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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02 December 2025

Youth Parliament 2025: Young Leaders Confront Cyberbullying

At a time when online harassment is escalating worldwide and young people are increasingly vulnerable to its impacts, the 22nd National Youth Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago convened on 24 November, 2025 to debate a motion on Mitigating the Effects of Cyberbullying.Thirty-six youth parliamentarians gathered at the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago for a five-hour debate infused with rigorous research, personal testimony and evidence-based policymaking proposals, underscoring that cyberbullying is not just an online nuisance but a serious human rights issue.A highlight of the event was the presentation of the UN Partnership Award for Distinguished Youth Parliamentarian, awarded to Samisha Maharaj of UWI St. Augustine, for using her presentation to underscore the six Sustainable Development Goals which are directly aligned to efforts to prevent and address cyberbullying. "Youth Parliamentarians: stand tall in knowing you have made laudable strides in your journey as youth leaders," said UN Resident Coordinator ad interim, Joni Musabayana. Today, you demonstrated discipline, empathy, courage and a commitment to the common good."Participants highlighted how cyberbullying erodes mental health, damages trust and social relationships and undermines the human right to dignity and safety. The Youth Parliamentarians also emphasized that the problem extends beyond screens, following young people into their homes, classrooms and communities.Youth parliamentarians stressed that responding to cyberbullying is not enough; prevention must be prioritized. Their recommendations included:Digital citizenship educationEmpathy-building initiativesMental health support systemsParent and teacher engagementYouth-driven peer initiativesThe United Nations in Trinidad and Tobago partnered with the Parliament for the second consecutive year, providing financial support and five sessions of capacity development for the Youth Parliamentarians. This partnership is firmly anchored in the UN Youth 2030 Strategy, which affirms that young people must not only be included in national decision-making but be empowered to shape it. Several UN agencies supported the Youth Parliamentarians' debate preparation:UNODC contextualized cyberbullying within digital crime and referenced the newly adopted UN Convention against Cybercrime (October 2025).UNICEF shared global and regional data on adolescent mental health impacts and facilitated youth polling through the U-Report platform.UN Women and UNFPA examined gender dimensions of online abuse, including image-based violence and coercive online behavior.UNESCO guided discussions on AI-driven content moderation and youth inclusion in policymakingThis multi-agency collaboration ensured that youth parliamentarians were equipped with frameworks, data, and tools to strengthen their analysis.

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19 November 2025

Strengthening Investigative and Reporting Systems Across the Caribbean

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 19 November 2025: Representatives from 10 Caribbean countries - Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago - convened for the Regional Conference on Reporting Crime, organized by UNODC in collaboration with the Integrity Commission of Trinidad and Tobago, and supported by the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and Canada’s Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program (ACCBP). The conference focused on strengthening national and regional systems for receiving, analyzing, and acting on reports related to offenses ranging from misconduct to complex crime linked to the operations of criminal networks.Participants underscored that secure reporting channels, effective preliminary analysis, and robust whistle-blower protection frameworks are essential for transforming allegations into actionable investigative leads. Offenses such as bribery, illicit enrichment, fraud, trading in influence, and state capture were noted as key enablers of organized criminal networks in the Caribbean region.The conference also drew participation from key regional partners, such as CARICOM IMPACS, the Caribbean Commonwealth Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICACB) and the Regional Security System (RSS). Throughout the conference, integrity commission officials, investigators (including from financial intelligence units), prosecutors, as well as other practitioners shared practical tools for improving complaint intake, triage, and analysis, with particular attention to the challenges faced by small-island and resource-constrained contexts. Sessions also highlighted the need for stronger inter-agency and cross-border cooperation to detect criminal patterns and dismantle financial networks and the potential use of new technologies and artificial intelligence for efficiency in this context. UNODC emphasized the relevance of the provisions of the United Nations Convention against Corruption to strengthen accountability systems across the Caribbean.The conference is expected to reinforce national reporting mechanisms, enhance investigative readiness, generate effective whistle-blower protection and promote greater regional alignment in investigative protocols and cooperation at the national and regional level. By advancing collaboration and peer learning, Caribbean countries continue to strengthen the institutional framework and professional skills needed to ensure accountability and effectively prevent and combat organized crime.

