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Press Release
08 January 2026
Global economy shows resilience, but trade tensions and fiscal strains cloud outlook, UN warns
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Story
16 December 2025
2025 Annual Coordination Meeting: Shifting Gears from Vulnerability to Resilience
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15 December 2025
UN Volunteers Strengthens Its Presence in the Caribbean with Renewed Outreach in Guyana
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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.
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16 December 2025
2025 Annual Coordination Meeting: Shifting Gears from Vulnerability to Resilience
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago — Caribbean governments gathered for the 2025 Annual Coordination Meeting (ACM) to discuss progress in implementation of the UN Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the Caribbean (UNMSDCF) and set clear long-term priorities for the future partnership. They delivered a clear mandate to the United Nations to strengthen multilateralism and work on sustainable development, calling for continued UN support on climate resilience and disaster risk management, economic diversification, human capital development, digital transformation and citizen security. The meeting marked a milestone in the collective Caribbean effort to accelerate development before the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Held in Port of Spain on December 10, the ACM brought together representatives from 16 signatory countries and CARICOM to shape the direction of the next UNMSDCF for 2027–2031—the UN’s strategic focus for development support across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. The priorities articulated during the 2025 ACM closely link UN system support with the ambitions of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), adopted in 2024. From climate-resilient infrastructure to blue and green economies, digital public services and shock-responsive social protection, governments used the 2025 ACM to underscore that ABAS is now shaping national and regional expectations for UN cooperation. The ACM translated these global SIDS commitments into concrete, region-specific priorities—reinforcing ABAS as a practical agenda for delivery.In 2024, the combined investment of the UN development system in the Caribbean under the current UNMSDCF for 2022-2026 was approximately US $200 million, representing a continued upward trend in funding mobilization. Details on the UN’s regional delivery were captured in a newly-released Regional Results Report, an unprecedented Caribbean-wide snapshot that outlines the UN’s work across six United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs): Belize; Guyana; Jamaica (covering five Member states); Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Islands; and the Eastern Caribbean (based in Barbados, covering ten Member States and overseas territories).Speaking during the ACM opening ceremony, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Senator Dr. the Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh, reflected on progress under the current UNMSDCF while underscoring the region’s ambition for the next phase of cooperation.“As we reflect on what has been achieved under the current MSDCF, we acknowledge meaningful progress across the region. These achievements reflect the value of what we can achieve when global expertise and national priorities are aligned,” Minister Swaratsingh said. “The next Cooperation Framework will mark the shift from vulnerability to resilience. This is where the Caribbean’s strength is rooted—in innovation, in the ability to adapt and support one another. While the challenges ahead are real, so is our collective capacity to overcome them.”United Nations Resident Coordinator for Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, Joanna Kazana, emphasised that the next framework must be firmly shaped by government leadership and strategic clarity.“The UN is using forecasting and foresight to understand where the changing global context may take us,” Ms. Kazana said. “Tell us what you want the UN system to prioritise in this partnership so the region can accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda and deliver equitable, inclusive and resilient development for every Caribbean citizen." The feedback from governments comes at a decisive moment, since the 2027–2031 UNMSDCF will be the final framework before the deadline for the 2030 Agenda—leaving little room for fragmented or incremental action.The priorities articulated at the 2025 ACM will now inform joint planning to design the 2027–2031 UNMSDCF. As governments and the UN move into this phase, the emphasis will be on sharpening focus, mobilising partnerships and ensuring the framework is positioned to deliver measurable impact in the Caribbean’s critical final push toward the SDGs. Republished from the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator Trinidad and Tobago
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Story
15 December 2025
Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Expo 2025 Celebrates “Everyday Essentials”
On December 9–10, 2025, the United Nations Guyana Country Team participated in the 4th Annual Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Expo at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, an event that united government agencies, civil society and the public in a shared showcase of work advancing human rights and integrity. Organized by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance (MPAG), the two-day event drew students, teachers, community groups and members of the public, offering interactive displays, educational dialogue and outreach on human rights protections and anti-corruption efforts across the nation.The expo’s theme, “Our Everyday Essentials: Rights and Integrity,” reflected this year’s global Human Rights Day campaign led by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The UN campaign particularly emphasizes that human rights are foundational elements we rely on throughout daily life, from safety and dignity to freedom of expression and equality before the law.Each year, the expo grows in scope and recognition, now described as the only event of its kind in the region. The MPAG thanked agencies for their