Latest
Story
31 October 2023
Peace, development and human rights: UN Day 2023 emphasises the core values of the UN Charter
Learn more
Video
24 October 2023
Message by UN Resident Coordinator Yeşim Oruç on UN day 2023
Learn more
Speech
24 October 2023
Message by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on UN Day 2023
Learn more
Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals 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.
Story
07 September 2023
Boost global action and ambition to reach SDGs, urges new UN campaign
Ahead of the critical SDG Summit in September, the campaign will amplify an urgent call for ambitious new action, showcase the Goals as the blueprint for sustainable progress globally, and mobilise people everywhere around this shared agenda for our common future.
Crisis multiplier
Halfway towards the 2030 deadline, the promise of the SDGs is in danger. For the first time in decades, progress on development has gone into reverse due to the combined impact of climate disasters, conflict, economic downturn, and lingering COVID-19 effects.
The SDG Summit will bring world leaders together at UN Headquarters in New York on 18-19 September to reaffirm their collective commitments to the Goals and the promise to leave no one behind.
It’s being billed as a defining moment to urgently put the world back on track to achieving the SDGs.
Getting everyone on board
One core campaign component is the call for individual action worldwide on the SDGs through the UN’s ActNow initiative.
“We want to get everyone on board for the SDGs”, said Nanette Braun, Director of Campaigns in the UN Department for Global Communications. “Our hope is that decision-makers and individual citizens alike will feel inspired to join the conversation and contribute to achieving the Goals with new resolve and ambition.”
Starting today, in a major digital activation across platforms and countries worldwide, the UN campaign aims to re-energise the conversation about the Goals.
Stellar circle of supporters
A curated group of high-profile influencers from entertainment, sports and beyond, the Circle of Supporters, will mobilise their social media communities with a combined reach of more than 80 million globally.
Some of the names lending their support are Grammy award winner Ciara, Academy Award winner Michael Douglas, and former captain of the Argentinian national football team, Javier Zanetti.
From advocating for public transport, to fundraising for schools or speaking up for equality, the platform lists steps that everyone can take to accelerate progress on the SDGs and create better lives on a healthier planet for all.
WRi
1 of 2

Publication
20 July 2023
Guyana Second Voluntary National Review of the SDGs 2023
This second Voluntary National Review focuses on an in-depth examination of the country's continued commitment to the implementation of Agenda 2030. It highlights advancements made towards achieving Goals 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17.
1 of 2
Story
09 November 2023
Peace, development and human rights: UN Day 2023 emphasises the core values of the UN Charter
Annually, United Nations (UN) is celebrated on 24 October. The day marks the entry into force of the UN Charter.
On UN day and during the month of October, Yeşim Oruç, UN Resident Coordinator and Heads of Agencies, Funds and Programmes engaged stakeholders, including private sector and the media, and UN staff to reflect on the UN System’s contributions towards peace, development, and human rights in Guyana.
Media engagements
The UN Country Team hosted a media editors' breakfast, which also included the participation of the Guyana Press Association. The UN Resident Coordinator updated the media on the results of the UN System's work in the country. This annual engagement sought to strengthen relations with the leadership of media entities, recognising the vital role of the media as advocates for the sustainable development agenda in Guyana.
On UN Day, the UN Resident Coordinator also conducted public outreaches via television and radio appearances. Her message to the public placed emphasis on the pillars on which the UN Charter was built - peace, development and human rights. Ms. Oruç said, “…it is ultimately the actions of people and of countries that uphold the UN – the only global organization which belongs to all nations, to all people.”
She updated on Guyana’s recent Voluntary National Review (VNR), which showcased the country’s achievements made to advance key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDGs 6 - expanded access to water and sanitation, 7 - sustainable energy production and consumption, 9 - investments in infrastructure, 11- affordable housing, and 17 - international cooperation. She said these achievements were “…spurred by programs and policies bolstered by an ‘SDG enabling’ budgetary framework.”
During the month, an engagement with the private sector was also held in the form of an SDG partnership forum. Delivering the feature address, Hon. Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce said the private sector is integral to achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Guyana. She stated that the Government prioritises attaining the SDGs to secure broad-based economic growth and development. She added that SDGs are integrated into various programmes in the national budget.
