United Nations in Guyana

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17 June 2026

UN System and Caribbean Governments affirm development partnership under new cooperation framework

Belize City, Belize, 16 June 2026 — Caribbean governments and the United Nations set the stage for a strengthened development partnership with the presentation of the United Nations Multi Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2027-2031 for the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean. The Framework was presented during the 2026 Annual Coordination Meeting of the United Nations MSDCF for the Caribbean, convened on 16 June 2026. Over the next five years, the new MSDCF will guide coordinated UN support to national and regional priorities, helping to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and deliver meaningful results for people and communities across the region. Chaired by Belize, the hybrid meeting brought together Member States, Resident Coordinators, regional partners, and United Nations entities for a focused regional dialogue on results, priorities, and the next chapter of cooperation. Participants reflected on the achievements and lessons of the MSDCF 2022-2026.Guided by the theme, One Caribbean. One Framework. One Future, the 2026 Annual Coordination Meeting placed regional partnership at the center of the conversation. The theme carried a simple and powerful message: the Caribbean shares many of the same challenges and aspirations, and through one shared framework, countries and the United Nations can work together toward a stronger future.“With Governments and development partners we have worked together to shape a Multi-Country Cooperation Framework that reflects national priorities and regional aspirations. This Framework is about creating opportunities, strengthening resilience, protecting the most vulnerable, and delivering tangible results in the daily lives of Caribbean citizens.” — Mr. Raul Salazar, UN Resident Coordinator for Belize and El Salvador and Chair of the Regional Steering Committee of the MSDCF.During his remarks, H.E. Oscar Arnold, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize affirmed, “The MSDCF 2027-2031 has been shaped by the priorities, experiences and aspirations of our countries, and stands as a testament to our collective commitment to build a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous Caribbean.” Participants also discussed the strategic direction of the MSDCF 2027-2031, which is designed to respond to the Caribbean’s evolving development realities and accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Framework is organized around two Strategic Pillars. The first, Economic and Ecosystem Resilience, focuses on economic diversification, skills development, and strengthening ecosystem resilience. The second, Future Ready People and Empowered Communities, focuses on integrated services and addressing crime and violence prevention. Together, these pillars speak to stronger economies, protected ecosystems, better access to services, safer communities, and a region better prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.Through the presentation of the MSDCF 2027-2031, Caribbean governments and the United Nations reaffirmed their commitment to national ownership, regional cooperation, and meaningful results for people, communities, and future generations.The focus now turns to implementation planning, coordination, and delivery under the new Framework, ensuring that regional priorities translate into practical action at the national level across countries.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment, grounded in a common vision, to collective action and partnership in advancing sustainable development across the Caribbean.One Caribbean. One Framework. One Future. About the United Nations Caribbean:The United Nations Caribbean brings together UN agencies, funds and programmes working with governments and regional institutions across the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean. Through the MSDCF, the UN works as one system to support national development priorities, advance the Sustainable Development Goals, and respond to shared regional challenges through coordinated, people centered and results focused cooperation.Media Contacts:Lisa Stanford Jones
Programme Coordinator Associate for the MSDCF
UN Resident Coordinator Office for Belize
lisa.stanfordjones@un.orgCindy Novelo
Foreign Service Officer
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
belizemfa@btl.net

