T&T is a Regional Leader in its Capacity for Development Cooperation and Results

July 9, 2024: Trinidad and Tobago stands out as a leader among Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in marshalling robust institutional capacity and strong cross-sectoral cooperation to advance the sustainable development agenda. 

This was a frontrunner theme in discussions held during the annual Joint National Steering Committee (JNSC) Meeting, convened by the Ministry of Planning – on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago – and UN System representatives. The meeting took place today at the Brix Hotel in Port-of-Spain. 

The JNSC oversees the implementation of the UN’s development cooperation with the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to support the country’s development priorities, the overarching objectives of the Vision 2030 National Development Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The JNSC comprises high-level representatives from Government ministries and public sector entities alongside the UN Resident Coordinator and Representatives of UN entities working in Trinidad and Tobago.

During the meeting, the JNSC reviewed the UN’s 2023 Annual Results Report and the progress of key development initiatives, including success in supporting Government’s digital transformation thrust, the transition to clean energy, national strategies and action plans for Gender-Based Violence prevention and response and support for vulnerable populations - among other projects.

The JNSC also identified new priorities for the UN’s work in 2024-2025, including follow-up actions from the recently-concluded United Nations Fourth Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) in Antigua and Barbuda.

During her remarks, The Honourable Minister of Planning, Pennelope Beckles, credited the close collaboration between Government and the UN for significant progress on  national development priorities.

“Your presence calls attention to the importance of partnership as a powerful tool towards ensuring the prosperous and sustainable future of Trinidad and Tobago,” Minister Beckles said. “Gathering here today, we have the opportunity to capitalise on our diverse expertise reflecting on the fact that together, indeed, more can be accomplished.”

UN Resident Coordinator, Joanna Kazana, noted that Trinidad and Tobago is seen as a leader among Caribbean SIDS for its strong technical expertise and experience in leveraging complex, cross-sectoral cooperation with international partners. 

She said these skills remain an important foundation for the progress the country is making in achieving the SDGs.

“Trinidad and Tobago is poised to help shine a light for other SIDS because of its success in generating significant, concrete results in its development trajectory,” Ms. Kazana said. “The capacity within the Government to build partnerships for development – not only across the public sector but also with international development actors, regional institutions, civil society and the private sector – is a stellar example that should be promoted across the Caribbean for other countries to benefit from.”

The UN System reported a total expenditure of US $15.80 million delivered in 2023 – an increase of more than US $5 million compared to the previous year. The 2023 total is more than double the UN’s annual average expenditure from 2019 to 2021. 

Ms. Kazana attributed this increase in expenditure to the strong technical cooperation and coordination between Government and the UN, as well as the recognition among  international partners that SIDS priorities matter. She said Trinidad and Tobago’s cooperation with the UN has produced demonstrable results in policy formulation, institutional capacity-building and other aspects of the national development agenda.

For additional information on the UN’s work in Trinidad and Tobago over the last year and its priorities for 2024-2025, read the 2023 Annual Results Report.