The UN in Guyana also hosted two special events to show appreciation to its staff. A townhall, held on 24 October, helped to reinforce the importance of the UN system in driving the national development agenda and a staff games day, held on 27 October, added an element of fun and competition.
To close UN month Guyana's Human Resources Working Group hosted a health fair on 31 October. This activity helped to promote the significance of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The fair provided essential health services, including dental care, vision screening, medical consultations, and nutritional consultations. The National Blood Transfusion Service was also on site and led a blood drive, further emphasising the UN System's commitment to promoting good health and well-being.
1 of 5

Story
16 October 2023
Security Council authorises ‘historic’ support mission in Haiti
In what is being hailed as an historic first, the UN Security Council on Monday authorised the deployment of an international security force to help Haiti’s national police quell surging gang violence and restore security across the strife-torn Caribbean nation.
The mission was requested by the Haitian Government and civil society representatives, following months of chaos and steadily worsening conditions affecting civilians. There have been more than 3,000 homicides reported this year, and over 1,500 instances of kidnapping for ransom.
Around 200,000 have been forced to flee their homes while sexual violence and abuse against women and girls at the hands of armed gangs ticks up. Tens of thousands of children are unable to go to school.
Adopting the resolution with a recorded vote of 13 in favour and 2 abstentions (Russia and China), ambassadors in New York also authorised the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to help secure critical infrastructure and transit hubs such as the airport, ports, schools, hospitals and key intersections.
They also called on countries participating in the mission to ensure the highest standards of transparency, conduct and discipline for their personnel, and called for an oversight mechanism to prevent human rights violations or abuses, including sexual exploitation.
The non-UN mission is also slated to help ensure unhindered and safe access to humanitarian aid for millions of Haitians in need.
The resolution, adopted under UN Charter's Chapter VII, which sets out the Security Council’s responsibilities to maintain international peace and security, was penned by the United States and Ecuador.
‘Act of solidarity’
Jean Victor Geneus, Foreign Minister of Haiti – not currently a Security Council member – thanked ambassadors for their support and for tabling the historic resolution.
“More than just a simple vote, this is in fact an expression of solidarity with a population in distress,” he said.
He added that the resolution is glimmer of hope for the Haitian people that have for too long suffered the consequences of a multipronged crisis.
He urged Member States to commit to the mission “as quickly as possible” to help restore a safe and stable environment and re-establish democratic institutions there.
‘New way’ to preserve peace
Speaking after the adoption, Jeffrey DeLaurentis, Representative of the United States, said the Council had “made history” by authorising the multinational support mission, and stepping up to “create a new way of preserving global peace and security”.
He said it was answering the call from a fellow Member State facing a multidimensional crisis.
“The deployment of this mission will help to support Haiti's critical near term needs and to foster the security conditions necessary for the country to advance long term stability,” he said.
He added that while the mission will primarily support Haitian police, it is but one part of the larger effort to address the wider crisis, including humanitarian, economic and political challenges.
Supporting the people
Also speaking after the adoption, Zhang Jun, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of China, said that his country has always taken a cautious and responsible approach to the Council’s invocation of Chapter VII of the UN Charter on the authorisation of the use of force.
“We hope that the country leading the Multinational Security Support mission will hold in-depth consultations with Haiti on their specific arrangements for the deployment of security forces,” he said, stating also that it should be fully in support of the Haitian people.
He also urged timely reporting to the Security Council, and that the mission must comply with international law and the basic norms governing international relations, so as to avoid infringing on sovereignty.
‘A beacon of hope’
Martin Kimani, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kenya (also not a current Council member) recalled his country’s bold offer to lead the mission and thanked the Council for responding in an “exemplary spirit of cooperation.”
“With this action, the Security Council has ignited a beacon of hope for the beleaguered people of Haiti”, he said.
The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to work closely with Haiti’s allies and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member States, in establishing the mission in accordance with the resolution.
1 of 5

Story
28 September 2023
UN General Assembly adopts declaration to accelerate SDGs
Now is the time for a global plan to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are woefully off-track halfway towards their 2030 deadline, said UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday in New York.