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A group of workshop participants stand together to take a group photo

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26 November 2025

Stronger Partnerships for Stronger Results: UN and Sint Maarten Advance Shared Development Agenda

Strengthening national development delivery and deepening cooperation between the Government of Sint Maarten and the United Nations were at the centre of a recent strategic mission by the UN Office of the Resident Coordinator Office for the Dutch Caribbean. Through high-level engagements with Ministers, Secretaries-General of government departments, national institutions and UN agencies, the mission advanced shared priorities for implementation capacity, statistical reform, access to development finance and the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals. From 19–21 November 2025, the RCO team—led by Head of Office Ms. Tracey Hutchinson, with Economist, Arslan Chaudhary and Partnerships and Development Finance Officer, Mark Thomas —held a series of targeted meetings across Government and the UN system to support Sint Maarten in shaping the next phase of UN cooperation through the Common Country Analysis, the Country Implementation Plan and the next MSDCF.The visit created opportunities to reviewing progress on the UN' Country Implementation Plan for Sint Maarten, support the drafting of the Common Country Analysis, formally present the UN 2024 Annual Results Report and deepen cooperation with Government ministries, partners and national institutions. Strategic meetings across GovernmentOver the three-day mission, the RCO team met with senior leadership from across the public sector, including:Social Economic Council (SER)Discussions focused on economic diversification, social pressures, governance, migration dynamics, and strengthening national statistics. UNOPS and UNODC on the Point Blanche Detention Sector Reform ProgrammeThe Minister of Justice, together with UNOPS and UNODC, confirmed a January 2026 groundbreaking ceremony for the Point Blanche Detention Sector Reform center, together with the Minister of Justice. The programme aims to double national detention capacity and introduce modern rehabilitation, skills training and TVET models. Department of Interior and Kingdom Relations (BAK)The UN and BAK discussed SDG implementation and access to development financing. BAK welcomed the establishment of a UN-Government Joint National Steering Committee.Secretaries-General of three ministries:Public Health, Social Development and Labour – on health systems, statistics reform, labour legislation ageing, and social protection.Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Statistics – on UN technical support for FDI, labour force data and the CCA.General Affairs – on cross-government SDG coordination and data for policy reforms.

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17 November 2025

Extensive Stakeholder Consultations Enrich UN’s Development Landscape Assessment

Grassroots insights and comprehensive feedback from a wide range of stakeholder groups will anchor a new UN assessment of Trinidad and Tobago’s development landscape, as part of the UN’s commitment to creating a people-centred evidence base to drive sustainable development progress.Twelve diverse focus group consultations held across both Trinidad and Tobago demonstrate the UN’s deep commitment to Leave No One Behind (LNOB) by elevating the voices of groups whose experiences are often underrepresented in official data or national dialogue. This rich range of Trinbagonian perspectives will shape the UN’s 2025 Common Country Analysis, an independent, evidence-based assessment of Trinidad and Tobago’s development challenges and opportunities. The CCA is a fundamental building block for drafting the upcoming UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF) 2026–2031, a blueprint for the UN’s work with countries to accelerate their achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Hosted between September and October 2025, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), with coordination support from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), convened focus group discussions with:Tobago residents (one consultation in Belle Garden and the other in Canaan)Refugees and migrantsGirlsBoys and young menDisaster risk resilience expertsClimate and environment practitionersPrevention of violence and social cohesion practitionersGender equality and women’s empowerment groupsOlder personsOrganisations of Persons With DisabilitiesFaith-based organisations, andYouth Why focus groups matter for the CCAWhile national statistics and policy reviews remain essential, focus group consultations provide something no dataset can fully capture: the lived experiences, perceptions, and day-to-day realities that reveal how development challenges and opportunities truly play out in people’s lives.These qualitative insights strengthen the CCA by:Surfacing underreported or invisible issues affecting marginalized communitiesExplaining the “why” behind quantitative data trendsHighlighting rights-based and gendered dimensions of exclusionIlluminating geographic disparities, especially between Trinidad and TobagoValidating or challenging assumptions found in policy documentsRevealing unintended consequences of programmes or systemsIdentifying proven entry points and solutions to development challengesBy capturing these nuances, the forthcoming CCA will provide a sharper, more inclusive foundation for UN programming and investment. A companion knowledge product for the development communityIn addition to integrating the insights directly into the CCA, the Office of the Resident Coordinator is developing a companion knowledge product that brings together the extensive qualitative feedback gathered from all 12 consultations. This resource will be publicly accessible and can be used by civil society organisations, Government ministries and agencies, UN entities, academia, private-sector partners, and development stakeholders.It will serve as a practical reference tool for designing programmes, policies, and services that respond directly to the needs, priorities, and experiences of groups most at risk of being left behind.Building on these consultations, the UN Country Team will continue engaging stakeholders to ensure there is continuous dialogue to shape the UN's programming.

