United Nations in the Caribbean

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the Earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. The United Nations in the Caribbean is supporting delivery on all 17 goals:

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24 October 2025

Explore Interactive Map of the UN in Latin America and the Caribbean

Launched to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, this interactive map allows users to explore the organisation's presence and impact across Latin America & the Caribbean.

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20 February 2024

Decide to join the United Nations as a UN Volunteer

You can decide to change the lives of others while changing your own as a United Nations Volunteer (UNV). Volunteering for the UN is a full-time commitment to peace and sustainable development with a UN agency, fund or programme, in your country or abroad. RIGHTS AND BENEFITSThe United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme encourages broad and inclusive participation, and as such ensures a variety of benefits to secure a basic standard of living while serving as a UN Volunteer. Benefits include: Monthly living allowance Medical insurance (including dependents) Annual leave (2.5 days per month served) Learning opportunities Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities Travel allowance for international UN Volunteers See more on the UNV Conditions of Service : https://bit.ly/UNV-COS PROFESSIONAL PROFILESBuild on your professional experience and knowledge - whether in development, emergency response, education, health, environment, communications, social work and much more. ASSIGNMENT TITLESSome of the most popular volunteer assignment titles are: Field Officer (in a wide variety of areas) Community Development Officer Communications Officer Protection/Human Rights Officer Monitoring & Evaluation Officer MAIN PARTNERSAs a UN Volunteer you can serve with the following UN entities, among others: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) International Organization for Migration (IOM) UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) World Food Programme (WFP) In 2022, over 2,500 UN Volunteers served with over 30 UN partners in Latin America and the Caribbean! LEAVING NO ONE BEHINDThe UNV programme is committed to representing the diversity of the world's societies. If you are a person with disabilities, a member of the LGTBQ+, afro-descendant or indigenous communities, or any other minority, you are encouraged to apply. CATEGORIESAssignments are offered into four volunteer categories, which determine eligibility: Expert: candidates must be at least 35 years old and have more than 15 years of professional experience. Specialist: candidates must be at least 27 years of age and have at least 3 years of professional experience. Youth and University: candidates must be between 18 and 26 years of age, and no previous professional experience is required. Community: No previous professional experience or academic requirements needed but must live in the community they serve. Before applying, we recommend carefully reading the specific requirements of your selected assignment. DECIDE TO APPLYRegister in UNV’s Unified Volunteer Platform: app.unv.org, complete your professional profile and apply to vacancies NOW. When filtering vacancies, verify the volunteer category (Expert, Youth, etc.) you fit in and define whether to volunteer in your country or abroad. UN Volunteer opportunities reflect the evolving needs of UN agencies, funds and programmes. We encourage you to visit the UNV platform regularly, so as not to miss any opportunity. VOLUNTEER ONLINEWith the Online Volunteering service, you can undertake volunteer tasks for up to 20 hours a week and for a maximum of 12 weeks with different United Nations entities, governments, public institutions and civil society organisations. As the Online Volunteering service is a free time commitment, selected individuals are not under contract with the UN Volunteers programme or the host entity. As such, Online Volunteers are not eligible for the entitlements and benefits stipulated in the Conditions of Service. Their contribution is recognised with a certificate. Know more here: https://www.unv.org/become-online-volunteer

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A UN Volunteer works at a compute rin an office setting

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22 October 2026

After the storm: How psychological first aid helped Jamaicans recover after Hurricane Melissa

