United Nations in Guyana

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth's environment, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. Kindly note that the data visualizations show an aggregate of the Caribbean. To view the disaggregated data for Guyana, please select it from the dropdown menu.

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20 September 2022

UN General Assembly Explainer-The World meets at the UN

The UN General Assembly is like the Super Bowl of global diplomacy. It is the only time that almost every world leader gathers in the same place – at UN Headquarters in New York in September. But there is so much that goes on behind the scenes. World leaders come in, they talk to each other for a few minutes, they get to know each other. They exchange ideas. They talk through their differences. And that’s when negotiations can happen and progress can be agreed. Words not weapons. That’s the fundamental idea at the heart of the UN. Humanity can only survive, humanity can only thrive through cooperation, not conflict. And that’s why the UN exists.

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30 September 2022

GBV online course at the University of Guyana launched with support from EU-funded Spotlight Initiative

The University of Guyana (UG), on September 23, 2022, launched the “Resilience against and Disruption of Gender-Based Violence” (GBV) Introductory course for service providers, policymakers, and others who lead GBV and response approaches, including system strengthening. The 13-week programme is an elective course offered fully online and developed by UG in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) under the European Union (EU) funded Spotlight Initiative. The course aims to raise awareness of GBV with a focus on causes, consequences, intervention methods and social change. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between GBV and gender power relations, gender roles and norms, as well as how socioeconomic, cultural and religious factors impact the causes and consequences of GBV. Students will also be exposed to global and regional issues related to GBV while gaining a unique local overview of national interventions and learning about the importance of social change strategies toward ending GBV. The virtual launch saw attendance by EU Ambassador to Guyana, Rene van Nes; UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Yeşim Oruç; UNICEF Area Representative to Guyana & Suriname, Mr Nicolas Charles Pron; Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr Vindhya Persaud; Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin and other University and Ministry officials, as well as potential students of the course. Minister Persaud, during her feature address, noted that it is important that efforts are being made to tackle domestic violence, intimate partner violence and gender-based violence, all of which many consider to be overwhelming issues occurring in the world. “The need is one that is so great that everyone, whether male or female, should be able to be involved in the battle against violence,” the Minister stated. She added that with the launch of the course comes many positives, including the fact that it is free, which makes it accessible to everyone; it is crafted to study many aspects of GBV, and it is compulsory for many students within the University of Guyana structure. The Minister commended the work completed under the Spotlight Initiative, adding that the results completed in just under two years of its implementation make Guyana a leader in the region with regard to its approach to tackling GBV. EU Ambassador, Rene van Nes, in his remarks, highlighted that, “it is important that everyone understands that gender-based violence is not acceptable and should not be tolerated ever… gender-based violence takes away from girls and women the possibility to be their best, it takes away the most basic need that everyone deserves, and that is to feel safe and to feel respected.’’ The strength of partnerships was the focus of the UN Resident Coordinator’s remarks. Ms Oruç highlighted that Guyana’s work under the Spotlight Initiative was recently recognised at a Global Symposium in Cancun, Mexico for the results emanating from its partnerships and the dynamism of the partnerships of a broad cross-section of civil society partnerships. UNICEF’s Representative Mr. Pron welcomed the launch of the course, stating that “the importance of investment in all efforts to address gender-based violence cannot be overstated, as the long-term consequences affect community and families, whether through increased morbidity and mortality rates, disability and mental health challenges. The economic cost of violence to both family and the nation must also be prevented.” Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mohamed echoed the remarks of her fellow panelists, adding that the course launch is a first step in dealing with the epidemic of domestic violence in Guyana. Also, Prof. Mohamed reiterated that the University of Guyana is committed to providing academic programmes and engaging in research that address the pervasive issue of Gender-Based Violence in Guyana, and that more collaborative work is on the horizon with UG and other key partners towards transforming gender relations in Guyana. The “Resilience against and Disruption of Gender-Based Violence” course will support the broader plan to strengthen the gender equality unit of the University, including the articulation of a policy on GBV for the University and support for related courses in Social Work, which are also being supported by UNICEF. About the Spotlight Initiative The Spotlight Initiative is a global initiative of the United Nations which has received generous support from the European Union. Its aim is to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. Its investments across more than 25 countries are addressing legislative and policy gaps, strengthening institutions, promoting gender-equitable attitudes, and providing quality services for survivors. Interventions are also strengthening systems for collecting data on violence against women and girls and women’s movements. Learn more at www.spotlightinitiative.org.

