United Nations in Trinidad and Tobago

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in MCO Trinidad and Tobago:

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22 May 2026

From Commitment to Action: Aruba and the UN Strengthen SDG Action Agenda

Aruba is poised to take its partnership with the United Nations to a new level as it focuses on translating development progress into more evidence-driven outcomes through a deepened, whole-of-government collaboration anchored in the Sustainable Development Goals. That ambition was the throughline of a series of high-level engagements in Oranjestad from 10 to 13 May 2026, when UN Resident Coordinator for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten, Joanna Kazana, met with Aruba's senior leadership across government, Parliament, the Central Bank, civil society, and the private sector.RC Kazana was joined by RCO Head of Office Tracey Hutchinson, Economist Arslan Chaudhary, and Partnerships and Development Officer Mark Thomas.The visit came as the UN finalises its Common Country Analysis (CCA) for Aruba, a critical evidence-based look at Aruba's development opportunities and challenges. This foundational document that will shape the UN's next roadmap for its development partnerships with the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, the Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2027–2031. During the mission in Aruba, a consistent message emerged across every engagement: the country has the administrative and fiscal foundations to make real development gains, but is working towards stronger policy coherence, long-term planning and a stronger implementation culture that retains continuity over time. Stakeholders identified the UN's convening power, technical expertise and analytical support as invaluable catalysts to achieve their development aspirations. The UN Resident Coordinator held discussions with Prime Minister Mike Eman, who welcomed the UN's evidence-based approach to development and expressed interest in converting Aruba's fiscal strengths into broader social gains and sharing homegrown good practices with other Caribbean SIDS.At a meeting of the UN RCO delegation and the Council of Ministers, Mr. Chaudhary presented the CCA to the ministers responsible for Justice, Housing, Education, Finance, Tourism, Labour, and Health. Ministers expressed strong interest in the CCA data and affirmed the Government's commitment to humane migration governance, sustainable infrastructure and the common goods agenda. A pivotal consultation convened by RC Kazana and her team was the Development Stakeholders Roundtable , which drew attendance from civil society, the private sector, and academia. Held in partnership with the University of the Aruba, the roundtable reinforced the findings of the UN's CCA for Aruba. Stakeholders underscored the importance of UN support on on migration governance, climate adaptation finance, inequality, food security, and accelerating government implementation to deliver SDG progress. During discussions with the Minister of Finance Geoffrey Wever, RC Kazana and her team explored Aruba's economic diversification ambitions across agriculture, renewable energy, digital finance and the repurposing of decommissioned industrial land. Conversations with Minister of Health Dr. Mervin Wyatt-Ras spotlighted pressing public health challenges, including obesity, a rapidly ageing society and the imperative of including migrants in health services. Additional meetings were held with the Central Bank of Aruba, which outlined its strategy for digitalisation and data modernisation; the President of Parliament, Marlon Sneek, who echoed the need for data-driven policymaking; and Director of Foreign Relations, Jocelyne Croes, who articulated Aruba's commitment to engaging the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS and the proposed SIDS Centre of Excellence.With this rich feedback from a spectrum of national stakeholders in hand, the UN is committed to working closely with the Government and people of Aruba to turn evidence and analysis into concrete outcomes that deliver lasting change.