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A group of elderly people stand and hold large cubes which depict the Sustainable Development Goals

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12 November 2025

At Midway Point: Caribbean States to Review and Renew Efforts to Curb Gun Violence Through Regional Roadmap

Five years after pledging to stem the illegal flow of firearms within and throughout the region, Caribbean States and regional and international partners met in Trinidad and Tobago to assess progress achieved and agree on priorities for the next five years.High-level representatives from the 15 CARICOM States and the Dominican Republic convened in Trinidad and Tobago from 11 to 12 November 2025 for the Fifth Annual Meeting of States of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, a decade-long strategy to curb the illicit proliferation of firearms and ammunition by 2030. The meeting was attended by the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Joanna Kazana; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones, Executive
Director of the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime & Security (IMPACS); The Honourable Roger Alexander, Minister of Homeland Security and high-level government representatives of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as members of the international community and the diplomatic corps accredited to Trinidad and Tobago. The 2025 Annual Meeting of States, organized by Roadmap co-custodians, CARICOM IMPACS, and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), in collaboration with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and with funding from Canada, marked a significant milestone: the midpoint of the Roadmap’s implementation period. The meeting thus served as an inflection point for assessing progress, discussing persistent challenges, and reviewing recommendations emerging from the Mid-Term Review, which were presented at the meeting.On 11 November, national focal points and monitoring and evaluation experts met to review technical progress and share experiences in implementing and reporting on the Roadmap. On 12 November, a high-level ministerial segment took place, dedicated to reviewing the findings and recommendations of the Mid- Term Review of the Roadmap, reaffirming political commitment, and underscoring the urgency of accelerating implementation efforts.
Mid-Term Review: A Region at a CrossroadsIllicit firearms and ammunition continue to drive high levels of homicides and crime across many Caribbean countries, posing significant threats to public safety and human security. The resulting violence also hinders wider socioeconomic development, negatively affects public health systems, discourages investment, and weakens business growth. Midway through the Roadmap’s implementation, a Mid-Term Review highlighted the significant progress. Thirteen States have developed National Action Plans (NAPs) to combat illicit firearms trafficking, aligning the Roadmap’s strategic priorities with their national contexts, reflecting strong national-level commitment. The Mid-Term Review, which was presented at the Meeting of States, highlighted improvements in firearm legislation, enhanced law enforcement capacity, and stronger regional intelligence coordination. However, the Review also pointed to persistent and uneven challenges. While some countries have made notable strides, others continue to experience rising levels of armed violence. Limited funding, political transitions, and inconsistent data reporting have hindered implementation efforts. Moreover, the Roadmap must strengthen its integration with broader national and regional security and violence prevention strategies. It should also promote more inclusive participation, particularly of women, youth and community leaders, with a view to addressing armed violence in a holistic and sustainable manner, beyond the narrow lens of security. In an effort to consolidate and widely showcase the progress of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, UNLIREC has developed a virtual gallery featuring interactive rooms that highlight the joint work undertaken by States and implementing partners, visualizing five years of progress and implementation.Across the Caribbean, gun violence remains one of the region’s most persistent public-safety challenges. Yet, despite these disparities, the overall trajectory is encouraging. Most countries are moving in the right direction, having demonstrated commitment and progress in implementing the Roadmap over the past five years. However, levels of gun violence remain unacceptably high, underscoring the urgency of sustained and coordinated action. The Roadmap continues to be a relevant strategy to guide national and regional efforts, but its implementation must be accelerated to realize the shared visions of a safer Caribbean by 2030.
BackgroundThe Caribbean Firearms Roadmap is a regional umbrella framework adopted by CARICOM States and the Dominican Republic in 2020, in which States committed themselves to implement concrete actions to combat illicit firearms trafficking and make the Caribbean a safer region. Sixteen countries in the region have formally adopted the Roadmap, with thirteen having developed National Action Plans, which tailor the Roadmap’s framework to their unique national contexts.
The Roadmap signifies a commitment by Caribbean States to implement sustainable solutions to prevent and combat armed violence and crimes that are aligned with international norms and the broader goal of promoting sustainable peace, security, and development across the Caribbean. About UNLIREC
The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) is one of three regional centres under the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. Since its establishment in 1986, UNLIREC has worked to promote peace, security and disarmament throughout the region.
For more information, please visit www.unlirec.org or contact: melissa.yi@unlirec.org.