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05 September 2022

Growing labour demand prompts sensitization workshop with the private sector on labour migration

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) hosted a workshop on Private Sector Engagement and Labour Migration on Thursday September 1, 2022, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel. The workshop brought private sector representatives together to discuss the existing and needed mechanisms to hire foreign nationals (migrants) to work locally, based on the demands of the labour market; present steps on safe and ethical recruitment of migrant workers; increase awareness, identify challenges and explore solutions on migration procedures when hiring migrants to work in Guyana; and raise awareness on national labour policies and regulations on the rights of migrant workers and their families. In her opening remarks, IOM Regional Director for North America, Central America and the Caribbean, Michele Klein-Solomon reiterated IOM’s commitment to supporting the Government in ensuring that human mobility occurs in a safe, regular, and orderly manner in Guyana as it becomes a hub for economic growth and investment. To achieve this, migration governance would need to adopt a whole-of-government approach that would contribute to national development goals and benefit its citizens. “So, our goal as IOM in supporting the government here is to help the government in its development objectives linked not only to the oil and gas industry, but employment in Guyana, the growth of the economic sector, its commitment to aligning its national development plans with the sustainable development goals agreed by all the governments of the world; and now, with the hope of attaining them by 2030,” explained the Regional Director. PADF Project Director, Jermaine Grant, in his remarks stated that the “workshop is part of PADF’s endeavour of supporting migrants in Guyana journey from a path of vulnerability to self-sustainability with job and livelihood opportunities by engaging private sector stakeholders and businesses on labour migration.” He further stated that “the role of migrants in our local economy is to sustain our national economic thrust and development” and that the private sector “is on the frontlines of labour migration and recruitment of migrant workers and skill demand and the private sector is best aware to identify challenges faced and solutions.” Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton also provided remarks highlighting labour laws that protect all workers in Guyana including migrant workers, notably the Equal Rights Act, and the Prevention of Discrimination Act. In addition, Minister Hamilton stated that Guyana has ratified the Migration for Employment Convention 1949 (No. 97), the Domestic Workers Convention 2011(No.189) and other International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. Ms. Luanna Persaud provided remarks on behalf of the Private Sector Commission (PSC). The workshop continued with participants identifying issues and challenges on labour migration, recruitment, and migration management systems, sharing proposed solutions and good practice; and examination of existing labour framework with recommendations to support the ethical recruitment of migrant workers. The event concluded with IOM and PADF indicating that the feedback and recommendations provided will inform next steps and support to government on labour migration and other migration needs in partnership with the private sector, to strengthen migration management and governance. This would include support on improved recruitment standards and mechanisms and addressing labour demand in the short, medium, and long term. The implementation of the workshop was supported with funding from the United States Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM).

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Woman standing in front a podium addressing an audience.

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17 August 2022

US $44 million loan signed to enhance human capital through education

The project focuses on the expansion of access to quality education at the secondary level and improving technical and vocational training (TVET). The agreement was signed in the Ministry of Finance’s boardroom by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and World Bank Resident Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Ms Diletta Doretti. In brief remarks, the Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand stated that this project aligns with the Education Ministry’s goals to improve and expand access to quality secondary education while simultaneously developing the country’s TVET sector. “The Government of Guyana is very aware that this new Guyana has to be people centred. Each human being must develop along with the beautiful resources our land is benefiting from.” Finance Minister, Dr Singh shared similar sentiments. He noted that the signing of the US $44 million agreement for the development of human capital is a significant part of a much broader and comprehensive policy agenda. He explained with the rapid transformational development taking place, there is a great need for human capital development. "We believe that there is no investment that is more important than the investment in the people.” Meanwhile, Ms Doretti highlighted that the funding aims to prepare citizens to excel in emerging sectors of the economy including climate-resilient agriculture, low-carbon technology, and digital development. “Activities under the project are expected to benefit at least 60,744 students and 2,128 teachers and principals at the secondary level. At the TVET level, a minimum of 600 students and 140 secondary and post-secondary TVET trainers will benefit from professional development activities.” The project will support the piloting and national rollout of a new curriculum for Grades Seven to Nine and finance textbooks for Grades Seven to Eleven. It will also see the development of a new TVET sector policy for 2022-203o and improve the delivery of TVET at secondary and post-secondary institutions. Present for the signing were Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Mr Alfred King, Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson, Deputy Chief Education Officer (TVET), Dr Ritesh Tularam, Chief Planning Officer, Nicola Johnson along with officers from the Ministry of Finance. Republished from the Department of Public Information

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Minister Manickchand, Minister Singh, and World Bank Representative.

