UN Celebrates 79th Anniversary with a Youth Focus Across the Caribbean

Over 5,900 youth across the region were engaged, receiving vital information about the work of the United Nations, and the Sustainable Development Goals, through various outreach initiatives held under the banner of UN Week 2024. 

From school visits to cultural heritage activities, SDG competitions and environmental action, UN Heads of Agencies and line staff, supported various activities aimed at raising awareness of the SDGs, and fostering a shared vision for a sustainable future.

In his UN Day Message, UN Resident Coordinator, Simon Springett underscored: “United Nations Day is a day to celebrate and to support a vision of an inclusive, networked, and effective multilateral system to better respond and deliver for people and planet.”

Commitment to youth, environmental sustainability and economic growth demonstrated during Antigua and Barbuda’s UN Week activities

The UN team in Antigua and Barbuda took a meaningful trip back to their roots at Antigua Grammar School, where they engaged students in discussions about the SDGs, aiming to inspire the next generation to take action on global goals and to envision a sustainable world. As part of their UN Week activities, which also included a Flag Raising Ceremony, the Team, under the leadership of Andrea Andrew, UN Country Coordination Officer for Antigua and Barbuda, also demonstrated its commitment to a cleaner, greener environment, by staging a community clean-up in the environs of the UN Common Premises. In total, 20 biodegradable bags of waste were collected, demonstrating the power of collective action toward sustainable communities. 

As part of a "You for a Day" SDG acceleration activity, aimed at spotlighting women-owned MSMEs, the Team visited Eat and Lime Tours, a female-led business venture,  The team was treated to a complimentary  guided tour through St. John's that highlighted the many historical artifacts and facts about the city, while stopping at several food businesses to sample their delicious cuisine s they observed, engaged with and experienced the daily activities of this woman owned  venture. This activity truly embraced the UN Day theme SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as did the Team's support of  the entrepreneurial spirt of patients  at the Antigua and Barbuda Sickle Cell Association, by purchasing several art items as part of the UN Day activities.

Literacy, Learning, and Environmental Sustainability took centre stage for UN Week in Saint Kitts & Nevis

Over in St. Kitts and Nevis, the SDGs took centre stage at a Primary School Spelling Bee Contest. From a field of 17 schools, Xavier Agard from Beach Allen Primary triumphed as the UN Day Spelling Bee Champion, showcasing his language skills with pride.

The contest saw fierce competition, with Yanis Bowrin from St. Kitts International (SKI) Academy securing second place. Zydane Thompson from Immaculate Conception Catholic School (ICCS) and Kizarah Evans from Tyrell Williams Primary School tied for third place. This event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Liamuiga, celebrated literacy and learning, key pillars of sustainable development.

Additionally, UN staff in-country, under the leadership of Cosbert Woods, UN Country Coordination Officer for St. Kitts and Nevis, partnered with the Department of Environment to lead a national coastal cleanup to mark UN Day. Joined by 240 students from 8 high schools, the initiative spanned several beaches and coastlines. Through this collective effort, participants demonstrated their commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Inaugural SDG Jingle Competition tops Saint Lucia’s UN Week activities 

A major highlight of UN Week was an SDG Jingle Competition in Saint Lucia, where 11-year-old D’Andre Louis took home the top prize. His jingle, which urged Saint Lucians to “Do it” to accelerate progress on the SDGs, won him a $5000 Right Start Bank Account among other prizes. Copping second place in the competition that sought to encourage youth creativity in spreading the message of the SDGs, was 12-year-old Quake Nestor, while 14-year-old Chezidek Clarke placed third.

As part of their UN Day efforts, Dr. Lorraine Nicholas, UN Country Coordination Officer for Saint Lucia, also returned to her alma mater Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, to share the UN’s mission and the critical importance of advancing the SDGs.

Independence and UN Day celebrations converge in Dominica

UN Day, spearheaded by Marlon Marie, Country Coordination Officer for Dominica, was celebrated alongside the island’s Independence festivities, with the UN Team, for the second year running, having a strong presence at the 'Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl.' Several UN Agencies were on hand to present educational materials and discuss their respective mandates, while educating the public on key global issues including climate action, gender equality, health and well-being, migration, food security, and economic resilience. UN Women also supported a special “Nursing Nook” to ensure that new moms were not left behind.