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a group photo comprising the Minister of Homeland Security, UN officials, CARICOM IMPACS officials, Caribbean representatives and ambassadors

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10 November 2025

Model UN Hits Historic 25-Year Milestone

The Model United Nations hosted by the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain achieved a historic milestone on Saturday, November 8 when it hosted its 25th annual debate, with the support of the United Nations in Trinidad and Tobago and other partners.The quarter-century edition of the simulated UN General Assembly debate featured an unprecedented 200+ secondary school students – more than double the usual number of participants. After two months of training, research and preparation, delegates from Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, Grenada, Montserrat and St. Vincent and the Grenadines represented approximately 100 different countries as they debated a resolution on the prevention of genocide. During her feature address, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Her Excellency Christine Kangaloo, appealed to the youth advocates to use the skills and insights acquired during the Model UN to improve their communities.“Participants will have to contend with language and behaviour in the public space that often divides and tears down rather than heals and builds up—language that runs counter to the values and core purpose of the United Nations.” She added, “Difficult situations are not dead ends but tests of persistence, resilience, and effort. What you are reaching for is valuable enough to require great effort.”The UN in Trinidad and Tobago’s partnership with the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain provided financial and technical support for the 25th annual Model UN, including comprehensive training offered by the United Nations Information Centre. UN Resident Coordinator, Joanna Kazana, applauded the timely relevance of a debate on peace and human rights, encouraging the youth leaders to use their voices to call out human rights violations in any form.“Peace and human rights do not automatically sustain themselves, they are not a ‘given,’” explained UN Resident Coordinator, Joanna Kazana, in her opening remarks. “They must be protected and defended by all of us – including young people. It matters not if human rights violations affect a group to which we do not belong. The very principle of human rights is universality.” In preparation for this year's debate, Model UN delegates spent seven Saturdays in training sessions that explored the workings of the UN General Assembly, the formulation of resolutions for debate, the fundamentals of human rights and peacebuilding and the principles of international diplomacy.As part of that capacity-building foundation, UNDP/DPPA, UN Women, OHCHR and the United Nations Information Centre facilitated presentations on the history of the UN, the foundations of the UN Charter and the workings of the UN; human rights; peacebuilding and the role of women and youth. The joint UN agency initiative received coordination support from the UN Office of the Resident Coordinator, which also forged a financial partnership with the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain for the hosting of this year's Model UN.

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The president of Trinidad and Tobago stands in a photo with 200 students