Mr. Guterres was speaking at the opening of a high-level forum at UN Headquarters where world leaders adopted a political declaration to accelerate action to achieve the 17 goals, which aim to drive economic prosperity and well-being for all people while protecting the environment.
“The SDGs aren’t just a list of goals. They carry the hopes, dreams, rights and expectations of people everywhere,” he said.
Concerted, ambitious action
World leaders adopted the SDGs in 2015, promising to leave no one behind. The goals include ending extreme poverty and hunger, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, as well as green energy, and providing quality universal education and lifelong learning opportunities.
UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis noted that despite commitments, 1.2 billion people were still living in poverty as of 2022, and roughly eight per cent of the global population, or 680 million people, will still be facing hunger by the end of the decade. The international community cannot accept these numbers, he said.
"With concerted, ambitious action, it is still possible that, by 2030, we could lift 124 million additional people out of poverty and ensure that some 113 million fewer people are malnourished," he said.
Going backwards
Each of the 17 goals contains targets, with 169 overall, but the Secretary-General warned that currently only 15 per cent are on track, while many are going in reverse.
The political declaration "can be a game-changer in accelerating SDG progress," he said.
It includes a commitment to financing for developing countries and clear support for his proposal for an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion annually, as well as an effective debt-relief mechanism.
It further calls for changing the business model of multilateral development banks to offer private finance at more affordable rates for developing countries, and endorses reform of the international finance architecture which he has labelled "outdated, dysfunctional and unfair."
Millions still starving
The UN chief highlighted the need for action in six critical areas, starting with addressing hunger, which he called “a shocking stain on humanity, and an epic human rights violation.”
“It is an indictment of every one of us that millions of people are starving in this day and age,” he added.
The Secretary-General said the transition to renewable energy isn’t happening fast enough, while the benefits and opportunities of digitalization are not being spread widely enough.
Education cannot wait
At the same time, too many children and young people worldwide are victims of poor quality education, or no education at all, he continued, before shining a spotlight on the need for decent work and social protection.
Finally, he called for an end to the war on nature and “the triple planetary crisis” characterized by climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.
Ensure gender equality
“Cutting across all of these transitions is the need to ensure full gender equality,” he said. “It’s long past time to end discrimination, ensure a place at every table for women and girls, and to end the scourge of gender-based violence. “
Mr. Guterres highlighted UN response to each area, including initiatives to transform global food systems so everyone can have access to a healthy diet.
Other efforts focus on boosting investment in the renewable energy transition, promoting internet access for all, creating 400 million new “decent jobs”, and extending social protection to over four million people.
Testament to commitment
The President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Paula Narváez, was heartened by the adoption of the declaration, calling it a testament to leaders’ unwavering commitment towards implementing the SDGs.
ECOSOC is at the core of the UN system’s work on all three pillars of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental – and provides a platform for follow-up and review of the goals.
The two-day SDG Summit is the centrepiece of the UN General Assembly’s high-level week, the annual gathering of Heads of State and Government, and Ms. Narváez also pointed to two other events on the agenda.
Seize the moment
She said the High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development will address the need for an international financial architecture that can respond to current needs and emerging challenges.
Meanwhile, the Climate Ambition Summit presents an opportunity for decisive progress on climate action and to raise the bar for more timely and targeted efforts.
“This week should serve as a turning point to rescue the SDGs,” she said. “We must not let this moment slip away.”
1 of 5

Story
18 September 2023
Keep Your Promise to People: UN Secretary-General's Remarks at the 2023 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
Mr. President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Eight years ago, Member States gathered in this Hall to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals.
With the world watching — including 193 young people in the balcony holding blue lamps of hope — you made a solemn promise.
A promise to build a world of health, progress and opportunity for all.
A promise to leave no one behind.
And a promise to pay for it.
This was not a promise made to one another as diplomats from the comfort of this chamber.
It was — always — a promise to people.
People crushed under the grinding wheels of poverty.
People starving in a world of plenty.
Children denied a seat in a classroom.
Families fleeing conflicts, seeking a better life.
Parents watching helplessly as their children die of preventable disease.
