Aruba, UN Sign New Cooperation Framework Agreement

February 15, 2022: The Government of Aruba has become the latest signatory to the new United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework (MSDCF) for the Caribbean for the years 2022 to 2026.

The Framework will govern UN collaboration in the region for the next five years, support countries and territories to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, and work on sustainable development in a way that leaves no one behind.

The new cooperation framework was signed on Friday, February 11 by the Prime Minister of Aruba, Her Excellency Evelyn Wever-Croes, and UN Resident Coordinator, Marina Walter, during a hybrid ceremony between UN House in Trinidad and Tobago and the Government of Aruba.

Ms. Walter was joined by several members of the UN Country Team in commending the Government of Aruba for its substantive contribution to the Cooperation Framework design process and for its strengthened and continuing partnership with the UN.

In her remarks, Ms. Walter stated that “the Cooperation Framework represents a new era of cooperation for the UN and the Caribbean and it provides a solid foundation on which to continue to support the Government of Aruba in its objectives of achieving the goals of Agenda 2030.”

The Resident Coordinator reaffirmed the commitment of the UN to the Government of Aruba in its objectives to reach the Sustainable Development Goals during the Decade of Action.

Prime Minister Wever-Croes stated that, “Aruba is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and looks forward to implementing the Cooperation Framework’, adding that the Government of Aruba is ‘keen to keep building our pathway towards greater resilience.”

UNDP, UNEP, UNFPA, UN Women, IOM, PAHO/WHO, UNDSS, UNIC, FAO and ILO also participated in the signing ceremony, and offered congratulations to the Government of Aruba while giving assurances of their continued support.

The MSDCF identifies four key priorities for achieving resilient sustainable development in the region: increased support to the economic resilience agenda; intensified efforts to ensure realization of human rights for all; strong commitment to enhancing inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation; and scaled up support to ensure that Caribbean societies remain peaceful and just societies.