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01 June 2026

ILO and NEBOSH join forces to boost safety in Guyana

PORT OF SPAIN (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) Caribbean Office and the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) have begun implementing a new initiative to strengthen occupational safety and health (OSH) systems in Guyana, following an agreement signed earlier this year. The project is already bringing together government, employers and workers to advance a shared agenda for safer workplaces and stronger labour institutions.Supporting safer growthGuyana is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, driven by major oil and gas developments alongside expansion in construction, agriculture, mining and tourism. Recent data from the national Labour Force Survey show a strong labour market recovery, with roughly 100,000 jobs created in recent years and unemployment falling sharply to 4.2 per cent. This rapid growth is generating jobs but also increasing exposure to occupational risks.The country has taken important steps, including ratifying the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), in 2012 and adopting a national OSH policy in 2019. However, significant gaps remain. Guyana has yet to ratify the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187), and its OSH Act of 1997 requires modernization to address emerging hazards, particularly in the rapidly expanding energy sector.Tripartite engagement and strengthening national systemsWorking with the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI), and the two national trade union centres - the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) - the project will develop a national OSH profile to identify gaps and inform policy. It will support the updating of the national OSH policy, the drafting of a national OSH programme, proposed amendments to the OSH Act and the development of regulations specific to the oil and gas sector.Targeted training for OSH inspectors, employers and workers will run in parallel, drawing on NEBOSH’s internationally recognized expertise in oil and gas operational safety.The project has already completed an important first milestone. During an inception meeting convened with government, employer and worker representatives, participants reviewed and endorsed the project’s implementation approach and priorities. The discussions reaffirmed broad support for strengthening Guyana’s OSH framework through social dialogue and tripartite cooperation.The project also supports the strengthening of Guyana’s tripartite National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH), which is expected to play a central role in guiding consultations, validating key outputs and fostering national ownership of the reform process. The Government is currently considering the formal appointment of Council members as part of the project’s launch phase.ILO Caribbean Office Director Joni Musabayana welcomed the agreement, stating:“This partnership represents concrete action to support the implementation of Guyana’s Decent Work Country Programme and the priorities identified by government, employers and workers. We are moving beyond commitments to practical measures that will strengthen institutions, improve workplace safety and help ensure that Guyana’s economic transformation is accompanied by stronger protections for workers.”Andy Shenstone, NEBOSH Chief Executive, said the partnership reflected the organization's commitment to reaching workers in underserved regions and high-risk industries.“As a charity and a leading global organization in health and safety education, NEBOSH exists to make a positive difference to people’s lives through safer and healthier workplaces. Through funding from our Social Purpose Programme, this collaboration with the ILO in Guyana allows us to put that mission into action - supporting safer workplaces in high-risk sectors and delivering lasting impact through skills development.” Andy Shenstone.Looking aheadThe next phase of implementation is expected to begin in July with a national launch, stakeholder consultations and the first round of capacity-building activities. These engagements will support the preparation of Guyana’s national OSH profile and lay the groundwork for legal and policy reforms, including updates to the OSH Act and the development of sector-specific regulations for oil and gas.This project fully aligns with the programmatic priorities set out in ILO’s Global Strategy on OSH (2023-2030). It is implemented within the framework of the ILO Global Programme Safety + Health for All that aims to promote safe and healthy working environments worldwide.Delivering on national prioritiesThe initiative contributes directly to the implementation of Guyana’s Decent Work Country Programme 2025–2030, which identifies the modernization of occupational safety and health systems as a national priority. It is also part of the ILO’s global flagship programme Safety + Health for All and supports the implementation of the ILO Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health 2024–2030.As Guyana’s economy continues to expand, strengthening occupational safety and health systems will be critical to ensuring that growth creates not only more jobs, but safer and better jobs. Through this partnership, the ILO, NEBOSH and Guyana’s tripartite constituents are working together to build the institutions, skills and protections needed to support sustainable growth and decent work for all.About NEBOSHThe National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) is a leading global charity which provides health, safety and environmental qualifications. Its qualifications help raise the competence of professionals and individuals at all levels in the workplace, and tens of thousands of people from more than 150 countries study for a NEBOSH qualification every year. NEBOSH has also been honoured as the Awarding Organization of the Year by the Federation of Awarding Bodies and, in 2025, strengthened its reputation for exceptional achievement with two further awards: Learner of the Year and the Special Recognition Award.In 2025, it launched its Social Purpose Programme to further its mission to improve health, safety and environmental standards worldwide. The programme aims to tackle inequality in workplace health and safety, particularly in regions where educational, financial, and regulatory resources are scarce. It also looks to improve accessibility and diversity within the occupational health and safety profession.

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A man dressed in a blue shirt with an orange safety vest and yellow hard hat at the wheel of vehicle.