In the days after Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, Shawna Guthrie was focused on getting through the day. There was her family to look after, basic needs to meet and the disruption around her to navigate. Although the storm had passed, she did not yet feel safe.“I was still worried and constantly thinking about what could happen,” she recalled. “At the same time, I still had my everyday responsibilities and couldn't just stop because I was overwhelmed.”Like many Jamaicans affected by the Category 5 hurricane, Guthrie was confronting a less visible consequence of the disaster. The immediate danger had passed, but fear, grief and uncertainty could remain long after the storm was over.“I was trying to be strong and focus on what needed to be done, but emotionally I was tired,” she said. “There came a point where I realized that being strong doesn't mean you don't need help.”Guthrie received Psychological First Aid (PFA) from a trained health worker, who listened to what she had experienced, helped her work through her immediate concerns and connected her with additional support when needed.PFA is a practical approach to helping people cope in the immediate aftermath of a crisis or disaster. It focuses on listening to people’s needs, providing compassionate support, and connecting them with practical assistance or specialised care when needed.Guthrie’s experience was similar to that of thousands of people affected by the hurricane who received psychosocial support in the months following the disaster.“I didn't necessarily need someone to fix everything,” she said. “I just needed someone to understand that I was scared, overwhelmed, and trying my best.” When the storm is over, recovery continuesDr. Janique Baldwin-Miller, Regional Psychiatrist for the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), saw that need unfolding across many communities including Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth.“There was shock that such a disaster had occurred, relief that many individuals survived, grief over the loss of property, loved ones, and livelihoods,” she recalled. “At the same time, there was a strong sense of purpose and determination to rebuild stronger communities.”In Jamaica’s southern region alone, an estimated 40,000 people—approximately 10% of the adult population—required PFA. According to the data available up to May 2026, some 27,000 people, or 68% of that estimate, had received support.“With the wide range of emotional reactions that people have experienced, and continue to experience, it is essential that Psychological First Aid provides a compassionate and practical helping hand,” Baldwin-Miller explained. “Individuals can be guided, one step at a time, toward recovery by connecting them with available resources and support systems in a humane and dignified manner.”In the storm’s aftermath, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, with support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and partners, organised a series of PFA training sessions for healthcare workers, government ministries and agencies, community organisations and faith-based groups.By the end of February 2026, approximately 4,700 people had received training in Psychological First Aid through various initiatives carried out following the hurricane. These efforts also included a training-of-trainers component and the establishment of training hubs in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St. James to strengthen local capacity in some of the parishes most affected by the hurricane.Through simulations, scenario-based exercises, role-playing, singing and artistic activities, participants practised the core PFA principles of “Look, Listen and Link.”“The PFA trainings have been invaluable because they have simplified and organized how we provide support that is meaningful, evidence-based, and measurable,” Baldwin-Miller said. Support beyond the immediate emergencyWith multiple organisations responding across affected communities, coordination was essential. The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Health Cluster brought together 14 organisations to coordinate services, share information, and respond to mental health and psychosocial needs in affected communities.Supported by emergency funding, including contributions from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), PAHO/WHO also worked with national partners to expand access to mental health support, strengthen local capacity and improve coordination among organisations working in affected communities. But the people providing that support were often experiencing the disaster themselves.“The experience was traumatic for many healthcare workers, and a significant number experienced burnout while simultaneously coping with their own losses and supporting others,” Baldwin-Miller said.This highlighted the need to ensure that emergency mental health responses also protect the people delivering the care. Baldwin-Miller believes the experience has underscored the importance of stronger systems to support frontline workers during emergencies, including external assistance when needed, dedicated periods of rest and recovery, and stronger employee assistance programmes.The experience also showed that mental health must be an integral part of disaster recovery. For people rebuilding their homes, restoring their livelihoods and caring for their families, emotional recovery goes hand in hand with physical reconstruction and can sometimes be essential to coping with the aftermath and gradually returning to everyday life. Nearly a year laterNearly a year after Hurricane Melissa, Dr. Baldwin-Miller sees signs of recovery across the communities she serves.“When I listen to people speak, I hear hope,” Baldwin-Miller said. “I hear individuals saying that despite this disaster, they are picking up the pieces and discovering strengths they did not know they possessed.”For Shawna Guthrie, recovery has also meant recognising that asking for help is part of moving forward. While memories of the hurricane and uncertainty about future disasters remain, she has learned to talk about what she is feeling and seek support when she needs it.“People need support after the cameras leave, and the attention moves on,” Guthrie said. “They need someone to check on them weeks and months later—not just immediately after the hurricane. Rebuilding a home or replacing belongings is important, but rebuilding a person's sense of safety and peace of mind is just as important.”Nearly a year after Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s experience shows that recovery does not end when attention to the emergency fades. The response has helped expand the number of people trained to provide support, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and reinforce the understanding that recovering from a disaster is not only about rebuilding what was lost, but also about helping people and communities regain a sense of safety, connection and hope for the future.More InformationMental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies (MHPSS)Virtual course: Psychological First Aid (PFA) in disaster management in the Caribbean - Second Edition Virtual course: protection and promotion of human rights in mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies Virtual course: Introducing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in emergencies (WHO course)...........................................................................This story was first published by Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

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A presenter speaks beside a screen about crisis events at a training session with the Southern Regional Health Authority.