creativity, professionalism and dedication, noting that their contributions helped make the 2025 expo a success and ensured that the event remained meaningful, credible and nationally relevant. Visitors particularly praised the exhibits' engaging, interactive nature and the agency's welcoming staff. Many participants also shared their experiences on social media, extending the expos’ reach beyond the two days of programming and drawing broader public attention to the importance of human rights and anti-corruption work. The expo took place in the context of Human Rights Day 2025, observed each year on December 10 to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.According to the OHCHR, human rights are positive, essential and attainable. They are everyday essentials that enable people to participate in society, express themselves freely, live without fear, access services and opportunities, and demand accountability when rights are violated.In Guyana, the 2025 expo reinforced these principles by making human rights tangible for diverse audiences, especially young people and educators. The event also highlighted national efforts to respect, protect and fulfill human rights while promoting integrity and combating corruption, two goals that are connected in any democratic society striving for justice and accountability.As officials and participants look ahead, there is optimism that future expos and related activities will continue to grow and strengthen, fostering broader public awareness and deepening appreciation for the essential role human rights play in everyday life.
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Story
15 December 2025
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.
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Story
28 November 2025
Turning shoes into voices
The second annual Red Shoe Project memorial took place at the Kitty Seawall in Georgetown as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The event brought together survivors, advocates, and organisations working to draw attention to the impact of violence on women and girls in Guyana. Rows of red shoes were placed along the seawall to represent women whose lives were lost, creating a visible reminder of the scale of the issue.One survivor who attended the memorial reflected on the importance of community support programmes in helping women recognise risks and leave abusive environments. Speaking about her own experience, she said, “I would have been one of those shoes. Trust me.” Her statement highlighted the role of public awareness initiatives and survivor-centred services in preventing further harm.Gender-based violence continues to be a serious national concern. Reports from local organisations indicate that more than 16 women have been murdered since the start of 2025. These cases, along with ongoing reports of non-fatal harm, demonstrate that violence affects women across different age groups, communities, and economic circumstances. Organisations working in the sector have repeated calls for expanded access to prevention programmes, stronger institutional coordination, and long-term support services for survivors.Survivors’ accounts in recent news features provide insight into the complexity of abusive situations. One woman described living through fifteen years of violence before she was able to leave. Reflecting on that period of her life, she stated, “Sometimes strength is simply walking away.” She also explained the difficulty of maintaining a functioning household under those conditions and described how everyday routines masked her stress. “I smiled for photos, cooked dinner, carried the weight of being a good wife, but behind closed doors, my home was a battlefield.” These accounts underscore the challenges survivors face when navigating safety, financial dependency, and family responsibilities. Advocates at the memorial have emphasised that violence increasingly extends into digital spaces. Online harassment, the non-consensual sharing of images, and persistent cyberstalking affect many women and girls in Guyana. Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator noted that 16 days of activism draws attention to digital violence. “While the online world was meant to create connectivity and opportunity, it has become a source of harm for many women and girls—especially activists, journalists, women in politics, and human rights defenders,” she said. These forms of abuse can limit participation in public life and can cause emotional and psychological harm. Civil society groups have therefore encouraged the development of policies and public education initiatives that address both physical and digital violence.Policy reform continues to progress through the national legislative agenda. Work on the draft Family Violence Bill proposes broader definitions of violence, including psychological, emotional, and economic harm. The bill also seeks to widen access to protective orders and strengthen support services. Organisations in the sector have highlighted the importance of comprehensive legislation that responds to the realities faced by survivors. They have also stated that strong laws must be accompanied by adequate resources for enforcement, counselling, emergency housing, and justice services. The Red Shoe Project memorial served as both a tribute and a call to action. Organisers noted that the visual display of shoes helps communities confront the seriousness of gender-based violence and consider how they can support prevention. The event encouraged conversations about early intervention, community awareness, and the roles of families, workplaces, and institutions in identifying risk signs.Participants also discussed the need for a sustained, coordinated response. Addressing gender-based violence requires collaboration across government, civil society, and community networks. Prevention efforts must include education, accessible reporting pathways, and services that prioritise safety and dignity.The memorial concluded with a shared understanding that each pair of shoes represented a life affected by violence. The voices of survivors who participated in the event provided clear evidence of the importance of support systems and the potential for recovery. Their experiences demonstrated that, with the right structures in place, meaningful progress can be made toward reducing harm and strengthening protection for women and girls in Guyana.