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19 May 2026

Petroleum Retailer Wins Big At 2026 Sustainability Champion Awards

Despite its core business revolving around the sale of fuel, petroleum retailer UNIPET won the 2026 Sustainability Champion Large Enterprise Award for its commitment to expanding the supply of clean energy.The annual Sustainability Champions Awards, hosted by the European Business Chamber in Trinidad and Tobago (EUROCHAM TT) in partnership with the United Nations, was held on May 15 at the Carmel Valley Estate in Maraval. Nine companies spanning energy retail, logistics, food production, eco-tourism and services were recognised, not for profit alone but for how responsibly they operate.Now in its fourth year, and firmly established on the corporate calendar, the Sustainability Champion Awards have become a platform for companies that take environmental impact, social responsibility, and ethical business practices seriously and embed them into how they operate. EUROCHAM TT Vice President Gonçalo Mendes put it simply during his opening remarks. “The most competitive, market leading organisations today are those that treat sustainability as a core factor of success.” UNIPET dominated the Large Enterprise category with its commitment to installing solar photovoltaic systems and a free electric vehicle charging station at its Brentwood Service Station. The company is retrofitting its facilities with LED lighting and motion sensors, gradually transitioning its fleet from gasoline to electric and, in 2025, it partnered with the EU and UNDP to install solar panels, solar water heaters and electric vehicle chargers at community, environmental and educational centres nationwide. Its ‘Switch to Sunshine’ initiative with UNICOMER offers financing to help households and businesses adopt clean energy technologies. UNIPET is also planning to detail its company-wide efforts to advance conservation and energy efficiency in its first ever Sustainability Report, showcasing a level of environmental accountability still rare among Trinidad and Tobago companies.Accepting the award, Chief Executive Officer Dexter Riley said, “Sustainability is no longer separate from business strategy. It is becoming how responsible businesses grow, innovate and create long term value.”Renewable Power Caribbean Limited won the Small and Medium Enterprise award for the second year running. The company designs and installs solar systems and electric vehicle (EV) chargers that will avoid up to 900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Chief Customer Officer Steffy Heera described the award as “a validation of our commitment to the region’s sustainable development.” Among the other nominees, ASCO Logistics has successfully cut carbon emissions by 68 percent since 2019. New Steam Laundry reduced emissions by 89 percent after switching from diesel to LPG, while also integrating hearing-impaired staff into its workforce. Handmade by Jeanette takes imperfect fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be discarded and transforms them into high-end food products. Milagros Solutions converts plastic waste into lumber. 3 Circles Energy develops tourism experiences that return most of the income directly to communities.The gathering of like-minded private sector leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs and sustainability advocates also recognised the business case for sustainability.EU Ambassador Cécile Tassin said that under the European Green Deal and the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, climate neutrality is now a trade requirement, not just an environmental goal. “Companies that cannot demonstrate strong sustainability performance risk being locked out of major markets entirely,” she said. Keynote speaker Jelmer de Winter, Country Manager for the geo data firm FUGRO, was even more candid. “There is no profitable business on a failing planet,” he said, warning that climate risk is already a business risk, affecting supply chains, costs and the ability to attract skilled workers.UN Resident Coordinator ad interim, Miosotis Rivas Peña, said the honourees are embedding environmental and social considerations into core business decisions rather than treating them as an afterthought. “As more companies adopt similar approaches,” she said, “other investors, business partners and customers start to expect it too, and it helps set new best practices across the board.”The event’s principal sponsor, PROMAN Trinidad, reinforced that outlook. Director of Marketing and Logistics Hanna Sukhu-Maharaj highlighted the company’s role in advancing methanol as a cleaner shipping fuel, helping position Trinidad and Tobago as a regional hub for more climate-friendly energy solutions. Other sponsors, including Angostura and The University of the West Indies, are similarly recognizing sustainability not simply as a responsibility, but as a source of long-term competitive advantage.In a country whose economy remains closely tied to hydrocarbons, the idea of sustainable business can still seem like a luxury imported from elsewhere. The 2026 Sustainability Champions Awards make a powerful counterargument, showcasing Trinidad and Tobago companies that are already demonstrating how a different business landscape is emerging.For businesses not yet on this path, the question is no longer whether they can afford to act, but whether they can afford not to.

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UN representative hands over trophy to CEO of petroleum company

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13 April 2026

Deepening Strategic Engagement for Curaçao's National Development

The United Nations Resident Coordinator for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, Joanna Kazana, conducted an official visit to Curaçao from 31 March to 3 April 2026, to deepen the UN's strategic engagement with the Government of Curaçao at a pivotal moment for national reform and sustainable development. The visit featured high-level meetings with the Governor, His Excellency Mauritsz de Kort, the Prime Minister, The Honourable Gilmar Pisas, and the full Council of Ministers, as well as a Development Stakeholders Roundtable convened in partnership with the Social and Economic Council (SER). The visit also included a guided tour of the historic area of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During her meetings, RC Kazana presented the findings of the UN's Common Country Analysis (CCA) for Curaçao, which outlines the UN system's assessment of the country's development trajectory and will inform the forthcoming Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) for 2027–2031. She congratulated Curaçao on its achievements in health, education, and economic resilience, while identifying key opportunities to diversify the economy beyond tourism, advance the digital transformation of public services, accelerate a just energy transition, and place sustainable development at the core of national policymaking. RC Kazana also highlighted Curaçao's competitive advantage as a member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and encouraged the country to position itself as a regional exemplar — particularly on security — for CARICOM and the broader Caribbean. At the Development Stakeholders Roundtable, participants identified a broad range of structural challenges facing the country, with education and skills development emerging as particularly urgent priorities. Participants also stressed the need to cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs equipped not only with trade skills but with business acumen, digital literacy, and access to finance, representing a broader cultural shift from employee to job-creator. The Resident Coordinator underscored the UN's role not in building national capacity to implement coherent, cross-sectoral solutions. She encouraged Curaçao's civil society and development partners to use the UN as a platform to share the country's own best practices with other member states across the Caribbean and beyond.