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Press Release

20 September 2022

Food Insecurity in the Caribbean Continues on upward trajectory, CARICOM-WFP survey finds

BRIDGETOWN - Nearly 4.1 million people or 57 percent of the population now face food insecurity, according to a recent survey conducted by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). While severe food insecurity in the region remained largely unchanged, when compared to February 2022, there has been a significant increase in households that have fallen into moderate levels of food insecurity. Overall, the number of food insecure people has increased by 1.3 million over the past six months. The deterioration has been attributed to rising costs for food and other commodities, as the ripple effect of the Ukraine conflict and a slow recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is felt throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Nearly 6 percent of people in the English-speaking Caribbean reported going an entire day without eating in the week leading up to the survey, which is a 1 percent increase since February 2022. Another 36 percent of respondents skipped meals or ate less than usual, and 32 percent ate less preferred foods in the week leading up to the survey. In February these figures were at 30 and 25 percent, respectively. "We are seeing worrying trends in the region with people selling off their assets and using their savings to meet basic needs. This was unheard of in the region previously," said Regis Chapman, Representative and Country Director WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office. "These negative coping strategies are unsustainable, and we fear that these short-term measures will lead to a further increase in the number of people who are unable to meet their daily food requirements." The Caribbean region continues to be impacted by external factors which threaten livelihoods and the ability of people to meet their basic needs. On average, food inflation in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean has risen by 10.2 percent across 20 countries as of March 2022. High energy prices are exacerbating the food price crisis. Ninety-seven percent of people surveyed reported seeing higher prices for food items compared to 59 percent in April 2020. “For the first time in over two years, people’s inability to meet food and essential needs were top concerns, followed by unemployment,” said Joseph Cox, Assistant Secretary-General, Economic Integration, Innovation and Development, CARICOM Secretariat. “CARICOM recognizes that further support is necessary to reduce the level of need in the region and establish systems which facilitate access to nutritious food for all. Leaders in the region are actively engaging with decision makers across all relevant sectors to identify solutions for increasing food production and reducing import dependency within the region in order to reduce the cost of food.” The most recent survey results and an interactive dashboard are available to carry out a full comparison of data across all five rounds of the survey and the different countries that are covered. The dashboard now has additional information specifically on the impact of economic conditions on the farming and fishing sectors along with livelihoods, markets, and food security. CARICOM, WFP and other partners continue to work together to increase people’s resilience to shocks through stronger disaster management, social protection and food systems that are more effective, sustainable and responsive in meeting the needs of those most affected by crises. Social protection programmes and other government support has been scaled up throughout the Caribbean, helping offset the impacts of the crisis. Investments in agriculture are aimed at reducing the reliance on imports. The survey has been made possible with the support of the European Union and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance. Note to the editor: Click here to view the dashboard Click here to read the full report About WFP The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. About CARICOM The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is a grouping of 20 countries: 15 Member States and five Associate Members, with the aims of promoting economic integration and cooperation in foreign policy, human and social development and security. Caribbean economic integration, and cooperation amongst its members, including in foreign policy. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WFPCaribbean and https://www.facebook.com/caricom.org For more information please contact: Carla.alleyne@wfp.org, WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office, +1(246) 467-6085 Juliette.maughan@wfp.org, WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office, +1(246) 467-6084 Shaun.baugh@caricom.org, CARICOM Secretariat (592) 222-0001 -0006 Ext: 2244

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Press Release

14 September 2022

President of the UN General Assembly and Foreign Minister Engage in Bilateral Talks

The PGA is currently in Guyana for an official visit which concludes tomorrow, 10 September 2022. The PGA is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives. Honourable Minister Todd commended His Excellency Shahid for stewardship of the work of the General Assembly during his tenure and committed to working closely with the Maldives at both the bilateral and multilateral levels to build on the work that the PGA undertook during his presidency and to explore new ways of strengthening the relations between Guyana and the Maldives. His Excellency Shahid thanked Minister Todd for the excellent support that Guyana provided to him in his role as President of the General Assembly and noted the key role that Guyana played in the process of the establishment of the UN Youth Office. On 8 September 2022, the UN Member States unanimously decided to establish a UN Youth Office dedicated to engagement and advocacy for the advancement of youth issues across the United Nations in the areas of peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. His Excellency Shahid is the first Maldivian national to serve as President of the General Assembly and was intent on instilling hope to the membership by taking practical steps to address several of the challenges that are of concern to the United Nations. He focused on issues of gender equality and women’s empowerment, youth involvement in decision- making, financing for development, and climate change issues, among others. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

