Trinidad and Tobago and United Nations Sign Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022-2026

Port of Spain, 9 July 2025 – Trinidad and Tobago has taken an important step forward in its sustainable development journey with the formal signing of the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026.

At a ceremony held at the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Senator Dr. The Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh and UN Resident Coordinator in Trinidad and Tobago, Joanna Kazana, signed the Framework, reaffirming a shared commitment to sustainable, inclusive development and closer collaboration across sectors.

Representatives of United Nations system agencies attended the milestone event, underscoring the joint priorities identified for cooperation with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. These priorities include:

• Strengthening the education system and ensuring access to education for all children, particularly migrants and refugees;
• Preventing violence and crime through community-based interventions;
• Harnessing digitalization and artificial intelligence to improve public administration, service delivery, statistical systems, and financial governance;
• Promoting health, nutrition, and food security as integral parts of national resilience and well-being strategies; and
• Revitalizing social dialogue and fortifying institutions that uphold labour rights and decent work.

Looking ahead, the United Nations in Trinidad and Tobago plans to intensify its support in key areas such as digital inclusion, financial literacy, and building resilient food systems. Efforts will also continue to bolster national capacities in health, environmental protection, climate adaptation, and social protection

The UN remains dedicated to advancing justice reform, child protection, women’s rights, anti-trafficking initiatives, and cybersecurity, all aligned with the New Agenda for Peace and the country’s vision for prevention-focused, people-centred governance.

Minister Swaratsingh and Ms. Kazana both highlighted the critical role of strong partnerships in achieving sustainable development and pledged continued, coordinated collaboration to build a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable future for Trinidad and Tobago.

Ms. Kazana also presented a copy of the UN Country Team's 2024 Annual Results Report

The signing of the UNSDCF represents a significant milestone in the partnership between the United Nations and Trinidad and Tobago, charting a path toward sustainable development that leaves no one behind.