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20 March 2026

Joint National Steering Committee Sets Stage for Stronger Government-UN Cooperation

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and leveraging the UN-Government of Trinidad Tobago partnership to accelerate implementation of national priorities were the focus of the 2026 Joint National Steering Committee (JNSC) between the UN system and national counterparts in Trinidad and Tobago. During the meeting, held on March 18, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, and UN Resident Coordinator in Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten, Joanna Kazana, jointly issued a clarion call for a whole-of-government approach to leveraging the UN's capacity for implementation of complex, cross-sectoral sustainable development projects.UN-Trinidad and Tobago cooperation on digitalisation and digital inclusion, social protection and human capital development, as well as UN support to enhancing productivity of the economy, jobs and decent work agenda were discussed, with seven Ministers and Permanent Secretaries taking the floor to highlight ongoing flagship programmes and opportunities to expand cooperation.Convened by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago - through the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development - and the United Nations in Trinidad and Tobago, the JNSC is the annual strategic forum that reviews progress on the implementation of the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF) 2022-2026. The forum also strengthens the alignment and coherence of joint Government-UN development programming. High-level representatives from Government ministries and public sector entities comprise the JNSC, alongside the UN Resident Coordinator and Representatives of UN entities working in Trinidad and Tobago.This year’s JNSC served as the stepping stone to build the foundation for longer term cooperation under the upcoming UNMSDCF, which will cover the period 2027-2031. This will be the last Government-UN roadmap for joint work before the 2030 deadline to achieve the SDGs – underscoring the imperative to deliver coordinated, lasting development impact over the next four years.Delivering opening remarks, Minister Swaratsingh focused on the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration to leverage the value addition the UN brings to Trinidad and Tobago’s strategic development plans.“Colleagues, we are at a decisive moment in history. Now more than ever it is time to forge even more solid partnerships to accelerate sustainable solutions toward closing lags toward achievement of SDGs. With a commitment to a Whole-of-Government approach, our objectives are interconnected. We can capitalize on our diverse expertise, because together, more can be accomplished. The priorities emerging from this process will also help inform greater national planning and policy coordination as we pursue sustainable and inclusive economic transformation, in partnership with the UN.” Ms. Kazana noted that although development cooperation is changing, the UN’s cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago continues to be driven by strong partnerships.“It matters a lot for us as the United Nations to have a member state as engaged as Trinidad and Tobago. We remain committed, well-resourced, keen and capable to address Trinidad and Tobago’s needs. In our partnership together, you can use the UN System to accelerate the change you want to see for Trinidad and Tobago. The UN is equipped to be your ‘implementation highway’. Whatever you put in our hands, we will deliver to create a greener, more sustainable and more resilient Trinidad and Tobago.”The JNSC discussed current and future priorities to determine where coordinated UN support can add the greatest value. Discussions centred around the UN’s 2025 Annual Results Report for Trinidad and Tobago and the UN’s 2026 Common Country Analysis (CCA), an evidence-based assessment of the country’s development opportunities and challenges. Delivering presentations during the meeting were the Ministers of Justice and Agriculture and Fisheries, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Social Services, and Permanent Secretaries from various ministries. The Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development also presented the five pillars of the Cabinet-approved Strategic National Development Plan for 2026-2030, which frame the UN’s plans as it works to support the country’s development priorities. Presentations on the UN system’s work for 2025 and 2026 were also made by UNICEF, ILO, PAHO/WHO, UNDP and FAO.Of paramount importance was measuring development effectiveness, with the JNSC placing a premium on shifting beyond project delivery to delivering sustainable impact that brings universal change – especially for vulnerable and marginalised groups.The UN in Trinidad and Tobago comprises UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UN Women, UNHCR, IOM, WFP, ECLAC, UNIC, ILO, PAHO/WHO, FAO, OHCHR, UNODC, UNEP, UNESCO, UNDRR, UNIDO, UNAIDS, ITU, UNLIREC, OCHA, UNCTAD and UNCDF.Learn more about the UN's work in Trinidad and Tobago in the 2025 Annual Results Report.