People losing hope because they can’t find a job — or a safety net when they need it.
Entire communities literally on devastation’s doorstep because of changing climate.
So, the SDGs aren’t just a list of goals.
They carry the hopes, dreams, rights and expectations of people everywhere.
And they provide the surest path to living up to our obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, now in its 75th year.
Yet today, only 15 per cent of the targets are on track and many are going in reverse.
Instead of leaving no one behind, we risk leaving the SDGs behind.
So, Excellencies, the SDGs need a global rescue plan.
I am deeply encouraged by the detailed and wide-ranging draft political declaration under discussion here today — especially its commitment to improving developing countries’ access to the fuel required for SDG progress: finance.
This includes clear support for an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion a year, as well as an effective debt-relief mechanism that supports payment suspensions, longer lending terms, and lower rates.
It includes a call to re-capitalize and change the business model of Multilateral Development Banks so they can massively leverage private finance at affordable rates to benefit developing countries.
And it includes the endorsement of the need to reform the international financial architecture that I consider outdated, dysfunctional and unfair.
This can be a game-changer in accelerating SDG progress.
I have been calling for a new Bretton Woods moment, and the development of practical solutions by the Summit of the Future next September.
But countries can act right now to get the SDGs on track.
Together with businesses and financial institutions, local authorities, the UN development system and more, you have helped point the way with high-impact initiatives to support six targeted areas where urgent transitions are needed.
First — we must take action on hunger.
In our world of plenty, hunger is a shocking stain on humanity, and an epic human rights violation.
It is an indictment of every one of us that millions of people are starving in this day and age.
Building on July’s Food Systems Summit Stocktake, we are marshalling finance, science, data, innovations, and policy and governance support to help countries transform food systems so all people can access a healthy and nutritious diet.
Second — the transition to renewable energy isn’t happening fast enough.
We are putting forward new Energy Compacts in which governments, businesses and global organizations join forces to invest in decarbonizing energy systems, and ensuring a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Third — the benefits and opportunities of digitalization are not being spread widely enough.
To close the divide, we have launched an initiative to spur digital transformation across 100 countries, supporting stronger technology capacities, better governance, and innovative financing.
Our proposed Global Digital Compact will also help countries build safe digital systems that provide internet access for all — including for students in hard-to-reach communities.
Fourth — too many children and young people are victims of poor quality education, or no education at all.
We need to build true “learning societies” anchored in quality education — including lifelong learning from the earliest years to adulthood — closing the digital divide, and supporting teachers every step of the way.
An emerging group of “frontrunner countries” is leading the way in boosting investment and transforming education systems around the world.
Fifth — people need decent work and social protection.
Working with governments and the private sector, our Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions aims to create 400 million new decent jobs — especially in the green, care and digital economies — and extend social protection to over four billion people. Investments in social protection should be massively increased.
And sixth — the war on nature must stop.
We must end the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.
We’re building a group of champion countries to explore how to reform economic policies, and put nature and biodiversity at the heart of all decision-making.
Cutting across all of these transitions is the need to ensure full gender equality.
It’s long past time to end discrimination, ensure a place at every table for women and girls, and the end the scourge of gender-based violence.
Excellencies,
At the halfway point to the SDG deadline, the eyes of the world are on you once again.
Over the course of the weekend, young people and civil society groups came to the UN — or marched in communities around the world — demanding urgent action.
Now is the time to prove you are listening.
We can prevail.
If we act now.
If we act together.
If we keep our promise to the billions of people whose hopes, dreams and futures you hold in your hands.
Now is the time.
1 of 5

Story
18 September 2023
FAO supporting development in Mabaruma, Region 1
At a simple ceremony, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) handed over a newly equipped and renovated office and staff accommodation to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) in Mabaruma, Region One.
The FAO is the implementing agency for the GLSC Sustainable Land Development and Management (SLDM) Project, which is funded by the Guyana Red Plus and Investment Fund (GRIF).