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21 October 2026

Global warming will breach 1.5°C – but deep, fast cuts can still bring it back

With global temperature rise set to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, countries “must pull out all the stops” and urgently cut emissions to minimise the overshoot and return to the internationally agreed threshold by the end of this century.The recommendation comes in the Emissions Gap Report 2026: The Point of Return, published on Wednesday by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).It outlines a “lowest possible” overshoot scenario in which peak warming by roughly mid-century is limited to 1.7 to 1.8°C.Achieving this requires slashing emissions by 18 per cent by the end of the decade, 45 per cent by 2035, and 69 per cent five years later, compared with 2025 levels.No surrender“Overshoot is not surrender,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a message accompanying the report. “We can still keep it as small and as short as possible – and bring temperatures back below 1.5 degrees by the end of the century.” The report argues that there are more opportunities than ever to step up action.Since adoption of the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which set the 1.5-degree target, renewable energy has boomed, total energy supply from coal and oil has grown slower than projected and climate policies have cut emissions in many places.UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen was clear about the cost of inaction.“Every additional fraction of a degree and additional year of warming above 1.5°C increases climate impacts and risks, such as the deadly floods, heatwaves and wildfires that have plagued many nations this year,” she said.“So, we must pull out all the stops to minimize peak warming and return to 1.5°C by the end of the century”, she added, stressing that “this is possible”.Warmer planet, worse outcomesIf current policies continue, warming could reach 2.8°C within this century and increase thereafter, the report warned.Under the Paris Agreement, countries are required to submit national climate action plans, or NDCs, and even if all are delivered and similar efforts continue, warming will be limited to 2.6°C.These outcomes are worse than last year’s projections, the report said, due to the United States withdrawing from the climate deal and revised estimates of historical emissions.Meanwhile, new NDCs submitted since the last emissions report have hardly made a difference.Yet, returning to or below the 1.5 threshold can be done, particularly as evidence increasingly shows how climate policies have reduced emissions.Take stock, take actionThe report calls for accelerating implementation of goals outlined during the first-ever Global Stocktake (GST) – a process held from 2021 to 2023 to assess collective progress towards achieving the Paris Agreement.These include:Tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling the annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030Shifting away from fossil fuels in energy systemsReducing non-CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissionsHalting and reversing deforestation and forest degradationHowever, progress across most of these goals remains insufficient.The second GST – which begins next month at the UN COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye – can build on this by reaffirming priority mitigation action areas, extending quantified goals to 2035 and 2040, and making existing action areas more tangible through clearer and, where possible, quantified targets.The report sets out benchmarks that would have to be hit to be consistent with the lowest overshoot scenario.For example, extending the goal on transitioning from fossil fuels would require reducing the share of coal, oil and gas in total energy supply by at least 55, 15 and five per cent respectively by 2035, relative to 2025 figures.Reductions of at least 75, 30 and 35 per cent would be required in 2040. ...........................................................................This story was first published by UN News

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Two industrial chimneys release a dense plume into an orange, hazy sky over Chisinau.