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A group of Cabinet Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and UN Heads of Agency stand for a photo

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10 March 2026

The UN Global Compact Is Knocking on Trinidad and Tobago's Door

More than 90 business leaders, government officials and UN representatives gathered at the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago’s auditorium on March 3 for the inaugural Private Sector Forum on Accelerating Growth Through Sustainable Business. The event was organized by the UN Global Compact Network Caribbean with Guardian Group, M.D. Medical Consultancy Ltd. and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC), and sponsored by Guardian Group, EY Caribbean, UNIPET, M.D. Medical Consultancy Ltd., TTCIC and ANSA McAL Limited. It marked an important milestone for the private sector: Guardian Group’s formal entry into the UN Global Compact. This homegrown company is now the first major regional financial institution to join the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.The UN Global Compact — a UN initiative with more than 25,000 member companies across 160 countries — asks businesses to align with ten principles covering human rights, labor standards, environmental stewardship, and anti-corruption. In return, companies gain a recognized governance framework, access to a global network and practical tools to translate sustainability commitments into measurable targets. Joanna Kazana, the UN Resident Coordinator in Trinidad and Tobago, opened the forum by challenging what she called a persistent false choice: the belief that companies must choose between serving shareholders and protecting the systems on which their businesses depend. Noting that flooding near industrial areas already disrupts supply chains, heavy reliance on imported food exposes businesses to volatility in global markets, and the degradation of Tobago’s coral reefs threatens the island’s tourism economy, she told the audience, “Development — including economic development — without sustainability is not development at all. It is deferred cost that eventually arrives with interest.” She also pointed to UNIPET — the first Trinidad-and-Tobago-born company to join the Compact — as evidence that its standards are not an external burden but a competitive advantage for firms seeking credibility in international markets. Vashti Guyadeen, CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, pressed the commercial case. “If sustainability does not translate into productivity gains, reduced risk, or access to capital, companies are approaching it incorrectly,” she said. Guyadeen called for the enabling conditions private investment requires — predictable regulation, transparent procurement, and long-term policy signals — and was direct about their absence. “Public–private partnership must move beyond announcements," Guyadeen said. "Without that structure, ambition remains rhetoric.”Keynote speaker Ian Chinapoo, CEO of Guardian Group, placed governance at the center of the discussion. Referencing the collapses of Enron and Lehman Brothers, he argued that “growth that isn’t resilient is temporary,” and that sustained expansion depends on disciplined governance, strong balance sheets, and institutions that investors trust with long-term capital. Guardian Group’s own record — dedicated ESG leadership, parametric insurance products and solar installations at the company’s Dutch-Caribbean facilities saving approximately US$75,000 annually — was presented as evidence that sustainability strategies can deliver measurable financial returns. Announcing the company’s entry into the UN Global Compact, Chinapoo framed the step as an accountability structure rather than a symbolic gesture. “The decisions we make in our boardrooms today determine whether future generations — like our children and grandchildren — inherit strong institutions or fragile ones,” he said. Aarti Bedassie-Maharaj, Permanent Secretary representing Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Senator The Honourable Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, announced Cabinet’s approval of the Strategic National Development Plan 2026–2030, which places sustainable development at the center of national policy — an approach she described as “Prosperity with Purpose.” Supporting measures include a World Bank engagement to support export sectors, the DevelopTT fast-track permitting portal for major construction projects and a 129-project infrastructure program projected to generate 72,000 jobs.A panel discussion moderated by Ermath Harrington of HARCON Harrington Consultants focused on practical implementation. Shinelle Grant-Sealey of Guardian Group advised firms to begin with a materiality assessment — identifying the ESG issues most directly affecting their operations. Wendell Ramoutar of PwC noted that “credibility is currency,” and that investors increasingly demand ESG data because it correlates with stronger risk management. Ria Sooknarine of UNIPET shared lessons from her company’s experience as the first Trinidad-and-Tobago-born signatory to the Compact. “We started small, but we started with conviction,” she said, “and the discipline of reporting against the ten principles changed how we ran the business and the conversations we were invited into internationally.” Natalie Bibby of ANSA McAL Group also shared on their sustainability reporting process. Underpinning private sector operations are the national policy regulations that foster resilience, as explained by panelist Aisha Donaldson of the Town and Country Planning Division. Kyana Bowen, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Caribbean, closed the proceedings by distilling the Compact’s offer as accountability rather than symbolism: the framework, the network, and the tools to turn intention into measurable action.Mark Thomas, Partnerships Officer at the UN Resident Coordinator Office, framed the strategic choice plainly. Citing the experience of Unilever under former CEO Paul Polman — whose sustainability-driven strategy doubled the company’s market capitalization over a decade — Thomas argued that purpose and profitability reinforce each other when businesses invest in credible measurement. “The question facing companies,” he said, “is no longer whether sustainability shapes competitiveness, but whether they choose to engage now — or react later at higher cost.”For companies in Trinidad and Tobago weighing that decision, the message of the afternoon was consistent: the standards represented by the UN Global Compact already shape the conditions under which international capital, supply chains and trade operate. The real question, as each speaker affirmed, is simply one of timing.