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29 May 2026

Advancing Greenhouse Technologies and Digital Sensors in Guyana

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), successfully conducted a series of training sessions on Integrated Crop Production Management and Digital Sensor Systems under Protected Cultivation. The training commenced at the Mangrove Centre in Mon Repos on 19 May 2026 and continued with practical field sessions in Regions Two, Five and Six. These regional sessions engaged over 90 participants consisting of farmers, academia and extension officers from six regions, strengthening hands-on learning and supporting field-level application. Dr Ramnarace Sukhna, Head of Special Projects at NAREI, emphasised the long-term value of the initiative, stating, “This collaboration with FAO strengthens the technical capacities of our officers and farmers. The installation of sensors in regional model farms provides a strong foundation for scaling up protected agriculture and digital technologies nationwide.”Protected cultivation systems, including greenhouses and shade houses play an important role in advancing climate-smart agriculture in Guyana by improving productivity, and crop quality, while helping farmers reduce climate-related risks. An important feature of the training was the introduction of digital sensor technologies that support real-time monitoring of key environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, light intensity and nutrient levels. This allows more precise, data-driven crop management. For example, farmers can use soil moisture data to optimize irrigation schedules, reducing water use while maintaining crop health, or adjust ventilation and shading based on temperature and humidity readings to prevent plant stress and diseaseAlvin Prabudial, Extension Officer from Region 6 said, “The training was very good, not only the theory but also the practical experience of what is happening in real time as it really relates to our work, giving us new knowledge for us to advance greenhouse and shade house production.”Participants received training in key areas relating to protected cultivation including; greenhouse climate and crop management, irrigation, fertigation and nutrient management, pest and disease prevention, sensor technologies and data platforms including the installation and operation of monitoring systems. During the regional practical sessions, participants were introduced to digital sensor technologies and actively engaged in the installation of sensors procured under the project. These sensors were installed on pilot greenhouses at model farms in Regions Two, Five, and Six, helping to ensure that training was directly linked to field level application and practical use by farmers and technical officers.Debbie Argyle of the Mahaica Women’s Group said, “I am happy to be part of this training which is very impactful and I will be sharing this new knowledge of shade house monitoring with the members of my group and community.”The training formed part of a broader FAO technical mission that combines capacity development, equipment installation and field-based learning. By integrating classroom instruction with practical demonstrations, the programme ensures that participants are equipped to install, maintain and effectively utilise sensor data. Assistant FAO Representative for Guyana, Ms Gitanjali Chandarpal, highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that the integration of sensors and data-driven tools into greenhouse systems enables farmers and technical officers to better monitor conditions and make informed decisions, leading to improved productivity and resilience. Participants received training in key areas relating to protected cultivation including; greenhouse climate and crop management, irrigation, fertigation and nutrient management, pest and disease prevention, sensor technologies and data platforms including the installation and operation of monitoring systems. During the regional practical sessions, participants were introduced to digital sensor technologies and actively engaged in the installation of sensors procured under the project. These sensors were installed on pilot greenhouses at model farms in Regions Two, Five, and Six, helping to ensure that training was directly linked to field level application and practical use by farmers and technical officers.Debbie Argyle of the Mahaica Women’s Group said, “I am happy to be part of this training which is very impactful and I will be sharing this new knowledge of shade house monitoring with the members of my group and community.” The training formed part of a broader FAO technical mission that combines capacity development, equipment installation and field-based learning. By integrating classroom instruction with practical demonstrations, the programme ensures that participants are equipped to install, maintain and effectively utilise sensor data. Assistant FAO Representative for Guyana, Ms Gitanjali Chandarpal, highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that the integration of sensors and data-driven tools into greenhouse systems enables farmers and technical officers to better monitor conditions and make informed decisions, leading to improved productivity and resilience.