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16 October 2026

Strengthening cooperation to address wildlife crime in the Wider Caribbean

Illegal activities involving wildlife — the unlawful capture, possession, transport or trade of wild animals and plants — can reduce vulnerable populations, disrupt ecological relationships, and weaken the resilience of habitats across the Wider Caribbean.These challenges were discussed during a recent joint webinar, "The CAR-WEN Initiative: Advancing Wildlife Enforcement in the Wider Caribbean," hosted by the Caribbean Wildlife Enforcement Network (CAR-WEN) Working Group in collaboration with the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat, through its Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife Subprogramme. The session brought together government representatives, technical experts and partner organisations to explore how stronger communication, improved access to information and capacity development could support national wildlife authorities.Across the Wider Caribbean, wildlife-related offences may include the unlawful capture, possession, transport or trade of protected animals and plants, as well as hunting, fishing or harvesting activities conducted contrary to applicable national legislation and relevant international obligations.Their nature and prevalence vary across countries and territories, which also differ in institutional arrangements, legislation, enforcement capacity and access to specialised expertise. Available regional information remains limited and fragmented, and some incidents may go undetected or unreported — making it difficult to assess the full scale of the problem. Individual cases involving the movement of wildlife across jurisdictions nevertheless demonstrate the value of communication and cooperation among national authorities.The consequences can extend beyond the individual animals or plants involved. Removing wildlife from its natural environment can affect species' populations and ecological relationships and can undermine efforts to conserve important marine and coastal and terrestrial ecosystems. The unauthorised introduction of non-native species may also create additional risks for native biodiversity. These impacts can affect the natural resources and ecosystem services that support fisheries, tourism, and local livelihoods. Strengthening wildlife protection therefore contributes to the broader conservation and sustainable use objectives of the Wider Caribbean Region.A regional framework supporting national implementationThe Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife, or SPAW Protocol, provides the regional legal framework for the conservation of biodiversity in the Wider Caribbean.Under the Protocol, Parties commit to protecting, preserving and sustainably managing areas of special value and threatened or endangered species. Its Annexes identify species requiring different levels of protection and management, including measures related to their taking, possession, killing and commercial trade.Responsibility for implementing and enforcing these measures remains with each Party, in accordance with its national legislation, institutional arrangements, and available resources. Regional cooperation can complement these national efforts by facilitating access to technical expertise, strengthening capacity, and supporting the exchange of relevant information and experience.This is where collaboration between the SPAW Subprogramme and the CAR-WEN adds value: The SPAW Protocol provides the agreed regional conservation framework, while the CAR-WEN helps strengthen voluntary cooperation among the national authorities and organisations responsible for addressing wildlife-related offences.Together, these complementary roles can support Parties in implementing their commitments under the Protocol without replacing or extending the mandates of national enforcement authorities.“Wildlife-related offences can involve more than one jurisdiction, making communication and cooperation among national authorities particularly important. The SPAW Protocol provides a shared regional conservation framework, while initiatives such as the CAR-WEN can help Parties exchange information, strengthen capacity and support implementation in accordance with their national legislation,” said Susana Perera Valderrama, SPAW Subprogramme Officer at the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat.Cooperation for species conservationHundreds of species are included in the SPAW Protocol's Annexes, many of which could benefit from stronger communication and cooperation among the institutions responsible for their protection. Highly migratory species — including marine turtles, whale sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks and giant manta rays — move through the waters of several countries and territories, so their effective conservation benefits from information exchange and compatible conservation approaches across jurisdictions. Other listed species, such as the Lesser Antillean iguana, Caribbean parrots and protected corals, may be unlawfully taken in one jurisdiction and later transported, advertised or sold in another — meaning different stages of the same activity may be detected by authorities in different locations. By sharing technical knowledge and experience, relevant agencies can strengthen species identification and understanding of emerging patterns, while continuing to operate within their respective national mandates.Regional cooperation can also help address common capacity constraints. Many Caribbean countries and territories face limited staffing and access to specialised technical resources; shared training, reference materials and information tools can complement national investments and reduce the need for each jurisdiction to develop the same resources independently.Better information to support conservation decisionsA demonstration of the Biodiversity Manager platform was among the most encouraging moments of the webinar, drawing interest from participating government agencies and civil society organisations in how better organised, more accessible information could support wildlife conservation and enforcement decisions — assisting national authorities in identifying protected species, organising records, and accessing the information needed for their work. It also underscored that innovation does not depend only on new technology: it includes improving access to existing information, strengthening institutional capacity, and creating practical opportunities for cooperation and shared learning.“The interest in Biodiversity Manager reflects a practical problem: information can exist without being readily available to the people who need it. An officer identifying a protected species, for example, may need to bring together information from several sources before deciding how to proceed. We are developing the platform to make that work easier, while learning from practitioners about the information they need and how they use it,” said Mark Gibson, Coordinator of the CAR-WEN Working Group.Establishing the Wildlife Enforcement NetworkThe webinar also addressed the development of the CAR-WEN as a formal regional network. Alongside its practical activities, the Working Group is developing a voluntary, non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the network and define its arrangements for governance and cooperation.This work connects directly with decisions taken by the SPAW Protocol community. At COP13 in October 2025, Contracting Parties were invited to consider participating in the CAR-WEN through the designation of national focal points, as appropriate, and contributing to governmental review of the draft MOU. The review therefore provides an opportunity to take forward an area of cooperation already identified through the Protocol.The proposed MOU is now open for a second regional review, with feedback invited by close of business on Friday, 30 October 2026. The draft and accompanying Technical Note are available in English, Spanish and French through the CAR-WEN website (www.car-wen.org), or by contacting the Working Group. Government contributions will help refine the proposed arrangements and inform preparation of a final text for signature.Taken together, the webinar’s discussions illustrated how regional cooperation could help address the information gaps and capacity constraints affecting wildlife protection. For the SPAW community, participation offers an opportunity to shape how the network could support national enforcement and the protection of species across the Wider Caribbean............................................................................This story was first published by UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat