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Story
27 November 2025
The central role of young people in shaping Guyana’s development highlighted during University of Guyana-UN youth dialogue
The Youth Dialogue between the University of Guyana and the United Nations brought together students, faculty, and development partners for a focused discussion on youth participation in national development. The event offered young people the opportunity to engage directly with the UN system, reflect on their role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and share perspectives on the issues affecting their communities.The dialogue formed part of the UN's broader commitment in Guyana to support youth engagement, as outlined in the UN Youth Strategy. In his remarks David Davidsson, Economist in the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasised that Guyana’s relatively young population presents a significant opportunity for long-term development. He noted that the country’s demographic profile can support a “demographic dividend if policies and systems support young people to reach their full potential, whether through education, better health, employment opportunities, innovation and more.”He also highlighted ongoing UN engagement with diverse groups of young people, including youth with disabilities, young women, indigenous youth, young entrepreneurs, young people living with HIV, LGBTI youth, and faith-based leaders. Davidsson referenced examples of youth contributions such as product development and training for small businesses, agriculture-related services that expand local production, adolescent and youth-friendly spaces and mental health and psychosocial support programmes.These examples illustrate how youth engagement aligns with broader global frameworks such as the UN Pact for the Future, which includes commitments to expanding youth participation in public life, improving access to education and skills, supporting youth leadership in climate action and peacebuilding, and strengthening digital opportunities. Students from the Bachelor of Youth and Community Development (BYD) programme actively contributed to discussions on youth-led development pathways. According to Programme Coordinator Lauristan Choy, “The Youth Dialogue with the United Nations was a powerful and timely engagement that reinforced the importance of youth participation in national and global development processes.” He stated that the students “represented the values and competencies at the heart of our programme” and demonstrated the type of leadership that youth development requires.Throughout the dialogue, students worked in groups to examine challenges and propose practical approaches to strengthening youth involvement in policymaking and community development. This included reflections on education, employability, health, gender equality, and climate resilience.Choy explained that the dialogue “provided experiential learning, strengthened advocacy skills, and encouraged critical thinking.” He highlighted that the engagement allowed students to deepen their understanding of youth policy and connect academic learning with real-world development processes. He noted that the collaboration with the UN System “highlighted the value of sustained partnerships in youth development” and affirmed a shared commitment to building systems that elevate youth leadership.Reflecting on the experience, Choy stated that the dialogue “validated the need for professionally trained youth workers” and underscored the relevance of programmes such as BYD, which prepare a new generation of practitioners who support empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable community development. He also expressed optimism about continued collaboration, saying, “We look forward to continued collaboration, ongoing dialogue, and expanding opportunities for our students to participate in national and international youth development initiatives.” The event closed with a call for ongoing engagement. Students were encouraged to contribute to the shaping of the UN’s next phase of cooperation in the Caribbean and to participate actively in future forums.