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05 March 2026

UN Secretary-General's Op-Ed for International Women's Day

The following is an op-ed from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to commemorate the occasion of International Women's Day, which is celebrated on March 8.International Women’s Day: Eight Actions for A More Equal WorldOver nearly a decade leading the United Nations, I have seen our world repeatedly tested – by climate shocks, deepening poverty, violent conflict and shrinking civic space. But I have also watched many solutions take root, and they shared one common denominator: women.As the world marks International Women’s Day, it is time to recognize that gender inequality is the greatest human rights challenge of our time – and advancing equality is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable development and peace.Here are eight actions drawn from my own experience, and inspired by the work of the UN system and civil society movements across the globe, to advance women’s rights and deliver results.1. Fix the Power GapGender equality is a question of power. But male-dominated institutions still shape our world. A rising tide of authoritarianism is deepening these inequalities, rolling back hard-won protections – from fair work practices to reproductive rights – and entrenching racial and gender biases that hold women back. Gender equality lifts societies. When power is shared, freedom expands.2. Make Parity a Priority Women are grossly under-represented in governments and boardrooms across the globe. At the United Nations, we set out to make gender parity a priority, starting with senior leadership. We did this by widening the search for qualified candidates, not by lowering standards. The UN is stronger for it, with an enhanced workplace culture and more inclusive decision-making. The lesson is clear. When institutions choose equality, results follow.3. Bet on the Highest-Return Investment Investment in women delivers outsized returns. Every dollar spent on girls’ education yields nearly triple the gains, while maternal health and family planning generate more than eightfold benefits. Policies that support families such as child care and elder care strengthen communities and unlock even more growth. Taken together, such steps lay the foundation for closing gender gaps – which can boost national income by as much as 20%.4. Make Room at the Peace TablePeace agreements are more durable when women take part in negotiating and implementing them. Yet in too many conflicts – including Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan – women have been largely shut out of the room, even though they carry the heaviest burdens of war. At a time of rising instability, inclusion is not symbolic – it is a shortcut to stabilize our fractured world.5. End Legal Discrimination Worldwide, women hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men. In too many places, they cannot own property, work freely, or seek a divorce. Even where protections exist, women face higher barriers to access legal aid or the courts. Every country must commit to dismantling discriminatory laws, and to enforcing rights in practice. 6. Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence – and Zero ExcusesViolence against women is a global emergency, rooted in inequality and sustained by silence. Every woman and girl has the right to live free from fear. Yet gender-based violence – including sexual exploitation and abuse – remains a horrific breach of trust and humanity. We must confront it everywhere, with zero tolerance, full accountability, and unwavering support for survivors. 7. Code Out BiasWith women comprising just one in four tech workers, bias is being hardwired into the systems that shape daily lives. Meanwhile, misogyny is exploding online. Technology companies and governments must act together to build safe, inclusive digital spaces – and the world must do more to remove barriers for girls in science and technology. 8. Put Gender in the Climate Plan Climate change is sexist. Women often eat last in food crises and endure greater danger in emergencies. Girls face higher risks of child marriage when livelihoods collapse. But women are also leading climate solutions – advancing green legislation, powering global movements, and driving change on the ground. A liveable planet demands gender-responsive climate policies, including equal access to green jobs, better protection in emergencies, and full participation in environmental decision-making.Across the globe, I have seen these eight solutions in action – in war zones and recovery efforts, parliaments and classrooms, organizations and communities.If leaders get serious about gender equality and commit to them now, we will change the world – for women and girls, and for us all. ***

