Planning and Development Minister Pennelope Beckles is affirming to citizens the Government’s and the United Nations’ commitment to the national development of Trinidad and Tobago. In light of this, the Ministry of Planning and Development, through its Technical Cooperation Unit, with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Trinidad and Tobago convened a series of Technical Review Meetings of the United Nations Country Implementation Plan for the period 2024-2026. These meetings engaged representatives of government ministries and the UN agencies working in Trinidad and Tobago.
These meetings aimed to ensure that all parties were aligned to guarantee the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF) 2022-2026, which organizes the UN’s development work in the Caribbean, is rolled out specifically in alignment with Trinidad and Tobago’s national development agenda to the benefit of all citizens. The UNMSDCF defines how the United Nations will jointly achieve development results in partnership with the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries and Overseas Territories.
Through this collaboration the Government and the United Nations development system will also identify areas for future resource mobilization efforts. Citizens and residents of Trinidad and Tobago will benefit from this through the implementation of four pillars related to the Country Implementation Plan:
- Pillar 1 – Shared Prosperity and Economic Resilience;
- Pillar 2 – Equality, Well-being, and Leaving No One Behind;
- Pillar 3 – Resilience to Climate Change and Shocks and Sustainable Natural Resource Management;
- Pillar 4 – Peace, Safety, and the Rule of Law.
For the benefit of citizens, some of the areas identified based on these pillars for continued focus include youth employment and training, data collection and integration, guiding renewable energy implementation as well as identifying the root causes of crime for targeted interventions.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Development, Ms. Satee Boodoo, speaking to participants of one of the technical review meetings stated, “The path to sustainable development is undoubtedly challenging, underscoring the need for collaboration to ensure we remain firmly on course toward achieving Agenda 2030. This meeting offers a vital opportunity for us to strategise and collectively chart a way forward.”
Head of Office at the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Tracey Hutchinson, told participants during her remarks at the final plenary session, “ Together, through the dynamic partnership between the United Nations and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, we are committed to achieving sustainable development for the people we are dedicated to serve..”
Through this process, the UN System and the Government aim to contribute to the ultimate goal of improving the lives of all people living in Trinidad and Tobago through supporting efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by building a more equitable, resilient and safe society. The Ministry of Planning and Development recognizes the UN as an effective partner to the region as we address complex development challenges.