Latest
28 January 2025
Energy Transition, Prevention of Violence High on UN - Government Agenda for 2025
15 January 2025
Job Vacancy: Consultant
06 January 2025
Job Vacancy - Development Coordination Officer - Data Management and Results Monitoring & Reporting
Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Trinidad and Tobago






UNDP developed the national e-ID platform and enhanced the efficiency of government service delivery through better interoperability among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.In collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, UNDP supported better project management and reporting across major projects under the Ministry’s purview. Additionally, across four government agencies, UNDP assisted with the rollout of digital processes and services that could facilitate online delivery of core government services for citizens.A National Register of Vulnerable Persons was developed by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, the UWI Health Economics Unit, and UNDP. This register will help decision-makers more effectively target vulnerable people who may require assistance from the social protection system. Similarly, UNDP piloted a mobile wallet with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services for members of society to apply for and receive emergency benefits using their mobile phones, increasing the speed and convenience of access to benefits for those in greatest need.Promoting the use of big data analytics, in 2023, the UN country team hosted the Caribbean's first Big Data Forum. In 2024, the UNDP-led SIDS 2.0 conference for the Caribbean brought UN system experts together with government, international financial institutions, and private sector leaders to chart a digital transformation pathway for the region.
In 2022, UNDP conducted an evaluation of the country’s digital strengths and opportunities to provide a baseline for the development of the National Digital Strategy and Roadmap.Impact of the InterventionThe impact of UN actions has been significant.First, there has been enhanced good governance. Collaborations with public sector partners have improved public service delivery through e-governance platforms and more streamlined processes, alongside data-driven policymaking and stronger transparency and accountability.Additionally, in the pursuit of more effective social protection, the monitoring and targeting of social services for vulnerable populations, including children and survivors of gender-based violence, have improved. Farmers gained direct access to technical tools and guidance, boosting productivity and resilience. Public hospitals reduced pharmaceutical shortages, ensuring uninterrupted patient care. In terms of economic diversification, the ongoing cooperation with UNCTAD to have the first e-commerce policy will position Trinidad and Tobago as a potential regional hub for digital trade. Trade-offs and ChallengesWhile promoting digitalisation, the UN must always consider the digital divide, the cost of connectivity, and the risk of marginalisation for populations with limited access to digital tools. Ensuring equitable access to digital tools and infrastructure remains a challenge. Data roaming is expensive, and laptops and tablets are unaffordable for more than one-third of families.A major challenge in rolling out complex solutions is access to development funding and financing. As a high-income country, Trinidad and Tobago has limited ODA or concessional financing for large-scale digital projects.
This is where partnerships can help overcome challenges.Citizens can evolve from being consumers to creators, adding value to the digital economy – even as knowledge workers.Support for the most vulnerable – whether the elderly, who may need digital literacy education, or those in rural areas, who may struggle with access to digital networks – will be crucial in overcoming the digital divide. Innovative approaches, such as low-cost, community-based solutions, can bring people and businesses into a participatory, collaborative process that meets local needs.
Within government, more seamless coordination across various ministries and national institutions requires alignment in strategies, systems, and priorities – all while maintaining a people-centred approach. This can help avoid fragmentation and inefficiencies.In conclusion, UN Trinidad and Tobago’s coordinated efforts in digital transformation highlight the importance of multilateral partnerships and multi-sectoral approaches to overcome systemic challenges. By supporting Trinidad and Tobago's digitalisation agenda, the UN has facilitated more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable development pathways., filtered_html


Where we work: The UN’s programmatic interventions
The UN is implementing 0 programmatic interventions during the ongoing programme cycle. The map below displays the number of programmatic interventions per location (note that a programmatic intervention may be linked to more than one location). Click on the number on the map to get a summary description of the programmatic interventions. Programmatic interventions may be linked to the national level or specific locations/sub-national level. Note that some interventions linked to specific locations might also have components at the national level, even if they are not categorized as country-level interventions. Click on “Show location details” in the bottom right corner to view a summary table with locations, the number of programmatic interventions, and the UN entities working in those locations. For definitions of programmatic interventions, please refer to the Glossary section.