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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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Press Release
09 October 2024
United Nations Development Programme in Guyana partners with the Ethnic Relations Commission to address hate speech in Guyana, support institutional strengthening and build public resilience against it
This partnership comes when Guyana prepares for the 2025 General Elections, a period that historically witnesses a surge in ethnic and racial hate speech.In an age of unprecedented information access, a click, a swipe, or a scroll can open a constant stream of news, articles and social media posts competing for our attention. However, within this ocean of data lies a hidden danger: hate speech from information pollution. Understood as the spread of false, misleading, manipulated and otherwise harmful messages, information pollution can quietly shape opinions, instigate conflict, and erode trust in reliable information. As experienced during the pandemic and now with the multiple crises worldwide, information pollution is threatening our ability to make informed decisions, participate in democratic processes, and contribute to the building of inclusive, peaceful and just societies. In fact, the United Nations Secretary-General has identified this phenomenon as a major contemporary threat, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat it.In this scenario, UNDP, as the largest United Nations provider of electoral assistance and with extensive experience in the field of democratic strengthening, is developing a series of innovative tools to support national, regional, and global efforts to promote information integrity and the resilience of information systems. Similarly, the ERC, being a constitutional entity mandated to promote the elimination of all forms of discrimination, has long recognized the impact of hate speech on societal divisions and is committed to proactive measures to counteract it. As part of the MoU, UNDP will provide comprehensive support to the ERC, including:1. Technical assistance to strengthen ERC’s existing methodologies for mapping and countering disinformation and hate speech.
2. Strengthen ERC’s capacities to access social media data, providing crucial insights into information pollution.
3. Enhancing the ERC’s technological infrastructure to better respond to these challenges.Central to this initiative is the ‘Digital Kit for Democracy,’ which includes the powerful eMonitor+ system—a state-of-the-art social media monitoring and analysis tool that leverages artificial intelligence to track and analyse harmful content across various platforms. eMonitor+ facilitates the extraction and analysis of thousands of pieces of information from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and others. This information increases knowledge of pernicious phenomena in the information ecosystems of countries and regions.Furthermore, as it is deployed simultaneously in various countries with different information dynamics, eMonitor+ is helping establish a standardized language and comparative data collection, analysis, and dissemination methodologies, so that cross-border dialogue, learning and cooperation can be facilitated. This makes eMonitor+ particularly useful in contexts with little research or data available on these topics. Only in 2024, six countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have started implementing eMonitor+ (Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Venezuela), and have since accessed a portfolio of good practices, innovative approaches, and partnership possibilities to tackle electoral mis/disinformation and hate speech. The UNDP Resident Representative for Guyana and Surinam, Mr. Gerardo Noto said, "by equipping the ERC with the tools and methodologies to combat hate speech and misinformation, we are taking proactive measures to strengthen democracy and promote social cohesion."The Chairman of the ERC, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, noted that “the ERC launched a proactive Countering Hate Speech campaign aimed at reducing racial and ethnic violations in the lead-up to the elections. The E-Monitoring Tool will be instrumental in enhancing our capacity to capture a wider reach of content. This innovative, automated system will efficiently identify key words and phrases that are racially and ethnically offensive, allowing us to respond more swiftly and effectively.”Through this collaboration, the ERC will enhance its Media Monitoring Unit's capacity to identify and address racially- and ethnically-motivated hate speech, disinformation, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. The implementation of eMonitor+ will provide ERC with the necessary tools to extract and analyse large volumes of data, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by information pollution.The signing of the MOU forms part of the wider ERC-UN System campaign to ‘Counter Hate Speech’, which was launched in June 2024. This campaign is an element of UN Guyana’s national implementation of the global United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which highlights the UN’s ongoing commitment to promote peaceful, inclusive and just societies.As this initiative unfolds, both UNDP and ERC look forward to setting a benchmark for collaboration against information pollution in the region, ultimately working toward a more equitable and democratic future for all Guyanese citizens.