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07 November 2025

National Youth Parliamentarians Prepare to Debate Solutions to Cyberbullying

In preparation for the upcoming 22nd National Youth Parliament, 35 youth delegates from across Trinidad and Tobago received a suite of UN-facilitated training to understand the challenge of cyberbullying and formulate policy responses to mitigate its effects. With coordination support from the UN Office of the Resident Coordinator, experts from UN Women Multi-Country Office (Caribbean), UNFPA Caribbean, UNICEF Eastern Caribbean and UNESCO Caribbean explored the different forms of online harassment, including cyberbullying technology facilitated gender-based violence, doxxing, catfishing and revenge porn. Impacts on mental health and social cohesion were also discussed, with a particular focus on how these effects differ across genders and age groups. This in-person training held on Thursday, November 6 followed a virtual training session where UNODC laid a foundation on the signature characteristics of cyberbullying. UNODC also outlined the importance of international cooperation between UN Member States to hold perpetrators accountable, as evidenced by the recent adoption of the UN Convention on Cyberbullying in October 2025. In that virtual session, National Youth Parliamentarians also benefitted from UNICEF's presentation on the mental health effects of cyberbullying and learned about the Young Caribbean Minds digital mental health hub for Caribbean youth. Delegates learned how harmful content and online threats can perpetuate discrimination, limit self-expression, and cause lasting psychological harm.The partnership with the National Youth Parliament is part of the United Nations’ ongoing commitment to empowering youth to address emerging social challenges in the digital age. Discussions also examined the role of social media platforms, online gaming spaces and digital communities in shaping online behaviour. Facilitators encouraged delegates to look critically at how technology can both connect and harm, and how young people can take the lead in promoting safer, more inclusive digital environments. Another important element of that discussion was the link between the online and offline spaces and how violence can flow between the two, indicating the importance effective prevention programmes that provide protections in both the digital and real-world environments.This year’s Youth Parliament motion, titled “Mitigating the Effects of Cyberbullying,” calls on the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to enact legislation and implement policies informed by data to address this growing issue. The motion recognises the profound impacts of cyberbullying, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation to, in severe cases, self-harm or suicide. Morover, it urges stronger protection for victims alongside prevention measures. Delegates will debate how to punish perpetrators, protect victims, and prevent further incidents, with a focus on upholding citizens’ rights to life, liberty, security, and privacy in online spaces.The partnership between the United Nations and the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago provided both financial and technical support to the National Youth Parliament, as part of the UN’s global Youth 2030 Strategy. This Strategy commits the UN to supporting youth-led platforms that empower young people to shape national discourse and policy-making and which build the capacities of young people to advocate for a better, more sustainable future. By engaging youth in national decision-making processes like the Youth Parliament, the UN system in Trinidad and Tobago continues to champion the participation of young people in shaping a safer, and more inclusive digital future. This article was written by Communications Assistant Intern at the UN Office of the Resident Coordinator, Elias Dunbakli.

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A student stands and speaks in a room of young people who are sitting at tables

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07 November 2025

Draw The Line Against Violence Art Competition

16 Days of Activism Art Competition | RulesArt Competition for the 16 Days of Activism 2025As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, UN Women, UNFPA, the UN Office of the Resident Coordinator, in partnerships with the High Commission of Canada and the European Union Delegation, invite young artists ages 11 to 18 to participate in the “Draw The Line Against Violence’’ Art Competition.This year’s campaign focuses on the prevention of various kinds of violence, including Gender-Based Violence, bullying, cyberbullying, child abuse, school violence, family violence, online violence, and the creation of safe, inclusive and respectful spaces for all.General Rules1. Learn & ReflectBefore starting to create your artwork, learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they promote equality, peace, and justice for everyone:
🔗 https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/2. Choose a CategoryCreate an original piece of artwork inspired by the theme “Prevention of Violence” and the promotion of safe, inclusive, and respectful spaces. → Consider the following categories:Safe Spaces for All: show what safe, inclusive, and respectful environments, at school, home, or online, look like when everyone is treated with kindness and dignity and conflicts are resolved peacefully.Preventing Bullying and Cyberbullying: depict how empathy and courage can help stop bullying, whether it happens face-to-face or behind a screen.Ending Gender-Based Violence: illustrate the importance of equality, respect and standing up for the rights and safety of women and girls.Protecting Children from Violence and Abuse: highlight the role we all play in ensuring children grow up in environments free from harm, neglect and fear.Family and Community Harmony: celebrate families and communities that resolve conflict peacefully and support one another with love and respect.Freedom and Safety: portray the right of everyone, especially women and girls, to live, learn and express themselves safely and confidently both in real life and in digital spaces.Empowerment and Equality—Online and Offline: show how empowerment, education and equal opportunities can help people, particularly youth and women, thrive safely everywhere, online and offline.3. Artwork Format and Submission GuidelinesEntries can be created using:Traditional media — pencil, pen, crayon, charcoal, oil, acrylic, water colours or mixed media.Digital art — illustrations, designs or digital compositionsPerformance art: original poetry or spoken word poetry.Students may submit art in any form: digital media, physical art [paintings, drawings, sketches, mixed media art] or video recordings of original poetry under the theme of Prevention of Violence. For physical art, such as paintings or sketches, please take a clear, well-lit photograph of the final piece and email the photo to unrcott@gmail.com no later than 4pm on Friday, November 28, 2025.Only one submission will be accepted per participant. In the body of the email, include:Full name of the artistSchool which the artist attendsParent/guardian’s phone number (or personal phone number if participant is 18 years old)Email address (of participant or parent/guardian)Title of the artworkChosen category [reference categories above]A brief explanation (3–5 sentences) of what your artwork represents and how it connects to the theme “Prevention of Violence.”