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22 May 2026

Resilience in action: Strengthening local capacity in Guyana

Guyana’s development is closely shaped by an evolving landscape of risk. The country’s diverse landscape, ranging from a narrow, low-lying coastal plain to a hillier sandy region, the Rupununi savannahs of the south, and vast tropical rainforests and interior highlands, shapes both its development and its exposure to risk. These include coastal flooding and sea level rise, riverine and rainfall-induced flooding, drought, and wildfires, with the adverse effects of climate change altering the intensity and frequency of many of these hazardous events.These realities are no longer distant risks, they are shaping how people live, work, and plan for the future. And increasingly, it is at the local level where the most meaningful responses need to take shape.The urgency to strengthen disaster risk reduction has been reinforced globally, particularly through the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which highlights the need to accelerate action before 2030. Yet its Midterm Review delivered a clear message: while progress has been made, efforts at the local level remain insufficient. With the 2030 deadline approaching, it is increasingly clear that resilience must be built where disasters are first felt, in cities, towns, and communities.In Guyana, this shift toward local action is gaining momentum. Through the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative, efforts are underway to strengthen resilience at the local level. Initiated in 2025, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), in close collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, and the Mayor and Town Council of Lethem, launched this process with the generous support of the Government of Australia, alongside the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and partners. Working alongside national institutions, local authorities, and a wide range of stakeholders, the process focuses on assessing capacities, identifying gaps, and supporting the development of local governance plans for disaster risk reduction and resilience. These efforts contribute to a broader movement to ensure that resilience is not just a concept, but something that is embedded in how cities and communities function.The process also connects closely with Guyana’s progress under the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, which marked a critical step toward strengthening multi‑hazard early warning systems to protect lives, livelihoods, and assets. As with resilience more broadly, the effectiveness of early warning systems depends on how well national frameworks translate into local action: how information reaches people, how it is understood, and how it supports timely response. By grounding resilience planning in local realities, the MCR2030 initiative is helping to strengthen these vital links.To reflect the diversity of risk across the country, the initiative focused on two distinct urban centers: Georgetown and Lethem. Each offers a different perspective on hazard, exposure, vulnerability and resilience, highlighting why local context matters.In Georgetown, the country’s capital and economic hub, as the center of government, commerce, and services, the challenges are shaped by its geography. The city lies on a narrow coastal plain, much of it below sea level, protected by a long-standing seawall, a canal network and stands of mangroves. Yet despite these protections, flooding remains a persistent challenge. Heavy rainfall, combined with clogged drains or pump failures, can quickly lead to widespread inundation.What has become clear through local engagement is that many of the challenges are not just technical, but institutional. While different agencies are actively working to manage risk, coordination has often been limited. Bringing stakeholders together revealed a shared understanding that more integrated, proactive planning is needed. There is growing recognition that resilience depends on how well information is shared, how systems are connected, and how decisions are made collectively rather than in isolation.It also brought forward a set of practical, locally driven actions to strengthen resilience. These include improving the clarity and accessibility of early warning messages so they reach all communities with gender‑inclusive and accessible language, developing disaster risk reduction plans that reflect diversity and the needs of most-at-risk groups, expanding training to ensure responders and institutions are better prepared, strengthening data sharing and interagency coordination, and advancing risk mapping and real-time monitoring. For a city like Georgetown, building resilience means not only strengthening infrastructure, but also strengthening the systems and partnerships that support it.In Lethem, Guyana’s southern urban center bordering Brazil, these challenges are shaped by the surrounding landscape and its seasonal rhythms. As the central business hub of Region 9, the town sits within the Rupununi savannah, a mosaic of open grasslands, wetlands, rivers, and forest patches that becomes especially dynamic as seasons change. During the rainy season, rising rivers overflow and inundate low-lying savannahs and communities, disrupting livelihoods, damaging infrastructure, and limiting access to essential services. As the seasons shift, prolonged dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires, which can spread rapidly across the savannah and affect farmlands and nearby communities.Through the MCR2030 engagement, stakeholders in Lethem deepened their understanding of these risks and identified actions that reflect local realities. The discussions helped surface a range of actions grounded in local realities, including consultations with Indigenous communities to integrate local knowledge into planning, the importance of strengthening preparedness through targeted training, including for women, the development of gender-responsive building codes and standards, and the need for infrastructure that is safe and accessible.Across both Georgetown and Lethem, the outcomes of these efforts go beyond plans on paper. They are already strengthening relationships, improving understanding of risk, and creating space for collaboration where it did not always exist before. Stakeholders who once worked separately are now engaging in shared dialogue, building a more coordinated approach to managing disasters and reducing risk.There is still much work ahead, particularly in moving from planning to implementation. But the foundations have been laid. By investing in local capacity, strengthening governance, and connecting national priorities to local realities, Guyana is taking meaningful steps toward a more resilient future.And in the face of growing uncertainty, that local foundation may be its greatest strength. This story was first published by UNDRR.

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20 May 2026

General Assembly backs historic World Court climate crisis ruling

The Secretary-General said it makes clear Member States’ responsibility to protect their own people from what is an “escalating climate crisis”.The resolution drawn up by Vanuatu - a Pacific island nation on the frontline of the climate crisis, and several other countries - was adopted after intense discussion including multiple proposed amendments with 141 votes in favour, eight against and 28 abstentions.Those voting against were Belarus, Iran, Israel, Liberia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the US and Yemen. When the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s principal judicial body, ruled in July 2025 that States have an obligation to protect the environment from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the decision was hailed as a breakthrough. The UN chief described it simply as “a victory for our planet”.‘Legal duty’The Court also ruled that if States breach these obligations, they are legally responsible and may be legally required to stop the wrongful conduct, offer guarantees that it won’t happen again, and make full reparation, depending on the circumstances.Although the ICJ’s advisory opinions are not binding, they carry significant legal and moral authority – helping to clarify and develop international law by defining States’ legal obligations.Wednesday’s General Assembly adoption following up on the ruling, sends a strong message that tackling the climate crisis is a legal duty under international law, and not just a political choice. “The world’s highest court has spoken,” responded Mr. Guterres. “Today, the General Assembly has answered.”What’s in the resolution?The resolution calls on all UN Member States to take all possible steps to avoid causing significant damage to the climate and environment, including emissions produced within their borders, and to follow through on their existing climate pledges under the Paris Agreement.Governments are urged to cooperate in good faith and continuously coordinate efforts to tackle climate change globally and ensure that climate policies safeguard the rights to life, health, and an adequate standard of living.In a statement released after the General Assembly vote, Mr. Guterres declared that those least responsible for climate change are paying the highest price, and that the path to climate justice “runs through a rapid, just, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy.”The UN Secretary-General noted that renewables have proved to be the cheapest and most secure form of energy and that the goal of keeping global temperature rises to no more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels is still within reach............................................................................This story was first published by UN News.