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02 March 2026

Apply for the UNEP Young Champion of the Earth Award

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) today launched a call for nominations for the 2026 cycle of the Young Champions of the Earth award, which honours outstanding young people driving innovative solutions to protect the planet.The Young Champions of the Earth prize is UNEP’s flagship global youth initiative. Since 2017, it has recognized 33 young trailblazers – activists, entrepreneurs, and environmental innovators from age 18 to 30 – for their outstanding ideas to protect the environment. The programme is run in partnership with American cleantech CEO Chris Kemper, who is also UNEP’s Advocate for Partnerships and co-founder of Planet A.2026 Young Champions will receive US$10,000 seed funding from Kemper, mentorship, access to a network of experts, and opportunities to engage in high-level United Nations events. They will also be brought to New York to compete in a pitch competition for a US$100,000 grant from Planet A.UNEP encourages applications from young entrepreneurs, scientists, economists, artists, and communicators from all backgrounds who are advancing bold ideas for people, planet, and prosperity. To demonstrate feasibility and commitment, applicants must have actively pursued their ideas for a minimum of six months.“Tackling the interconnected crises of climate change, land degradation, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution and waste is not an act of charity. It can deliver tangible economic benefits for countries, communities, and individuals,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “We are proud that through the Young Champions programme, these amazing individuals get mentorship, training, and seed funding to turn ambitious ideas into viable solutions for people and planet.”The 2025 Young Champions of the Earth awardees were: Jinali Mody of India, founder and CEO of Banofi Leather, which transforms banana crop waste into a plant-based leather alternative; Joseph Nguthiru, founder of Kenyan startup HyaPak, which produces biodegradable packaging from water hyacinth pulp; and Noemi Florea, inventor of Cycleau, a system that converts greywater into drinking water. Nguthiru then went on to win a $100,000 grant from Planet A.“We are proud to support these amazing young people who are changing the world,” said Kemper. “Joseph, Jinali, and Noemi showed us last year that individuals can do so much to safeguard our planet. I am excited to meet the 2026 Young Champions.”To apply, visit: https://bit.ly/3OSlj8O.Editor's note: This press release was originally published here.

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21 January 2026

UN Resident Coordinator Concludes Mission to Sint Maarten

The United Nations Resident Coordinator for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, Joanna Kazana, concluded a four-day mission to Sint Maarten from Tuesday, 13 January to Friday, 16 January, reaffirming the United Nations’ partnership with the Government and people of Sint Maarten.During her mission, RC Kazana held discussions with senior Government officials, development partners, environmental experts and United Nations agencies in support of national priorities aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).A Landmark for Justice Reform: Groundbreaking of the New Point Blanche Correctional FacilityA central moment of the mission was the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Point Blanche Correctional Facility on Thursday, 15 January, marking a major milestone in Sint Maarten’s ongoing Detention Sector Reform Program.The new correctional facility is being constructed under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice, with building works implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The project represents a joint investment of US $52 million from the Government of Sint Maarten and the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of the Netherlands. However, the reform is not about infrastructure alone. In parallel with construction, the United Nations is supporting Sint Maarten to modernise the detention system through a comprehensive package of “soft” reforms focused on human rights, rehabilitation and institutional capacity.Through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UN is working with national authorities on staff training for prison guards, stronger legal frameworks, rehabilitation and reintegration programming, education pathways and mental health and psychosocial support systems. These initiatives aim to mobilise meaningful change in systems and approaches before the new building is completed, grounding a reinvigorated commitment to rehabilitation and human dignity in the reform of the detention sector.“This groundbreaking marks a long-awaited turning point in the reform of Sint Maarten’s detention system," Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, said during the groundbreaking ceremony. It speaks to our responsibility to the people who live, work within, and are affected by that system every day — our prison staff, our inmates, and the wider community. This facility represents a future built on fair second chances, stronger institutions, and detention conditions that uphold international standards, ensuring justice is served with humanity, integrity, and purpose.” Reflecting on the significance of the partnership between the UN, the Governments of Sint Maarten and the Netherlands, and detention sector authorities, Ms. Kazana stated:“This kind of partnership is really a beacon of hope, a beacon of very concrete work that the United Nations will continue to do in the name of human rights, in the name of justice, in the name of equality.”UNOPS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Dalila Gonçalves, emphasized that the facility lays the foundation for a “more humane, resilient and forward-looking justice system."Covering approximately 10,000 square metres, the four-storey facility will more than double the country’s current detention capacity, providing space for up to 196 inmates.The new correctional facility will include healthcare facilities, a basic mental health unit, family visitation areas, vocational training workshops and classrooms, as well as indoor and outdoor recreational spaces.The building will be engineered to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and seismic activity, using reinforced concrete and corrosion-resistant materials. The existing prison was damaged when Hurricane Irma hit Sint Maarten in 2017, with repairs being subsequently undertaken.Construction is expected to take approximately three years and will employ an average of more than 100 workers daily, supporting local livelihoods and economic activity.Strategic UN–Government Dialogue on National PrioritiesAs part of the mission, RC Kazana co-chaired a high-level Strategic UN–Government Meeting with the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, bringing together senior Cabinet members and representatives of United Nations agencies.The meeting served as a platform to review the findings of the 2026 Common Country Analysis for Sint Maarten, the UN's independent analysis of the development challenges and opportunities in Sint Maarten. Discussions also focused on national development priorities, particularly where the UN's technical expertise can accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Exploring Sint Maarten’s First UNESCO Man and the Biosphere ReserveOn Friday, 16 January, Ms. Kazana visited Fort Amsterdam to learn more about the UNESCO National Commission's efforts to establish Sint Maarten’s first Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Reserve.The proposed site would include surrounding marine and coastal ecosystems and would bring Sint Maarten into a globally recognised network of areas that serve as learning laboratories for sustainable development.Biosphere Reserves promote interdisciplinary approaches to better understand and manage the interaction between people and nature. They support biodiversity conservation, ecosystem stewardship, sustainable livelihoods, and peaceful, inclusive development. Strengthening PartnershipsRC Kazana held bilateral discussions with Minister Tackling alongside the UNOPS Regional Director, Ms. Gonçalves. The meeting focused on Sint Maarten's objectives and efforts to advance detention sector reform. Additionally, RC Kazana met with World Bank Program Manager for the Sint Maarten Reconstruction, Recovery and Resilience Trust Fund, Ms. Toyin Jagha. Discussions explored the World Bank's work to support Sint Maarten's recovery after Hurricane Irma, with a particular focus on the World Bank's projects on waste management and health infrastructure and systems. The upcoming Knowledge and Results Fair in February 2026 was highlighted as an important method of communicating the outcomes of the World Bank's work to the Sint Maarten population. Promoting Transparency and Accountability: Conversations with the MediaFacilitating interviews with the local media was a high priority for RC Kazana during her mission to Sint Maarten. Journalists from the People's Tribune and Sint Maarten News Now were invited to conduct one-on-one interviews on a wide range of topics, including the UN's work in Sint Maarten, the progress on construction of the Point Blanche correctional facility and the needs of migrants and refugees living on the island. RC Kazana's first visit to the Dutch Caribbean in 2026 highlighted the deep commitment of her office, and the United Nations as a whole, to partnering with national stakeholders as they chart their sustainable development aspirations and progress. Information gained during the visit will shape the UN's programming in Sint Maarten in 2026 and beyond.