Mr. Enrique Monize, Commissioner of GLSC noted, “Ensuring the sub-regional offices are fully equipped to serve the people is our priority. Under the SLDM project, we were able to advance our technology in surveying and land management and provide scholarships and training at the University of Guyana and at the Government Technical Institute. For the first time, under this project, a diploma in Land Valuation was added to the University of Guyana curriculum.” Mr. Monize also noted that staff in the regions of Indigenous origin were provided with training and scholarship and have excelled. "Five of our Regional Heads come from Indigenous background and are now leading the offices in their respective regions," he said.
Mr. Brentnol Ashley, Chairman of Region One welcomes the upgraded office and accommodation for the staff and the region. He noted, “This is what development is about, having good infrastructure, facilities, and services in the region to meet the needs of the people.”
Dr. Gillian Smith, FAO Representative said that the project partnership has been very successful. “The project is partnering with GLSC to improve the accommodation of the regional offices so that staff can be more comfortable to expand and execute their work in the region. A better working environment means better results and better service to the public.”
Rehabilitation is also being done for GLSC offices in Black Bush Polder–Region Six (6), Bartica–Region Seven (7), and in Region One (1), at Port Kaituma. These upgrades are being done to meet the increasing demand for decentralized land administration services in the region.
Adding to the improved infrastructure are technical and capacity development for staff. Several scholarship programmes and technical training are being done simultaneously to upgrade skills to meet the technological advancement introduced to better manage and develop lands in Guyana. Training programmes include Land Valuation, Land Administration and Management, UAV/Drone, Lease Management and LIDAR, and geospatial data analysis. These are all areas that will increase the effectiveness of GLSC's operations and services being provided to the public.
New land administration, surveying, and information and communication technology equipment have been procured for the offices, as well as pickups, boats, and ATVs to support the work in the regions.
1 of 5
Press Release
08 September 2023
UN Secretary-General Issues ‘UN 2.0’ Policy Brief: A Vision for a Modernized UN System
In response, today, the Secretary-General issued his final Policy Brief on Our Common Agenda, titled “UN 2.0: Cutting-Edge Skills and Forward-Thinking Culture for UN System Impact.” UN 2.0 represents a vision for a rejuvenated United Nations system, better equipped to support member states in the twenty-first century and turbocharge progress on the SDGs.
At the core of UN 2.0 are stronger capabilities in five modern areas of expertise: a dynamic fusion of data, innovation, digital, behavioral science and strategic foresight, which we call our “quintet of change.” To foster environments where these cutting-edge skills thrive, the UN 2.0 will be rooted in a shift towards organizational cultures that put a priority on agility, learning, and creativity.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarked, “As a result, UN 2.0 unlocks novel, impactful approaches and solutions for SDG progress, at a time when it is needed the most.”
A snapshot of the ongoing UN system progress and solutions is available on the new www.un-two-zero.network platform. The site showcases over 500 initiatives from 160 UN Country Teams who utilize the “quintet of change” in their work with member states for SDG impact. These initiatives highlight the immense potential of twenty-first-century expertise for addressing challenges in climate, education, agriculture, gender equality, and beyond.
The UN 2.0 agenda will engage the entire UN system. Every UN entity, team, and colleague will contribute to this transformative organizational shift in learning, job profiles, partnerships, knowledge sharing, technology, as well as programme solutions for member states. While each UN entity will navigate the transformation at its own pace, a joint accelerator program will champion UN 2.0's progression throughout the United Nations system starting in 2024.
For a comprehensive understanding of our forward-looking vision, goals, and transformative strategies, we strongly encourage all stakeholders to delve into the full policy brief: https://www.un.org/en/common-agenda/policy-briefs.
1 of 5
Press Release
27 June 2023
Food Security improves in the Caribbean yet challenges persist
BRIDGETOWN – A recent food security and livelihoods survey conducted by the World Food Programme and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in the Caribbean region revealed that 3.7 million people, or 52 percent of the population of the English-speaking Caribbean, remain food insecure. This is a 10 percent decrease when compared to an August 2022 survey, however, it underscored growing financial hardship and challenges due to the rising cost of living in the aftermath of the pandemic.
According to the 2023 Caribbean Food Security and Livelihoods survey, carried out among English-speaking Caribbean countries, 98 percent of respondents reported high food prices in the three months prior to the survey, the highest level reported since the first survey in 2020.