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Press Release

26 May 2026

UN80 Initiative: New report warns status quo is “untenable” as reforms enter decisive phase

NEW YORK, 26 MAY 2026 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today issued a progress report on the UN80 Initiative, outlining reforms underway across the UN system and urging strong Member States’ engagement to move the process forward. “The status quo is untenable,” he warns, arguing that the choice is between planned reform, led by Member States, or externally imposed, crisis-driven change. The report places the Initiative in a new “decisive phase”. It shows where UN80 has generated movement, and how reform proposals are advancing along their decision pathways. It distinguishes issues that are ready, or nearly ready, for decision-making from those requiring further design and consultation. It also makes clear where political support and decisions are now needed to carry reform all the way.Progress Across the Initiative The report describes key reforms already underway to strengthen impact, reduce fragmentation and duplication across the UN system, while recognizing that progress is advancing at different speeds. Key developments include:The adoption of General Assembly resolution 80/251, establishing a new basis for mandate discipline and strengthening how UN system mandates are created, implemented and reviewed;Changes to the Secretariat’s operating model, including a 21 per cent reduction in staff positions in 2026, new common administrative platforms and the relocation of about 230 posts from high to lower-cost locations, as part of about 2,300 positions UN system-wide;New delivery models, including integrated supply chains under the New Humanitarian Compact, now being piloted in Afghanistan, Haiti, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Somalia and Sudan, alongside the empowerment of Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators working in crisis settings;A forthcoming peace operations review, expected in June, which will present recommendations to adapt the UN’s toolbox and create a more flexible peace operations architecture fit for today’s challenges;Reconfiguring UN country teams, resetting regional arrangements, and improving access to support for countries via an Expertise-on-Demand Mechanism and Joint Knowledge Hubs to accelerate the delivery of Sustainable Development Goals;The establishment of the Human Rights Group to better coordinate human rights work across the UN system;Work to strengthen shared services, technology and data capacities across the UN system, including a new Unified Services Roadmap for all administrative services, a UN System Data Commons, and Technology Accelerator Platform to better connect these critical enablers of delivery.Other structural proposals, including assessments of potential mergers involving UN system entities.Shared Responsibilities for the Next Phase Member States will help shape the next phase of the Initiative. “From now on, Member States will craft the key outcomes of UN80,” the Secretary-General writes, noting that many of the proposals will move through established intergovernmental processes in line with the UN Charter, existing mandates and applicable rules and procedures. The Secretary-General sets out six priorities to move the initiative from reform design to delivery. He urged governments to use resolution 80/251 as a practical governance instrument; provide clear direction on country and regional reform; back shared services, technology and data as system-wide enablers; assess structural proposals on their merits, align funding practices with coherent delivery; and exercise governance consistently across the UN system.Inaction, Guterres warns, would be “a mistake and a failure of responsibility,” adding that the political and technical investment made since March 2025 now needs to be taken to its most impactful conclusion. “The opportunities carefully constructed over the past year could slip away and the moment could be lost”, he cautions. “Our shared responsibility is to make sure that does not happen.” Media Contacts UN80 Secretariat un80contact@un.org

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Press Release

12 February 2026

Strengthening Guyana’s Seafood Value Chain through One UN Action: FAO, ILO, and ITC Partner to Enhance Linkages in Guyana’s Seafood Sector

