United Nations and Development Partners Discuss Strengthening Tripartite Relationship for Sustainable Development in Dominica

The United Nations Resident Coordinators Office for Barbados & the Eastern Caribbean, in its capacity of convenor of national and regional development partners hosted this roundtable discussion with the ultimate goal of strengthening the tripartite relationship among the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Development Partners and the United Nations.

Dominica, like other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, faces development challenges such as geographic and economic isolation, limited resources, environmental fragility, volcanic activity, high costs of transportation and energy, increasing crime rates, and vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters, among other potential shocks.

The above challenges, compounded by recent events such as the Covid-19 pandemic have resulted, in some cases, in the regression of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This situation demands that stronger partnerships be formed to maximise the impact of development assistance in order to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. While Dominica is ultimately responsible for achieving its development goals, global development partners are also keen to play an integral role.

In delivering opening remarks, Mr. Trebucq stated that the meeting’s theme: ‘Leveraging Partnerships to Collectively Respond through a National Reset’, was timely, as Dominica and other Caribbean SIDS, continue to battle significant development challenges ranging from limited fiscal space to high transportation, food, and energy costs, rising unemployment, and vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters.

Recognizing that Development Assistance is not a straightforward process, with one-size-fits-all solutions Mr. Trebucq stated that "concerted efforts must be made to bring all parties to the table, and as UN we will maximize our convening power to spearhead this approach”.

Mr Trebucq added; “Prime Minister, I must commend your leadership and your impressive progress on the road to resilience. I must also commend your drive towards renewable energy for your country which is a critical element for resilience in SIDS". I also acknowledge your genuine interest and focus in building partnerships that matter for the people of Dominica,”

In calling for greater support for SIDS, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit noted: 

“We are saying that the rules can be changed and we’re urging the development partners to change the rules so that small island states likes ours can have equal access, quicker access, and more efficient access,” he added, pointing to the Green Climate Fund in place to assist developing countries to adapt and improve practices to counter climate change impacts".

In reflection, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit thanked the UN and Development Partners for their continued partnership with Dominica in tackling various developmental challenges and welcomed the dialogue for a tailored approached working together to further develop Dominica.

Prior to the meeting, the UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq paid a visit on March 28th to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit. He was accompanied by Dr. Renata Clarke, FAO Sub-regional Coordinator, Mrs. Laura Hildebrandt, UNDP Head of Dominica Project Office, and Mr. Marlon Marie, UN Country Coordination Officer for Dominica in the Resident Coordinator’s Office.  They discussed Development Assistance in preparation for the co-hosted Development Partners Meeting.

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Media Contacts:

Carol  A. Gaskin

Resident Coordinator Office,

Development Coordination Officer, Programme Communications and Advocacy

Email: carol-ann.gaskin@un.org  Tel:+1(246)467-6110; Mobile +1(246)832-6110