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White egrets perched on the arching roots of mangroves at the water's edge, with dense mangrove foliage behind.

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15 October 2026

Caribbean countries receive training for safer custody, rehabilitation and reintegration

ROSEAU, Dominica - Correctional and probation officers in Dominica have completed targeted training aimed at strengthening custodial management, rehabilitation, coordinated case management and reintegration.The training forms part of a wider regional initiative for 10 Caribbean countries under the Partnership of the Caribbean and the European Union on Justice (PACE Justice) Project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union, together with the Government of Canada-funded Judicial Strengthening for the Eastern Caribbean (JES-EC) Project, implemented by the Justice Education Society of British Columbia.Dominica is the fourth country to complete this joint phase of the initiative, following training in St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada. The programme responds to priorities identified by national correctional and probation services and provides officers with opportunities to examine existing practices, share experience and consider practical approaches that can be adapted to their country circumstances.Connecting custody with rehabilitation
The training recognises that corrections extend beyond the period a person spends in custody. Effective correctional practice includes understanding individual risks and needs, supporting rehabilitation, coordinating with probation services, and preparing people for reintegration into society. What happens during custody can influence what happens after release, making stronger connections across these services an important part of the wider justice process.UNDP Project Specialist (PACE Justice), Vanessa Untiedt, explained the regional programme is designed around the practical realities faced by those working within these services: “It is important that we look at the justice system as a whole. Prison and probation are an essential part of the justice chain and the people working in these services face very practical challenges every day. Through this regional training, we want to bring them together, share experiences and provide practical tools that support their daily work, while strengthening rehabilitation and reintegration across the region.” Practical learning for stronger services
Across the joint training delivered in the four Eastern Caribbean countries, the programme focused on four connected areas: stronger custodial management; rehabilitation and reintegration; coordinated case management; and closer links between correctional and probation services.
This approach allows personnel to consider regional and international experience while identifying practices suited to their own institutional and national context.Global Affairs Canada’s Head of Cooperation for the Eastern Caribbean, Jennifer Cooper, highlighted the importance of strong justice institutions to regional stability and development. "Regional peace and security is a priority for Canada, and we are proud to support partners working to strengthen justice institutions across the Eastern Caribbean. Effective justice systems uphold the rule of law, protect citizens’ rights, build public confidence and contribute to safer communities. By bringing practitioners together to share expertise and practical solutions, we expect that this initiative will strengthen institutional capacity and support more responsive and effective justice services across the region."JES-EC Project Director, Lyndel Archibald, underscored the value of collaboration among justice practitioners. She said: "Bringing practitioners together fosters a collaborative approach to justice and rehabilitation. This collaboration enhances the capacity of practitioners to work together seamlessly to improve outcomes for individuals and communities, ultimately strengthening opportunities for rehabilitation, successful reintegration and reduced recidivism."While the joint PACE Justice and JES-EC training in Dominica concludes this phase of the partnership, the wider PACE Justice regional correctional training programme continues through to November 2026.
That programme commenced in Barbados, with remaining sessions to be delivered in Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago.Through this programme, PACE Justice is supporting practical approaches that strengthen correctional practice and reinforce the connections between custody, rehabilitation, probation, parole and reintegration across Caribbean justice systems. About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org/barbados or follow at @UNDPBarbadosECAbout the Justice Education Society of British Columbia and the Judicial Strengthening for the Eastern Caribbean (JES-EC) Project
The Justice Education Society of British Columbia (JES) is a Canadian non-profit organisation that works nationally and internationally to strengthen justice systems, improve access to justice and advance legal education. Through the Government of Canada funded “Judicial Strengthening for the Eastern Caribbean” (JES-EC) Project, JES partners with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and justice sector institutions in Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines to improve the administration of justice, strengthen institutional capacity and expand public legal education, with a particular focus on women, youth and vulnerable populations. Learn more at https://justiceeducation.ca/Eastern-Caribbean...........................................................................This story was first published by UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