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Trade Centre (ITC) collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Labour to host a one-day workshop on Monday, 9 February 2026. Titled “Strengthening Guyana’s Agribusiness: From Fisheries Cooperatives to Seafood Markets”. The workshop brought together fisheries cooperatives, seafood and agrifood businesses, banks, business support organizations, and policymakers. Its main goal was simple: to help fisheries cooperatives connect more easily with buyers, markets, and sources of finance in Guyana. By creating space for these groups to meet, talk, and plan together, the event aimed to reduce gaps in the seafood value chain and to support more stable, profitable business relationships.Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Hon. Keoma Griffith, in his keynote address, said, “The forum is timely as it ensures that Guyana’s fisherfolk are fully part of the country’s ongoing development and transformation”. He indicated that the government supports these partnerships between international organizations, cooperatives, and the private sector to build more resilient agricultural and fisheries systems that can drive inclusive economic growth in Guyana and across the Caribbean.” Mr. Denzel Roberts, Chief Fisheries Officer of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, echoed Minister Griffith’s sentiments that the Government of Guyana supports the development of fish cooperatives and this workshop. He added that the event will create linkages between fisherfolk and financial institutions and help the sector access new markets, in line with the Government’s objectives.The event was supported by business stakeholders such as national banks, regional partners, and the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Their involvement facilitated discussions beyond ideas towards practical partnerships that can improve access to markets and finance. Over time, these partnerships can help cooperatives invest in better equipment, improve product quality, and increase production, leading to higher incomes and more secure jobs in fishing and related industries.Rory Osborne, a fisher from Wakenaam, noted, “This event opened my eyes to all the things required to run a coop and was great for networking with new people”.Victor Mangru, a fisher from Region Three, added that “The event is great because I’ve been able to meet people like business incubators, supermarkets, and banks, which can help my business grow”.Through focused discussions and networking sessions, participants shared practical ways to work together more effectively. They looked at how to strengthen relationships between suppliers and buyers, improve productivity and quality, and adopt responsible business practices across the fisheries and agrifood sectors. Special attention was given to the needs of cooperatives, small-scale producers, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), so that growth in the sector benefits a wider range of people.Labour standards and decent work were a key part of the conversation. By encouraging businesses and cooperatives to follow fair labour practices from the start, the workshop helped to link market growth with safer working conditions, skills development, and more stable employment for Guyanese workers.The workshop also allowed representatives from the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Agriculture to engage directly with private-sector actors. This will help to ensure that new business partnerships support national priorities, including sustainability, inclusive growth, and decent employment. When public policy and private investment work in the same direction, successful models can be expanded and have a greater impact across the sector.The representative of Survival Supermarket said that this was a beneficial event for first engagement, and he can see great potential with new seafood suppliers.The collaboration reflects the different but complementary roles of the partners involved:FAO works to strengthen sustainable fisheries, agrifood systems and livelihoods;ITC supports MSMEs to become more competitive and access markets;ILO promotes decent work and respect for labour standards; andGuyana’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Labour provide national leadership on sector development and employment.By strengthening links within Guyana’s seafood value chain, the workshop supports national development goals such as job creation, economic diversification and food system resilience. In the longer term, stronger and more inclusive value chains can increase incomes for workers and producers, attract investment, and boost the seafood sector’s contribution to the national economy.The event also supports the goals of the FISH4ACP programme, which aims to make fisheries and aquaculture value chains more sustainable, inclusive and resilient. It contributes to progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to decent work, economic growth, innovation and sustainable use of marine resources.FISH4ACP is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) aimed at making fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific more sustainable. FISH4ACP is implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Mr. Joan Nadal Sastre, Head of Cooperation for Guyana and Suriname, Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Suriname and CARICOM, said the EU supports this initiative that will create local added value, stimulate growth, generate decent jobs, and strengthen cohesion that are aligned with the European Union values – particularly inclusion, social cohesion and sustainable development.Looking ahead, the United Nations partners will focus on translating the workshop outcomes into concrete business opportunities for fisheries cooperatives. They hope to sustain the commercial linkages between cooperatives, banks, and supermarkets, strengthen cooperatives’ competitiveness to be more market driven, increase sales volumes, and position them as viable players in Guyana’s seafood market. FAO, ITC and ILO, together with national partners, reaffirmed their commitment to follow up on the outcomes of the workshop and continue supporting the development of competitive, sustainable, and inclusive fisheries and agribusiness value chains that deliver lasting benefits for Guyanese workers, communities, and the economy.

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Press Release

27 January 2026

UN announces new Expert Advisory Panel to advance efforts in quantifying countries’ multidimensional vulnerabilities

The UN General Assembly’s establishment of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) signals the international community’s recognition that vulnerability poses a major obstacle to sustainable development, particularly as countries face increasing exposure to exogenous shocks and stressors. The MVI measures the structural vulnerability and limited structural resilience of all developing countries and serves as a diagnostic tool to guide coordinated action, improve development decision-making and resource allocation. The Panel is mandated to help ensure the continued robustness, relevance, and credibility of the MVI. Its responsibilities include conducting triennial reviews of the index; monitoring progress by developing countries in reducing structural vulnerabilities; evaluating emerging concepts and data; and reviewing lessons learned from the use of the MVI across the UN system and beyond. Serving in their personal capacity, the Panel’s members bring diverse expertise spanning economic development, social development, environmental protection, vulnerability measurement, and resilience-building. The Panel reflects broad geographical and gender balance and includes leaders from the public sector, academia, civil society, and the international community. Congratulating the panel, Rabab Fatima, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS), said, “The establishment of the MVI Advisory Panel marks a critical milestone in advancing our collective understanding of structural vulnerability. For far too long, the most vulnerable countries —LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS — have faced exogenous shocks that undermine hard-won development gains and constrain sustainable progress. The MVI is a long-overdue evidence-based instrument to capture these realities. I am confident that the distinguished members of this Panel will help ensure that the Index continues to evolve as a robust instrument to inform policy, enhance access to finance, and support more equitable and resilient development outcomes.”The MVI Advisory Panel will be supported by a dedicated Secretariat, responsible for maintaining the Index and conducting periodic updates. In addition, the Secretariat will carry out a range of functions aimed at strengthening and reporting on the index, including providing capacity-building support to Member States. As part of the governance framework, the UN Statistical Commission will conduct technical reviews of any future enhancements to the index.“The establishment of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) signals a vital recognition that vulnerability to external shocks is a primary obstacle to sustainable development…. To capitalize on the momentum developing countries must advance transformative national development agendas that shockproof their vulnerable economies,” stated Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). He added, “In parallel, the international community must deliver targeted financing at speed and scale. For this to work, consideration of multidimensional vulnerability and its impact cannot be an exception; it must be the norm in the financing policies of IFIs and development partners.” Panel MembershipThe Advisory Panel comprises 15 experts selected from across regions, sectors, and disciplines. Their CVs are available here. Ms. Sabina Alkire — United States Ms. Amatalalim (Amat Al Alim) Alsoswa — Yemen Mr. Tumasie Blair — Antigua and Barbuda Mr. George Carter — Samoa Mr. Paul Cheung — Singapore Mr. Jean‑Christophe Donnellier — France Mr. ZENG Fei — China Ms. Salmou Gourouza Magagi — Niger Mr. Edgar Gutiérrez‑Espeleta — Costa Rica Ms. Fahmida Khatun — Bangladesh Mr. José Antonio Ocampo — Colombia Ms. Adela Raz — Afghanistan Ms. Therese Turner‑Jones — Bahamas Ms. Dzodzi Tsikata — Ghana Mr. Kerfalla Yansane — GuineaNext StepsThe Panel will convene its first meeting in 2026 to adopt its work programme and initiate preparations for the first triennial review of the MVI due in 2028. Additional information: Report:High-level panel on the development of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index Multidimensional Vulnerability Index for SIDS (UN DESA)Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (OHRLLS) For more information and for interview requests, please contact: May Yaacoub | UN Office for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States | yaacoubm@un.orgSharon Birch | UN Department of Global Communications | birchs@un.org Helen Rosengren |UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs | rosengrenh@un.org