In a region that is highly vulnerable to climate shocks, the survey revealed that 42 percent of households were affected by climate-related hazards in the 12 months prior to the survey. These events continue to have a significant impact on climate sensitive livelihood activities such as in agriculture and fisheries.
"In this complex socio-economic environment that is vulnerable to climate change, the priority of CARICOM and national governments to make food accessible amidst these shocks is important. Collaboration across agriculture, social protection, education, and finance sectors, helps to improve livelihood opportunities and contributes to achieving affordable food for all," says Regis Chapman, Representative and Country Director WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office.
For persons who reported a disruption to their livelihoods, 65 percent cited the unaffordability of the necessary inputs as the main cause, with domestic workers and farmers most impacted. Salaried persons are managing slightly better, yet 40 percent of respondents indicated job losses or salary reductions in the six months before the survey. Others have resorted to alternative or secondary sources of income to meet food and other needs, according to the survey.
The cost of living has had a widespread impact on people’s ability to continue to meet food and other needs. Rising prices for animal feed, fertilizer and fuel have also severely affected respondents engaging in farming and/or fishing.
“Food insecurity is having major effects on the socio-economic welfare of citizens throughout the region, the solution however can only be accomplished through joint regional efforts in the planning and execution of comprehensive sustainable actionable solutions geared towards building resilience against climatic conditions and future market disruptions,” says David Prendergast, Director, Directorate of Single Market and External Trade CARICOM.
The survey’s results are a reminder of the importance of the region’s agenda to reduce imports by 25 percent by 2025, which includes strengthening food systems in the Caribbean so that they are resilient and adaptive to shocks and building on measures to address the affordability, accessibility, and availability of livelihood inputs.
The survey was completed with the support of the Government of Canada, the European Union and the United States Agency for International Development, Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance.
Note to the editor:
The survey report can be found on wfp.org. An interactive dashboard with results from all rounds of the survey is also available online. The dashboard visualises comparison of the results over time and for the overall region and individual countries. https://analytics.wfp.org/t/Public/views/CaribbeanFoodSecurityLivelihoodsSurvey/Overview
# # #
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.
Follow us on Twitter @wfp_Caribbean and www.facebook.com/WFPCaribbean
1 of 5
Press Release
20 May 2023
Guyana to host the 12th ILO Meeting of Caribbean Ministers of Labour
The International Labour Organization's (ILO), Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour in Guyana, will host the Twelfth Subregional ILO Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers from 23-25 May 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana.
This Meeting will include the participation of Ministers of Labour and senior officials from thirteen ILO member States and nine non-metropolitan territories in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. Representatives from regional workers’ organizations and employers’ organizations will also be in attendance.
The three-day meeting will provide a forum for participating Caribbean world of work leaders to: exchange perspectives on the global, regional, and national actions required to accelerate the mainstreaming of social justice for transformative socio-economic development in the current multi-crisis context; address labour migration as a potential enabler of decent work and acceleration factor in Caribbean development, including the importance of systemic, rights-based, inclusive approaches, to addressing governance challenges in a hyper-mobile region; and examine Caribbean progress on Just Transition policy and institutional mechanisms and determine priorities for action and ILO technical assistance for the 2024-25 biennium. The opening ceremony of the Twelfth Subregional ILO Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers will take place on Tuesday 23 May between 9.00-10.30 AM at the Grand Ballroom of the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, Guyana.
Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization, will attend the opening ceremony virtually to deliver feature remarks.
Other speakers include: His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana The Honourable Joseph Hamilton, Minister of Labour, Guyana Ms. Claudia Coenjaerts, Director, ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean Mr. Dennis Zulu, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean Local media in Guyana: Accredited local media (in Guyana) will be provided with access to the 12th Caribbean Labour Ministers’ Meeting opening ceremony and press conference on 23 May 2023, as well as a post-closing press conference on 25 May 2023.
The application form for local accreditation is available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VDZQBK9 and must be completed and submitted by 19 May 2023. Further instructions for media will be provided upon accreditation.