2. Strengthen ERC’s capacities to access social media data, providing crucial insights into information pollution.
3. Enhancing the ERC’s technological infrastructure to better respond to these challenges.Central to this initiative is the ‘Digital Kit for Democracy,’ which includes the powerful eMonitor+ system—a state-of-the-art social media monitoring and analysis tool that leverages artificial intelligence to track and analyse harmful content across various platforms. eMonitor+ facilitates the extraction and analysis of thousands of pieces of information from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and others. This information increases knowledge of pernicious phenomena in the information ecosystems of countries and regions.Furthermore, as it is deployed simultaneously in various countries with different information dynamics, eMonitor+ is helping establish a standardized language and comparative data collection, analysis, and dissemination methodologies, so that cross-border dialogue, learning and cooperation can be facilitated. This makes eMonitor+ particularly useful in contexts with little research or data available on these topics. Only in 2024, six countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have started implementing eMonitor+ (Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Venezuela), and have since accessed a portfolio of good practices, innovative approaches, and partnership possibilities to tackle electoral mis/disinformation and hate speech. The UNDP Resident Representative for Guyana and Surinam, Mr. Gerardo Noto said, "by equipping the ERC with the tools and methodologies to combat hate speech and misinformation, we are taking proactive measures to strengthen democracy and promote social cohesion."The Chairman of the ERC, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, noted that “the ERC launched a proactive Countering Hate Speech campaign aimed at reducing racial and ethnic violations in the lead-up to the elections. The E-Monitoring Tool will be instrumental in enhancing our capacity to capture a wider reach of content. This innovative, automated system will efficiently identify key words and phrases that are racially and ethnically offensive, allowing us to respond more swiftly and effectively.”Through this collaboration, the ERC will enhance its Media Monitoring Unit's capacity to identify and address racially- and ethnically-motivated hate speech, disinformation, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. The implementation of eMonitor+ will provide ERC with the necessary tools to extract and analyse large volumes of data, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by information pollution.The signing of the MOU forms part of the wider ERC-UN System campaign to ‘Counter Hate Speech’, which was launched in June 2024. This campaign is an element of UN Guyana’s national implementation of the global United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which highlights the UN’s ongoing commitment to promote peaceful, inclusive and just societies.As this initiative unfolds, both UNDP and ERC look forward to setting a benchmark for collaboration against information pollution in the region, ultimately working toward a more equitable and democratic future for all Guyanese citizens.
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Press Release
07 August 2024
Ms. Yeşim Oruç, United Nations Resident Coordinator departs Guyana
During her tenure, Ms. Oruç has sought to lead the United Nations system to support the government and people of Guyana to ensure that no-one, regardless of their circumstances, status or identity, is left behind from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Ms. Oruç has coordinated the UN System’s support to national authorities in key areas, including gender equality and women’s empowerment, social protection, food systems transformation, labor, employment, and migration. These initiatives were facilitated by strengthened partnerships with development partners, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, academia, civil society, youth, the media, among others.Ms. Oruç has worked to align the UN’s programmatic portfolio in Guyana in support of national development priorities for achieving the SDGs. In so doing, she put inclusivity at the center of the UN’s work. This has resulted in a renewed focus on the situation of women and girls, young people, persons living with disabilities, Guyana’s indigenous peoples, persons living with HIV/AIDS, migrant populations, and other vulnerable groups living in Guyana.“It has been the privilege of my life to serve in a country where a dynamic commitment to global goals is embodied in the national Low Carbon Development Strategy, backed by successive SDG-enabling national budgets. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity to have accompanied this remarkable country on its amazing journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. I am also fortunate to have worked with some incredible people who are committed to helping Guyana to honour its human rights commitments. In recent months, it has been inspiring to witness Guyana take up its place on the UN Security Council, where today it is striving to ensure that topics like food security and climate security are placed right at the very top of the global agenda,” said Oruc.Ms. Oruç’s successor will be announced in another release.
