership with government stakeholders and civil society. With focus on improving access to real-time, disaggregated demographic data, it sought to enable policymakers to create evidence-based policies and programmes in support of the most vulnerable populations. The initiative addressed key priorities under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 5 (Gender Equality).Addressing a hybrid Strategic Dialogue and Close-Out Meeting, held at UN House in Barbados, Jenny Karlsen, Deputy Director, UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, pledged continued support to the Governments of Barbados and Montserrat to build on the Project’s achievements. She commended national partners for their champion role in its execution: “This programme stands as a testament to your vision and commitment to your national priorities, and what can be achieved when we work together with a shared purpose” , she said.  Based on the programme’s execution in Montserrat, significant strides have been made in advancing sexual and reproductive health, population policy and data systems. A draft Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy, supported by UNFPA, is awaiting Cabinet submission, alongside a Population Situation Analysis and National Population Policy, currently under public review. A National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) System Study and Action Plan is also poised for Cabinet review. Technical guidance and training on the measurement of SDG 5 indicators were provided to the Montserrat Statistics Department. Data collection on this indicator was successfully implemented through their national census, which concluded in November 2023.An analysis of the 2023 Census data on unpaid domestic and care work was also conducted, and steps taken to strengthen national data systems through enhanced disaggregation by sex, age, and disability, integration of GIS and geospatial tools, and targeted training to monitor SDG indicators pertaining to Goals 3 and 5. Meanwhile, in Barbados, UNFPA supported completion of a Baseline Study on Priority Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Indicators for Barbados, with capacity building provided in the National Transfer Accounts Model to help assess the economic impacts of demographic shifts. For the first time Barbados has a national measurement of the time spent by women and men on unpaid domestic and care work. UN Women supported the Barbados Statistical Service with the capture and analysis of the data on the SDG Indicator related to unpaid domestic and care work, providing computer tablets, and facilitating the engagement of six enumerators/field officers and preparation of the final report.Isiuwa Iyahen, Deputy Representative, UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) - Caribbean, highlighted the vital intersection of population dynamics and the care economy during her remarks. She noted the concern with declining fertility rates but emphasised that policy solutions to encourage family formation do not infringe on the sexual and reproductive rights of women: “Let’s look at the mix of policy solutions that will encourage you to participate in the paid care economy but meet your obligations to your families.”In addressing the forum, Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean reflected on the programme’s completion as a steppingstone for future progress and building more resilient, prosperous and equitable societies. He maintained: “We must sustain this momentum and continue to prioritize data-driven solutions, gender-sensitive policies, and inclusive approaches to development.” The Project also came in for high praise from national partners attending the Close-out in person at UN House. Patrick McCaskie, Permanent Secretary, Economic Affairs and Investment, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment in Barbados underlined the importance of celebrating the programme’s successes, while assessing challenges and lessons learned. He also reaffirmed his government’s dedication to inclusive development: “The Government of Barbados is fully committed to the continued pursuance of programmes and policies that are fully inclusive, people-centered, and resilient—economically, socially, and environmentally—in a way that leaves no one behind.”Meanwhile, Teresena Fergus, Director of Social Services in Montserrat, underscored the programme’s role in advancing rights-based population policies and enhancing national capacities for data-driven decision-making. “Let us celebrate our progress, examine the challenges, and set a robust course for sustaining the strides we have made together,” she encouraged.The Joint Programme is expected to have continued impact through the frameworks and tools developed, which promise to drive inclusive growth and equitable development on the road to 2030. Supported by UNFPA and UN Women’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plans, and the continued partnership of the UN Development System, the results achieved under this initiative will serve as a model for sustainable development strategies across the region. 

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

 New York, 22 September 2024 – World leaders today adopted a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. This Pact is the culmination of an inclusive, years-long process to adapt international cooperation to the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The most wide-ranging international agreement in many years, covering entirely new areas as well as issues on which agreement has not been possible in decades, the Pact aims above all to ensure that international institutions can deliver in the face of a world that has changed dramatically since they were created. As the Secretary-General has said, “we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents.”
 
Overall, the agreement of the Pact is a strong statement of countries’ commitment to the United Nations, the international system and international law.  Leaders set out a clear vision of an international system that can deliver on its promises, is more representative of today’s world and draws on the energy and expertise of governments, civil society and other key partners. 
The Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities,” said the Secretary-General during his remarks at the opening of the Summit of the Future. The President of the General Assembly noted that the Pact would “lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order – for all peoples and nations.”
 The Pact covers a broad range of issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. Key deliverables in the Pact include:
 
In the area of peace and securityThe most progressive and concrete commitment to Security Council reform since the 1960s, with plans to improve the effectiveness and representativeness of the Council, including by redressing the historical under-representation of Africa as a priority.The first multilateral recommitment to nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, with a clear commitment to the goal of totally eliminating nuclear weapons.Agreement to strengthen international frameworks that govern outer space, including a clear commitment to prevent an arms race in outer space and the need to ensure all countries can benefit from the safe and sustainable exploration of outer space.Steps to avoid the weaponization and misuse of new technologies, such as lethal autonomous weapons, and affirmation that the laws of war should apply to many of these new technologies.  
On sustainable development, climate and financing for developmentThe entire Pact is designed to turbo-charge implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.The most detailed agreement ever at the United Nations on the need for reform of the international financial architecture so that it better represents and serves developing countries, including: Giving developing countries a greater say in how decisions are taken at international financial institutions;Mobilizing more financing from multilateral development banks to help developing countries meet their development needs;Reviewing the sovereign debt architecture to ensure that developing countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their future, with the IMF, UN, G20 and other key players working together;Strengthening the global financial safety net to protect the poorest in the event of financial and economic shocks, through concrete actions by the IMF and Member States;and accelerating measures to address the challenge of climate change, including through delivering more finance to help countries adapt to climate change and invest in renewable energy.    Improving how we measure human progress, going beyond GDP to capturing human and planetary wellbeing and sustainability.A commitment to consider ways to introduce a global minimum level of taxation on high-net-worth individuals.On climate change, confirmation of the need to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. 
On digital cooperationThe Global Digital Compact, annexed to the Pact, is the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation and AI governance.At the heart of the Compact is a commitment to design, use and govern technology for the benefit of all. This includes commitments by world leaders to: Connect all people, schools and hospitals to the Internet;Anchor digital cooperation in human rights and international law;Make the online space safe for all, especially children, through actions by governments, tech companies and social media;Govern Artificial Intelligence, with a roadmap that includes an International Scientific Panel and a Global Policy Dialogue on AI;Make data more open and accessible, with agreements on open-source data, models, and standards;This is also the first global commitment to data governance, placing it on the UN agenda and requiring countries to take concrete actions by 2030. 
Youth and future generationsThe first ever Declaration on Future Generations, with concrete steps to take account of future generations in our decision-making, including a possible envoy for future generations.A commitment to more meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in the decisions that shape their lives, especially at the global level. 
Human rights and genderA strengthening of our work on human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women.A clear call on the need to protect human rights defenders.Strong signals on the importance of engagement of other stakeholders in global governance, including local and regional governments, civil society, private sector and others. 
There are provisions across the Pact and its annexes for follow-up action, to ensure that the commitments made are implemented.
 
Summit Process
The Summit process and the Pact have been deeply enriched by the contributions of millions of voices and thousands of stakeholders from around the world.

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

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