Regional media - virtual attendance Regional media are invited to attend the 12th Caribbean Labour Ministers’ Meeting opening ceremony and press conference virtually by registering at Opening Ceremony / Press Conference Registration - Zoom . Once registered, further details will be provided on how to attend.
###
Media contact:
Shireen Cuthbert
ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean
cuthbert@ilo.org
This Meeting will include the participation of Ministers of Labour and senior officials from thirteen ILO member States and nine non-metropolitan territories in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. Representatives from regional workers’ organizations and employers’ organizations will also be in attendance.
The three-day meeting will provide a forum for participating Caribbean world of work leaders to: exchange perspectives on the global, regional, and national actions required to accelerate the mainstreaming of social justice for transformative socio-economic development in the current multi-crisis context; address labour migration as a potential enabler of decent work and acceleration factor in Caribbean development, including the importance of systemic, rights-based, inclusive approaches, to addressing governance challenges in a hyper-mobile region; and examine Caribbean progress on Just Transition policy and institutional mechanisms and determine priorities for action and ILO technical assistance for the 2024-25 biennium. The opening ceremony of the Twelfth Subregional ILO Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers will take place on Tuesday 23 May between 9.00-10.30 AM at the Grand Ballroom of the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, Guyana.
Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization, will attend the opening ceremony virtually to deliver feature remarks.
Other speakers include: His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana The Honourable Joseph Hamilton, Minister of Labour, Guyana Ms. Claudia Coenjaerts, Director, ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean Mr. Dennis Zulu, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean Local media in Guyana: Accredited local media (in Guyana) will be provided with access to the 12th Caribbean Labour Ministers’ Meeting opening ceremony and press conference on 23 May 2023, as well as a post-closing press conference on 25 May 2023.
The application form for local accreditation is available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VDZQBK9 and must be completed and submitted by 19 May 2023. Further instructions for media will be provided upon accreditation.
Regional media - virtual attendance Regional media are invited to attend the 12th Caribbean Labour Ministers’ Meeting opening ceremony and press conference virtually by registering at Opening Ceremony / Press Conference Registration - Zoom . Once registered, further details will be provided on how to attend.
###
Media contact:
Shireen Cuthbert
ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean
cuthbert@ilo.org
1 of 5
Press Release
18 April 2023
The Region’s Countries Will Meet at ECLAC to Evaluate Progress on Fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The sixth meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development – where authorities and representatives of governments, the United Nations System, international organizations, the private sector, academia and civil society will review the progress and challenges related to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the region – will take place on April 25-28 at ECLAC’s headquarters in Santiago, Chile.
The regional forum – which has been held annually since 2017 – aims to provide those responsible for implementing the 2030 Agenda in countries with a space conducive to peer learning through a set of interactive sessions in which, by discussing experiences and shared goals, they can identify good practices, enabling the Forum’s member countries to offer recommendations and present them to the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The HLPF is the global mechanism for follow-up on the 2030 Agenda, and it meets each year in July in New York under the auspices of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
This sixth intergovernmental meeting will be inaugurated on Wednesday, April 26 at 8:30 a.m. local time in Santiago, Chile (GMT-4) by Santiago Cafiero, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina, the country that is serving as Chair of ECLAC in the 2022-2024 biennium; Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Paula Narváez, Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations, in her capacity as Vice President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); and José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
It will be preceded on Tuesday, April 25 by a meeting of the mechanism for civil society participation in the Sustainable Development Agenda and in the Forum, and by a gathering of the Regional Collaborative Platform for Latin America and the Caribbean.
In the framework of the Forum, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs will present a document entitled “Halfway to 2030 in Latin America and the Caribbean: progress and recommendations for acceleration,” the sixth report on regional progress and challenges in relation to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, which has been prepared by the Secretariat (held by ECLAC) and which analyzes the evolution and current state of progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17, along with projections for their fulfillment by 2030.
The meeting contemplates statements by Latin American and Caribbean country representatives at two sessions entitled “Accelerating the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels” and “Strategies to advance implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Caribbean.”