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Press Release

12 September 2022

Multiple crises halt progress as 9 out of 10 countries fall backwards in human development, UNDP report warns

The world is lurching from crisis to crisis, trapped in a cycle of firefighting and unable to tackle the roots of the troubles that confront us. Without a sharp change of course, we may be heading towards even more deprivations and injustices, warns the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The latest Human Development Report, “Uncertain Times, Unsettled Lives: Shaping our Future in a Transforming World”, launched today by UNDP, argues that layers of uncertainty are stacking up and interacting to unsettle life in unprecedented ways. The last two years have had a devastating impact for billions of people around the world, when crises like COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine hit back-to-back, and interacted with sweeping social and economic shifts, dangerous planetary changes, and massive increases in polarization. For the first time in the 32 years that UNDP have been calculating it, the Human Development Index, which measures a nation’s health, education, and standard of living, has declined globally for two years in a row. Human development has fallen back to its 2016 levels, reversing much of the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The reversal is nearly universal as over 90 percent of countries registered a decline in their HDI score in either 2020 or 2021 and more than 40 percent declined in both years, signaling that the crisis is still deepening for many. While some countries are beginning to get back on their feet, recovery is uneven and partial, further widening inequalities in human development. Latin America, the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have been hit particularly hard. “The world is scrambling to respond to back-to-back crises. We have seen with the cost of living and energy crises that, while it is tempting to focus on quick fixes like subsidizing fossil fuels, immediate relief tactics are delaying the long-term systemic changes we must make,” says Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. “We are collectively paralyzed in making these changes. In a world defined by uncertainty, we need a renewed sense of global solidarity to tackle our interconnected, common challenges." The report explores why the change needed isn’t happening and suggests there are many reasons, including how insecurity and polarization are feeding off each other today to prevent the solidarity and collective action we need to tackle crises at all levels. New calculations show, for instance, that those feeling most insecure are also more likely to hold extreme political views. “Even before COVID-19 hit, we were seeing the twin paradoxes of progress with insecurity and polarisation. Today, with one-third of people worldwide feeling stressed and fewer than a third of people worldwide trusting others, we face major roadblocks to adopting policies that work for people and planet,” says Achim Steiner. “This thought-provoking new analysis aims to help us break this impasse and chart a new course out of our current global uncertainty. We have a narrow window to re-boot our systems and secure a future built on decisive climate action and new opportunities for all.” To chart a new course, the report recommends implementing policies that focus on investment — from renewable energy to preparedness for pandemics, and insurance—including social protection— to prepare our societies for the ups and downs of an uncertain world. While innovation in its many forms— technological, economic, cultural—can also build capacities to respond to whatever challenges come next. “To navigate uncertainty, we need to double down on human development and look beyond improving people’s wealth or health,” says UNDP’s Pedro Conceição, the report’s lead author. “These remain important. But we also need to protect the planet and provide people with the tools they need to feel more secure, regain a sense of control over their lives and have hope for the future.” To learn more about the 2022 Human Development Report and UNDP’s analysis on navigating the new uncertainty complex, visit Human Development Report 2021-22 | Human Development Reports (undp.org). For media inquiries, please contact: Carolina Given Sjolander | Communications Specialist | Mobile: +1 347 908 4008 | Email: carolina.given.sjolander@undp.org Victor Garrido Delgado | Media Specialist, UNDP | Mobile:1-917-995-1687 | Email: victor.garrido.delgado@undp.org

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Press Release

08 November 2021

UNICEF donates 100 water tanks to Civil Defence Commission to support emergency response

