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.