In addition, five panel discussions have been organized in which the Forum’s member countries and other actors will be able to present and share their experiences and challenges in relation to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the following areas: Clean water and sanitation (SDG 6); Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7); Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9); Sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11); and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
Finally, on Friday, April 28, a high-level roundtable will take place under the theme of “Path to the SDG Summit. Transformative initiatives: creating opportunities to strengthen commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its full implementation at all levels,” where prominent figures and authorities from the region will debate transformative initiatives for confronting global challenges and creating opportunities to bolster the commitment to the 2030 Agenda and accelerate its full implementation, in view of the Summit on the Sustainable Development Goals (to be held on September 19-20, 2023 in the framework of the UN General Assembly’s high-level segment).
The full programme of the sixth meeting of the Forum is available at the event’s special website: https://foroalc2030.cepal.org/2023/en
Journalists and other members of the press who want to attend this event in person must register using this form: https://eventos.cepal.org/event/102/. They will receive an automated email response once their registration has been accepted.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Submitting the registration form is a prerequisite for attending the meeting in person, but it does NOT guarantee access to the event. Local organizers can restrict entry, if need be, due to attendance capacity restrictions or for security or other reasons arising at the time. We thank you in advance for your understanding and respect for these conditions.
The event’s official activities can be followed live online via the meeting’s website, ECLAC’s official Internet portal www.cepal.org, the web page https://live.cepal.org/ and the Commission’s institutional accounts on Twitter (https://twitter.com/cepal_onu) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/cepal.onu).
What: Sixth meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development.
When: Tuesday, April 25 to Friday, April 28, 2023.
Who:
Inauguration, Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. local time in Chile (GMT -4):
Santiago Cafiero, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina.
Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Paula Narváez, Vice President of ECOSOC and Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations.
José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of ECLAC.
Where: Virtual connection via several platforms:
Meeting website https://foroalc2030.cepal.org/2023/en
ECLAC’s website www.cepal.org
Web page https://live.cepal.org/
Official account on Twitter https://twitter.com/cepal_onu
Official account on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cepal.onu
For queries related to journalistic coverage of this event, contact ECLAC’s Public Information Unit in Santiago, Chile. Email: prensa@cepal.org; Telephone: (56) 22210 2040.
1 of 5
Press Release
17 March 2023
Guyana Activates World Bank Financing to Reduce Flooding in Georgetown
Much of Guyana’s economic activity, especially agriculture, is concentrated in low-lying areas and 90% of the country’s population live on a coastal plain which lies below sea level. The impact of rising sea levels and intensified storm surges in Guyana could exceed 46.4 percent in Gross Domestic Product losses. Despite extensive urban and rural drainage, Georgetown’s system is frequently overwhelmed, resulting in severe flooding which causes damage to infrastructure, and disrupts urban activities, hampering the prosperity and wellbeing of affected communities.
“The World Bank is pleased to support Guyana, as the country seeks to build its climate resilience”, said Diletta Doretti, World Bank’s Resident Representative for Guyana. “Flooding not only has negative impacts on lives and livelihoods but can also impact health, due to communicable diseases”, Ms. Doretti added. The World Bank official further commended the Government of Guyana for awarding the contracts to local companies.
The interventions financed under these contracts will reduce flood levels in two catchment areas, and include replacement of existing pumps, additional pumping capacity, rehabilitation of the sluice gates at Ogle, and two mobile pumps, also at Ogle. Further, the Flood Risk Management Project supports upgrading critical sections of the East Demerara Water Conservancy Dams, and institutional strengthening for flood risk reduction while also facilitating project management and implementation support, through local agencies and institutions.
Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted the necessity to improve the drainage systems across the country as they impact development outcomes. He said, “as we are improving the flood risk management of our country, we are seeing more development especially in the agriculture sector. This project will help the entire eastern part of Region Four which will contribute to the ease of flooding in these areas.”
The Bank and the Government of Guyana expressed their mutual commitment to improving flood risk management, during the signing event for contractors.
Contacts:
In the Caribbean: Penny Bowen, pbowen@worldbankgroup.org
Learn more about the work of the World Bank in the Caribbean: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/caribbean
Be updated via Twitter: https://twitter.com/WBCaribbean
Be updated via Twitter: https://twitter.com/WBCaribbean
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
Resources
07 September 2023
1 / 11