→ The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the design or execution of the artwork is not permitted.4. EligibilityOpen to participants aged 11–18 years residing in Trinidad and Tobago.5. Parental/Guardian SubmissionArtists under 18 years old must have their entries submitted by a parent or guardian on their behalf via the parent/guardian’s email address.6. Submission DeadlineAll entries must be received by Friday, 28th November at 4pm TT time.7. How to SubmitEmail your submission to unrcott@gmail.com.8. Ineligible ParticipantsUN staff members, including interns and consultants, are not eligible to participate9. Additional RemindersAll submissions must be original and align with the theme.Entries not respecting the theme or rules will not be considered.Artwork should not include personal photos or identifying information.

10. Judging Criteria and Announcement of WinnersJudging will be based on:CreativityCompositionRelevance to ThemeTechnique
Winners will be announced in December 2025 via the UN Women Caribbean, UNFPA Caribbean and UN Trinidad and Tobago social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram. Winners will also be contacted via email and/or cellphone. An awards ceremony will be held to distribute prizes. A confirmed date for the ceremony will be provided to winning artists via email/phone. 11. Participation in Public ExhibitionsAll artists retain full copyright of their work.By making a submission to enter this art competition, participants agree to have some of their artwork displayed at three public exhibitions aimed at raising awareness about the value of preventing all forms of violence. These exhibits will take place in the first three weeks of December at venues to be announced.UN Women, UNFPA and the UN in Trinidad and Tobago will conduct these exhibits and showcase the work of artists who win and/or those who received high commendation from the judges. Therefore, some artists will be asked for permission for the UN team to collect physical works of art to include in these exhibits. Following these exhibits, the physical art will be returned to the artist.

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03 November 2025

UN 80 Celebrations Renew Bonds Among Partners and Staff

A high-level conference to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations was hosted in partnership with the Office of the Campus Principal at the University of the West Indies St. Augustine.The conference, titled “From Legacy to Future: Renewing Multilateralism in a Changing World,” featured Trinidad and Tobago’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Dr. Neil Parsan, and former President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, as distinguished members of a fireside chat. The event was hosted on Monday, October 27 at the UWI School of Education Auditorium.A panel discussion moderated by UWI Professor of Practice, Winston Dookeran, featured contributions from CARICOM Attorney Secretary-General for Community and Foreign Relations, Elizabeth Solomon, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative, Sharifa Ali-Abdullah, Coral Reef Scientist at the Institute of Marine Affairs, Dr. Anjani Ganase, and CEO of the ROOTS Foundation, Mtima Solwazi.The audience of diplomats, government partners, civil society representatives, UWI students and faculty and UN Heads of Agencies was also treated to five Youth Speakers who made clarion calls for action on climate change, gender equality, inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, peace and security and the future of the United Nations.UN Resident Coordinator, Joanna Kazana, delivered opening remarks while UWI St. Augustine Campus Principal, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, delivered welcome remarks. Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary and Director of the Bilateral Relations Unit at the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dr. Paul Byam, delivered the keynote address. The festivities continued on Wednesday, October 29 with a UN Staff Health and Wellness Expo. Anchored in the UN System Workplace Health and Well-being Strategy (2024), the event aimed to enhance the mental and physical health and wellness of staff from all UN System agencies. The Expo featured seminars, yoga, aerobics, flu shots and healthy local foods and beverages.With the support of the UN’s designated External Mental Health Professionals, our partners at the Trinidad and Tobago Psychologists Association (TTAP) and our team at PAHO/WHO, the Expo was grounded in a strong information-sharing thrust, offering four seminars on managing anxiety, navigating menopause, healthy responses to change and work/life balance. A dunk tank was a welcome stress-reliever that encouraged friendly rivalry and competitiveness among the staff.The Office of the Resident Coordinator, which organised the event, used the occasion to distribute a brochure summary of the UN System Workplace Mental Health and Well-being Strategy. The pamphlet also featured contact information for the UN's designated External Mental Health professionals and the official UN-registered doctors in Trinidad and Tobago. The UN in Trinidad and Tobago thanks its partners at Amare Probiotics, Dr. Juice, the Alliance of Rural Communities, Twigs Naturals, Chefwood Acres, Cedros Bay and Families in Action for their support of this staff wellness initiative.

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