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A group of people wearing hard hats and construction vests pose with shovels in their hand

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05 January 2026

UN Secretary General's Statement to the UN Security Council on Venezuela

Under-Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, addressed a UN Security Council meeting on Monday, 5 January, 2026, on threats to international peace and security regarding the situation in Venezuela. She read a statement from UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. The following is the text of that statement:Mr. President, Members of the Security Council. We meet at a grave time following the 3 January United States military action in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The broad outlines of the events of Saturday have been widely reported. Early that day, US forces were active across Caracas and in the northern states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. The extent of casualties resulting from these actions remains undetermined. In a statement on social media on Saturday, President Donald Trump announced the conduct of a “large scale strike against Venezuela, and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro”. During a press conference on Saturday, President Trump stated: “We are going to run the country until such time that we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”. The Government of Venezuela has characterized the United States action as a military aggression carried out in civilian and military areas, and as a flagrant violation of the Charter, posing a threat to international and regional peace and security. As we speak, President Maduro is being held in New York accused by US authorities, along with his wife Cilia Flores, of serious criminal offenses. What is less certain is the immediate future of Venezuela. I am deeply concerned about the possible intensification of instability in the country, the potential impact on the region, and the precedent it may set for how relations between and among states are conducted. Mr President, The situation in Venezuela has been a matter of regional and international concern for many years now. Attention on the country only grew following the contested presidential elections in July 2024. The panel of electoral experts I appointed at the Venezuelan Government’s request to accompany the elections highlighted serious issues. We have consistently called for full transparency and the complete publication of the results of the elections. As we reported to the Council on 23 December, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has catalogued serious violations. On 3 January, Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez invoked an emergency decree throughout the national territory extending additional security powers to the government. Mr. President, The latest developments follow a period of heightened tensions, beginning in mid-August, as discussed in this Council on two previous occasions. I have consistently stressed the imperative of full respect, by all, for international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, which provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace and security. I remain deeply concerned that rules of international law have not been respected with regard to the 3 January military action. The Charter enshrines the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The maintenance of international peace and security depends on the continued commitment of all Member States to adhere to all the provisions of the Charter. Mr. President, Venezuela has experienced decades of internal instability and social and economic turmoil. Democracy has been undermined. Millions of its people have fled the country. The situation is critical, but it is still possible to prevent a wider and more destructive conflagration. I call on all Venezuelan actors to engage in an inclusive, democratic dialogue in which all sectors of society can determine their future. This entails the full respect of human rights, the rule of law and the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people. I also urge Venezuela’s neighbors, and the international community more broadly, to act in a spirit of solidarity and in adherence to the principles, laws and rules erected to promote peaceful coexistence. I welcome and am ready to support all efforts aimed at assisting Venezuelans in finding a peaceful way forward. Mr. President, Excellencies, In situations as confused and complex as the one we now face, it is important to stick to principles.Respect for the UN Charter and all other applicable legal frameworks to safeguard peace and security.Respect for the principles of sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of states. The prohibition of the threat or use of force.The power of the law must prevail. International law contains tools to address issues such as illicit traffic in narcotics, disputes about resources and human rights concerns. This is the route we need to take. Thank you. Read more here: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166701