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Press Release
22 July 2024
New UNAIDS report shows Caribbean AIDS epidemic can be ended by 2030, but only if leaders boost resources to prevent new infections and put people on treatment and human rights are protected
Kingston, 22 July 2024—A new report released today by UNAIDS shows the world is at a critical moment that will determine whether world leaders meet their commitment to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The report, ‘The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads’, brings together new data and case studies which demonstrate that the decisions and policy choices taken by world leaders this year will decide the fate of millions of lives and whether the world’s deadliest pandemic is overcome. While the end of AIDS is within our grasp, the data show the world is off track. Of the 39.9 million people living with HIV globally, 9.3 million, nearly a quarter, are not receiving life-saving treatment. Consequently, a person dies from AIDS-related causes every minute. In the Caribbean, there has been substantial progress against HIV since 2010, but the reduction in the annual number of new HIV infections slowed down over the past five years. At the end of 2023, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica, the larger countries in the region, accounted for almost 90% of new infections—with Haiti alone accounting for more than one third (38%) of new HIV infections. People from key populations and their sex partners continued to account for 47% of new infections in 2022.The report finds that if leaders take the bold actions needed now to ensure sufficient and sustainable resourcing and protect everyone’s human rights, the number of people living with HIV worldwide, requiring life-long treatment, will settle at around 29 million by 2050 but if they take the wrong path, the number of people who will need life-long support will rise to 46 million (compared to 39.9 million in 2023). “World leaders pledged to end the AIDS pandemic as a public health threat by 2030, and they can uphold their promise, but only if they ensure that the HIV response has the resources it needs and that the human rights of everyone are protected,” said UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima. “Leaders can save millions of lives, prevent millions of new HIV infections, and ensure that everyone living with HIV can live healthy, full lives.” The report shows treatment coverage continued to expand in the Caribbean, but significant challenges remain as it relates to late diagnosis and enrolling and keeping people living with HIV in care. At the end of 2023, an estimated 85% of people living with HIV knew their status, 70% of all people living with HIV were on treatment, and 61% of all people living with HIV were virally suppressed. The percentage of people living with HIV who were on treatment and virally suppressed rose from 79% in 2018 to 87% in 2023. Treatment coverage was 78% among women (aged 15+ years) and 65% among men (aged 15+ years). Paediatric treatment coverage, at 39%, was, however, much lower than adult treatment coverage in 2023 and late diagnosis of advanced HIV disease (AIDS) remains a significant challenge in the region.The expansion of people accessing treatment is a landmark public health achievement that has seen AIDS-related deaths in the Caribbean fall by 57% since 2010—but a worrying increase has been reported in Belize, Cuba, Guyana, and Suriname.“Prioritising targeted interventions, community-led responses, and integration to leave no one behind; bolstering treatment accessibility and retention in care; advocating for legal reforms; and challenging harmful gender and other social norms will go a long way to address the root causes of risk and vulnerability of people living with, and most affected by, HIV,” said UNAIDS Multi-Country Director for the Caribbean, Dr Richard Amenyah. “There is a great need to strengthen partnerships with communities and enhance the role of civil society to reach vulnerable and at-risk groups that are hard to reach with HIV services or find it difficult, for whatever reason, to engage our health facilities.”The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads, shows that decisions taken this year will determine if global targets are met, AIDS is ended as a public health threat by 2030, and a sustainable HIV response is built. The report demonstrates that HIV prevention and treatment services will only reach people if human rights are upheld, if unfair laws against women and against marginalized communities are scrapped, and if discrimination and violence are tackled head on.“Like the title of the report tells us, we are at a crossroads. We can take the road that continues to punish people for who they are, who they love, how they work, and that is the road through which we can never end aids as a public health thread”, says Luisa Cabal, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Or we can choose the road of rights protections, of respecting others, of following the science and the evidence. This is the road that has led to reductions in new infections and to healthy lives.”ContactUNAIDS Caribbean | Jaevion Nelson | tel. +1 876 459 3211 | nelsonj@unaids.orgUNAIDS Latin America & the Caribbean | Daniel de Castro | tel. +507 6998 3175 | decastrod@unaids.org UNAIDSThe Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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