Students of all ages ranging from preschool to tertiary institutions, visited the UN booth, learning more about the SDGs and the UN’s work, through interactive booths and games, engaging displays and discussions, while engaging enthusiastically with the team.

School Visits Prioritized for UN Day in Barbados 

The UN Team in Barbados, supported two secondary and primary schools and three  special school as part of its UN Day outreach. Cleveland Thomas, Area Representative, International telecommunication Union (ITU) and Sylvester Cadette, Programme Officer  and Carol Gaskin, Communications and Advocacy Officer with the UN Resident Coordinator Office, gave senior students at The St, Michael School insight into how the International Telecommunication Union is shaping the global digital landscape while providing students with valuable insights into future careers using technology and using studies as a means of advancing themselves and their communities. At the Graydon Sealy Secondary School , the World Food Programme (WFP) Team of Carla Alleyne, Communications Officer, and Bryanna Hadaway, Business Support Assistant -Communications and Partnerships, shared insights on how the UN promotes peace, development, and food security across the Caribbean. 

Meanwhile, young students at the Rock Christian Primary, learnt about the work of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and about the SDGs, via an interactive session led by Jaleesa Crichlow-Augustine, Senior Project Assistant and Carol Gaskin, Communications and Advocacy Officer with the UN Resident Coordinator Office. Students at the Erdiston Special School, the first of three special schools targetted,  also welcomed a visit from De- Jane Gibbons, Liaison Officer and karen Harper, Program Assistant, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Carol Gaskin, Communications and Advocacy Officer, UN Resident Coordinator Office. In addition to sharing about the work of the UNFPA, and the UN in general, the Team donated a series of specialized play items to Principal Donna Holder, on behalf of the eager students, some of whom readily demonstrated their skills with hula hoops.

School visits in Bequia

Led by LaFleur Quammie, UN Country Coordination Officer for Saint Vincent, the UN team reached out to approximately 275 students across five schools in Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Through discussions on the SDGs, students learned how their contributions can help shape a better, more sustainable world. The engagement highlighted youth as pivotal to a thriving future.

The UN in-country team also actively participated in the 18th Caribbean Week of Agriculture, joining efforts to promote “Climate Smart Agriculture for a Sustainable Future.” Through their booth at the Trade Show and Expo at the Kingstown Cruise Ship Terminal, they highlighted the UN's 79-year commitment to supporting agriculture, food security, and sustainable development in the region.

Grenada Marks UN Day and 50 Years of Membership with Focus on SDG Progress and Sustainability

Grenada celebrated United Nations Day and 50 years of UN membership with events spotlighting progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The day featured flag presentations, strategic discussions, and booths showcasing the UN’s impact in Grenada. A live stream on Facebook and YouTube raised awareness about initiatives in education, climate resilience, and data management.

Held at the Grenada Youth and Recreational Center in Grand Anse, St. George, the event brought together stakeholders, government planning teams, and UN officials to explore strategies for achieving the SDGs, underscoring a shared commitment to a sustainable future.

Reception to celebrate 79 Years of Partnership and Progress

The United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean also marked the UN's 79th anniversary with an anniversary reception on October 28th at UN House. The event celebrated the UN’s enduring partnership with stakeholders.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kerrie Symmonds while delivering remarks commended the UN for its commitment to fostering peace and sustainable development. Noting that the organisation must continue to be relevant in the face of today's challenges, he says it’s a vital and viable institution which must be protected and promoted. 

Resident Coordinator, Simon Springett, reaffirmed the UN’s mission, emphasizing it is about “partnerships and people coming together with a shared commitment to serve, uplift, and solve the world’s most pressing challenges.” 

"Yet, we cannot achieve this vision alone. The task of building a world of peace, justice, and prosperity requires each of us—individuals, families, communities, governments, and regional bodies—to work as one. It requires that our commitment to equality is more than rhetoric," he underlined.