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A UN Under-Secretary General sits at a meeting table in front of a microphone to deliver a statement at the UN Security Council

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15 December 2025

2025 ACM: Shifting Gears from Vulnerability to Resilience

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago — Caribbean governments gathered for the 2025 Annual Coordination Meeting (ACM) to discuss progress in implementation of the UN Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the Caribbean (UNMSDCF) and set clear long-term priorities for the future partnership. They delivered a clear mandate to the United Nations to strengthen multilateralism and work on sustainable development, calling for continued UN support on climate resilience and disaster risk management, economic diversification, human capital development, digital transformation and citizen security. The meeting marked a milestone in the collective Caribbean effort to accelerate development before the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Held in Port of Spain on December 10, the ACM brought together representatives from 16 signatory countries and CARICOM to shape the direction of the next UNMSDCF for 2027–2031—the UN’s strategic focus for development support across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. The priorities articulated during the 2025 ACM closely link UN system support with the ambitions of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), adopted in 2024. From climate-resilient infrastructure to blue and green economies, digital public services and shock-responsive social protection, governments used the 2025 ACM to underscore that ABAS is now shaping national and regional expectations for UN cooperation. The ACM translated these global SIDS commitments into concrete, region-specific priorities—reinforcing ABAS as a practical agenda for delivery.In 2024, the combined investment of the UN development system in the Caribbean under the current UNMSDCF for 2022-2026 was approximately US $200 million, representing a continued upward trend in funding mobilization. Details on the UN’s regional delivery were captured in a newly-released Regional Results Report, an unprecedented Caribbean-wide snapshot that outlines the UN’s work across six United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs): Belize; Guyana; Jamaica (covering five Member states); Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Islands; and the Eastern Caribbean (based in Barbados, covering ten Member States and overseas territories).Speaking during the ACM opening ceremony, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Senator Dr. the Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh, reflected on progress under the current UNMSDCF while underscoring the region’s ambition for the next phase of cooperation.“As we reflect on what has been achieved under the current MSDCF, we acknowledge meaningful progress across the region. These achievements reflect the value of what we can achieve when global expertise and national priorities are aligned,” Minister Swaratsingh said. “The next Cooperation Framework will mark the shift from vulnerability to resilience. This is where the Caribbean’s strength is rooted—in innovation, in the ability to adapt and support one another. While the challenges ahead are real, so is our collective capacity to overcome them.” United Nations Resident Coordinator for Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, Joanna Kazana, emphasised that the next framework must be firmly shaped by government leadership and strategic clarity.“The UN is using forecasting and foresight to understand where the changing global context may take us,” Ms. Kazana said. “Tell us what you want the UN system to prioritise in this partnerships so the region can accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda and deliver equitable, inclusive and resilient development for every Caribbean citizen.” The feedback from governments comes at a decisive moment, since the 2027–2031 UNMSDCF will be the final framework before the deadline for the 2030 Agenda—leaving little room for fragmented or incremental action.The priorities articulated at the 2025 ACM will now inform joint planning to design the 2027–2031 UNMSDCF. As governments and the UN move into this phase, the emphasis will be on sharpening focus, mobilising partnerships and ensuring the framework is positioned to deliver measurable impact in the Caribbean’s critical final push toward the SDGs.

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