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Press Release

08 January 2026

Global economy shows resilience, but trade tensions and fiscal strains cloud outlook, UN warns

New York, 8 January 2026 – Global economic output is forecast to grow by 2.7 per cent in 2026, slightly below the 2.8 per cent estimated for 2025 and well below the pre-pandemic average of 3.2 per cent, according to the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026, released by the United Nations today.During 2025, unexpected resilience to sharp increases in U.S. tariffs, supported by solid consumer spending and easing inflation, helped sustain growth. However, underlying weaknesses persist. Subdued investment and limited fiscal space are weighing on economic activity, raising the prospect that the world economy could settle into a persistently slower growth path than in the pre-pandemic era. The report notes that a partial easing of trade tensions helped limit disruptions to international commerce. However, the impact of higher tariffs, coupled with elevated macroeconomic uncertainties, is expected to become more evident in 2026. Financial conditions have eased amid monetary loosening and improved sentiment, but risks remain high given stretched valuations—especially in sectors linked to rapid advances in artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, high debt levels and borrowing costs are constraining policy space, especially for many developing economies.“A combination of economic, geopolitical and technological tensions is reshaping the global landscape, generating new economic uncertainty and social vulnerabilities,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “Many developing economies continue to struggle and, as a result, progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals remains distant for much of the world.”Regional economic outlook: expansion broadly steady, but uneven Economic growth in the United States is projected at 2.0 per cent in 2026, compared to 1.9 per cent in 2025, supported by monetary and fiscal easing. However, a softening labour market will likely weigh on momentum. In the European Union, economic growth is forecast at 1.3 per cent in 2026, down from 1.5 per cent in 2025, as higher U.S. tariffs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty dampen exports. Output in Japan is expected to expand by 0.9 per cent in 2026, compared with 1.2 per cent in 2025, with a modest domestic recovery partly offsetting weaker external conditions. In the Commonwealth of Independent States and Georgia, growth is projected at 2.1 per cent in 2026, mostly unchanged from 2025, even as the war in Ukraine continues to weigh on macroeconomic conditions. In East Asia, growth is projected at 4.4 per cent in 2026, down from 4.9 per cent in 2025 as the boost from front-loaded exports fades. China’s economy is expected to grow by 4.6 per cent, slightly lower than in 2025, supported by targeted policy measures. In South Asia, growth is forecast at 5.6 per cent in 2026, easing from 5.9 per cent, led by India’s 6.6 per cent expansion, driven by resilient consumption and substantial public investment. In Africa, output is projected to grow by 4.0 per cent in 2026, marginally up from 3.9 per cent in 2025. However, high debt and climate-related shocks pose significant risks. In Western Asia, GDP is expected to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2026, up from 3.4 per cent in 2025, yet the region remains exposed to geopolitical tensions and security risks. In Latin America and the Caribbean, output is expected to expand by 2.3 per cent in 2026, slightly down from 2.4 per cent in 2025, amid moderate growth in consumer demand and a mild recovery in investment.International trade facing headwinds; investment remains subduedGlobal trade proved resilient in 2025, expanding by a faster-than-expected 3.8 per cent despite elevated policy uncertainty and rising tariffs. The expansion was driven by the front-loading of shipments early in the year and robust growth in services trade. However, momentum is expected to ease, with trade growth projected to slow to 2.2 per cent in 2026. At the same time, investment growth has remained subdued in most regions, weighed down by geopolitical tensions and tight fiscal conditions. Monetary easing and targeted fiscal measures have supported investment in some economies, while rapid advances in artificial intelligence fuelled pockets of strong capital spending in a few large markets. The report cautions, however, that the potential gains from AI, when realised, are likely to be unevenly distributed, risking a widening of existing structural inequalities.Inflation continues to slow, yet strains to the cost of living persist The report also underscores that high prices remain a key global challenge even as disinflation continued. Headline inflation declined from 4.0 per cent in 2024 to an estimated 3.4 per cent in 2025 and is projected to slow further to 3.1 per cent in 2026. While overall inflation has moderated, elevated prices continue to weigh on real incomes. Unlike the globally synchronized surge of previous years, inflation trends have become more uneven, shaped by recurring supply bottlenecks amid rising geopolitical and climate‑related risks. Policymakers face an increasingly complex inflation landscape, where supply risks call for a more coordinated and forward-looking approach. Monetary policy remains central but needs to work with credible fiscal frameworks and targeted social measures to protect vulnerable groups. Sectoral polices also play a role by expanding productive capacity and strengthening supply chains, especially in food, energy and logistics. Coordinated action across monetary, fiscal and industrial policies will be critical to managing persistent price pressures without compromising social stability or long-term growth.“Even as inflation recedes, high and still rising prices continue to erode the purchasing power of the most vulnerable,” said Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. “Ensuring that lower inflation translates into real improvements for households requires safeguarding essential spending, strengthening market competition, and tackling the structural drivers of recurring price shocks.”Call for renewed multilateral actionThe report underscores that navigating an era of trade realignments, persistent price pressures, and climate-related shocks will demand deeper global coordination and decisive collective action at a time when geopolitical tensions are rising, policies are becoming more inward-looking, and impetus towards multilateral solutions is weakening. Sustained progress will depend on rebuilding trust, strengthening predictability, and renewing the commitment to an open, rules-based multilateral trading system.The Sevilla Commitment, the outcome document of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, offers a forward-looking blueprint to strengthen multilateral cooperation, reform the international financial architecture, and scale up development finance. Delivering on its key priorities—including clearer debt workout modalities and expanded concessional and climate finance—is essential to reducing systemic risks and fostering a more stable and equitable global economy. ~The World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 will be available on 8 January, 12:45 pm EST at desapublications.un.org.Hashtag: #WorldEconomyReportMedia Contacts: Martin Samaan, UN Department of Global Communications,  samaanm@un.orgHelen Rosengren, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, rosengrenh@un.org