UNICEF today handed over 100 water tanks to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) which will be used to support the CDC’s response to emergencies. The tanks, each with a capacity to hold 450 gallons of water, were procured with support from the United States Government through the US Department of State’s Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (USBPRM). The water tanks will be distributed to households affected by flooding, as well as support the response to the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring availability of water for infection prevention and control in key areas. UNICEF Representative Nicolas Pron and United States Ambassador to Guyana, H.E Sarah-Ann Lynch handed over the tanks to CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig at the CDC Headquarters on Friday. “UNICEF is pleased to deliver these water tanks to the CDC. These will ensure that children and their families affected by flooding have access to water. Clean and safe water is essential for children’s health, survival and development,” said Mr. Pron. The UNICEF Representative added that the CDC is a valued partner in UNICEF’s Emergency and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes in Guyana. He also thanked the US Government for its valuable support and partnership in responding to emergencies and ensuring that no child is left behind. “The United States Government continues to support the commendable efforts of the Government of Guyana for COVID-19 and other emergency response. These water tanks will increase the accessibility and availability of water in the areas where people are in need,” said Ambassador Lynch. The ambassador added that the US government is proud to partner with UNICEF and the CDC to address the humanitarian needs of Guyanese and migrants. In welcoming the donation, Lieutenant Colonel Craig said, “The significance of this contribution must not be downplayed, as it will not only ensure adequate and improved water access for the households, but it will greatly improve their standards for sanitation and hygiene, thereby helping to reduce these households’ risks to contracting infectious diseases, especially COVID-19 which continues to affect global populations at alarming rates.” “The CDC commends and must acknowledge UNICEF and the US Government for their roles and partnership in this initiative, which is most definitely not a mere donation, but a tangible contribution towards our national and international goals for disaster resilience and sustainable development,” he added. The donation of the water tanks complements emergency support provided by UNICEF to the Government of Guyana. In July, UNICEF provided over 2 million water purification tablets to the CDC as part of the flood response and since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF has partnered with national authorities on the response to the crisis.

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Press Release

30 September 2021

Guyana Spotlight Initiative Project -Sensitisation Session on the Partnership for Peace Violence Intervention Programme

“I am especially heartened because I feel very often in our programmes we focus on women, intervening and getting them out of tough situations, and we also focus heavily on prevention when it comes to women and people who experience gender-based abuse; however, now we will also focus on this missing element where we're tackling people who are perpetrators of abuse and violence. I think the missing piece of the jigsaw has finally been put in place.” These were some of the remarks made by the Honourable Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in Guyana as she opened the sensitisation session for the Partnership for Peace (PfP) Violence Intervention Programme on September 20, 2021 which marks the beginning of the Programme in Guyana. The PfP Violence Intervention Programme, which has been rolled out since 2010 in other countries in the Caribbean such as Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago, is a court-ordered 16-session psycho-educational programme designed for small-groups of court-sanctioned perpetrators which contains both therapeutic and educational components to support perpetrators to engage in non-violent behaviours. A key objective of PfP Violence Intervention Programme is to ensure that perpetrators accept responsibility for their behaviours, and recognize the costs to their partners, children, families and communities. Ultimately, this intervention programme seeks to engage perpetrators to make the necessary changes in their lives to restore peace within their families and communities and to ensure safety to victims. The Partnership for Peace Violence intervention Programme invites participants to examine their own lives to determine where the violent behaviour began, and takes a trauma-informed approach to persons with adverse childhood experiences. The sessions also model an atmosphere of respect within the group, prohibiting disrespectful and disruptive behaviour. Like the Spotlight Initiative, it includes a comprehensive approach to prevention, acknowledging violence as a lifecycle issue that must be deterred. At the start of the sensitisation session, Representative, UN Women Multi Country Office – Caribbean, Tonni Brodber also highlighted the importance of the PfP intervention in continued efforts to eradicate violence against women and girls in Guyana. Brodber explained: “…the PfP was recognised as an important strategy under the Prevention Pillar of the Spotlight Initiative Project in Guyana, and even in the wider Caribbean region. It is a secondary prevention strategy within the criminal justice sector… it focuses on rehabilitation and deterrence through building skills on themes such as effective communication, coping with stress, conflict resolution, negotiating and anger management, among others, in order to provide concrete alternatives to violent behaviours.” Two experts, Jacqueline Sealy Burke and Shane Joseph, who were members of the UN Women PfP Expert Group that developed the PfP Programme Manual and PfP Tools, conducted the sensitisation session. The programme has been proven, when effectively implemented and embedded in multi-agency partnerships, to help reduce repeat cases of domestic violence, strengthening the effectiveness of efforts within the criminal justice system to make perpetrators effectively accountable for their actions and serving a protective function for victims. The activity was conducted within the framework of Pillar 3 of the ongoing EU funded-Spotlight Initiative Project in Guyana, which focuses on gender inequitable social norms, attitudes and behaviours change at community and individual levels to prevent violence against women and girls and harmful practices. -ENDS-

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