UN Volunteers Strengthens Its Presence in the Caribbean with Renewed Outreach in Guyana

UN Volunteers (UNV) is taking concrete steps to reposition and strengthen its presence in the Caribbean region with the appointment of a new Focal Point for the Southern Caribbean, currently based in Georgetown, Guyana. This initiative reflects UNV’s renewed commitment to engaging governments, partners, and communities while promoting volunteerism as a key driver of sustainable development.

As part of its public information and outreach efforts, UNV recently participated in the Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Exhibit held on 9–10 December, organized by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance. UNV joined other UN entities at the UN booth, where representatives engaged with Guyanese government officials and members of the general public. Particular interest was shown by students, many of whom expressed enthusiasm about joining UN Volunteers and learning how they could contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and participate in activities leading up to the International Year of Volunteers in 2026.

To further raise awareness about UNV’s role and legacy in Guyana, a video was produced highlighting the period when the country hosted one of the largest UNV programmes in the Latin America and Caribbean region. The video recounts the impact of volunteerism during those years and underscores UNV’s continued relevance in supporting national development priorities today.

The renewed engagement is being led by Mr. Cesar Guedes (Peru/Canada), who has been appointed as the new Focal Point for the Southern Caribbean. Mr. Guedes brings over 30 years of United Nations experience, having begun his UN career in 1992 as a UN Volunteer in Guyana. Most recently, he served as the UNODC Country Representative in Afghanistan and has also completed several years of service at UNV Headquarters in Bonn, Germany.

UNV’s strengthened presence in Guyana marks an important step in revitalizing partnerships across the Southern Caribbean, enhancing public awareness of volunteerism, and positioning UN Volunteers as a strategic partner in advancing the SDGs and the International Year of Volunteers 2026.