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Press Release

06 May 2025

Guyana’s human rights record to be examined by Universal Periodic Review

Guyana is one of 14 States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its upcoming session from 28 April to 9 May 2025. The first, second and third UPR reviews of Guyana took place in May 2010, January 2015 and January 2020, respectively.The UPR Working Group is comprised of the 47 Member States of the Human Rights Council. However, each of the 193 UN Member States can participate in a country review.The documents on which the reviews are based are: 1) national report - information provided by the State under review; 2) information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the special procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities; 3) information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations, and civil society groups.The three reports serving as the basis for the review of Guyana on 6 May can be found here.Location: Room XX, Palais des Nations, Geneva.Time and date: 14:30 – 18:00, Tuesday, 6 May 2025 (GMT+1).The UPR is a peer review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN Member States have been reviewed thrice. During the fourth UPR cycle, States are again expected to spell out steps they have taken to implement recommendations posed during their previous reviews which they committed to follow up on and highlight recent human rights developments in the country.The delegation of Guyana will be led by Ambassador Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations in New York, accompanied by Ms. Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.The three country representatives serving as rapporteurs (“troika”) for the review of Guyana are Belgium, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Dominican Republic.The webcast of the session will be at: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1q/k1qw0iej2oThe list of speakers and all available statements to be delivered during the review of Guyana will be posted on the UPR Extranet.The UPR Working Group is scheduled to adopt the recommendations made to Guyana on Friday, 9 May 2025, between 16:00 and 18:00 (GMT+1). The State under review may wish to express its positions on recommendations posed to it during its review.// ENDS // For more information and media requests, please contact Pascal Sim, Media Officer, at simp@un.org, David Díaz Martín, Public Information Officer at david.diazmartin@un.org, and Matthew Brown, Public Information Officer, at matthew.brown@un.orgTo learn more about the Universal Periodic Review: www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/upr/upr-mainSign up for the UN Human Rights Council Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/a3a538479938/hrc-mailshot-to-ohchr-global

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