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13 October 2026

UNESCO connects water science to El Niño preparedness

The UNESCO Regional Office for the Caribbean participated in the 22nd High-Level Forum for Caribbean Ministers Responsible for Water, held in Grenada on 12–13 October 2026 within the framework of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association’s (CWWA) 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition.Under the theme “From Declaration to Delivery: One Caribbean, Advancing Water Security and Inclusive Wastewater Management,” the Forum brought together ministers, senior officials, water utilities and development partners to discuss practical responses to the region’s water challenges.Representing UNESCO, Bandiougou Diawara, Head of Natural Sciences Programme at the Regional Office for the Caribbean, followed the ministerial discussions and exchanged with national representatives and partners on opportunities for cooperation. Discussions highlighted the importance of reliable data, stronger local institutions and technical capacity to turn water-sector priorities into well-prepared investments and tangible improvements for communities. Participants also stressed the need to share expertise across the region and manage risks before they become crises.These priorities provided the context for UNESCO’s side event, “Preparing the Caribbean for El Niño 2026–2027: Disaster response and water resilience,” held on 13 October. Organised within the UNESCO x El Niño campaign, the session connected water science, lessons from disaster response and countries’ needs to explore a regional capacity-building activity that UNESCO could support.“Water resilience starts with turning scientific information into timely decisions. By combining local data with shared expertise and lessons from experience, Caribbean countries can prepare earlier and better protect their communities,” said Bandiougou Diawara.The UNESCO presentation outlined three areas of support available through its Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP): water information and monitoring, climate risk analysis, and training and technical cooperation.Concrete examples illustrated how these approaches could support national preparedness. Combining satellite observations with field measurements could help institutions monitor reservoir water quality during low-water conditions. Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA) could help authorities compare storage, water loss reduction and demand management options under uncertain climate conditions. Regional training could support country teams in interpreting seasonal forecasts alongside local hydrological data and translating this information into drought preparedness decisions.The session also featured Jamaica’s experience of cooperation with UNESCO following Hurricane Melissa. Geoffroy Marshall, Deputy Managing Director of Jamaica’s Water Resources Authority (WRA), shared lessons on hydrological information, assessment and preparedness, providing a basis for considering how national experience can inform wider Caribbean cooperation.“Resilience and recovery from loss and damage caused by extreme weather events requires partnership, planning and patience to restore both data collection networks and community networks,” said Geoffroy Marshall.During the country dialogue, participants agreed that the regional capacity-building activity would focus on water-quality monitoring. This priority responds to the need to strengthen countries’ ability to assess water quality and use reliable information to guide preparedness and water management, including during low-water conditions.UNESCO will work with national focal points and relevant institutions to refine the scope and format of the activity around countries’ needs, drawing on IHP expertise and opportunities for sharing experience across the Caribbean.Through its participation in CWWA 2026, UNESCO reinforced its commitment to supporting Caribbean countries with water science and technical cooperation, with national priorities guiding the focus and scope of future support............................................................................This story was first published by UNESCO Regional Office for the Caribbean

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A speaker at a lectern beside a screen showing a presentation titled Preparing the Caribbean for El Niño.

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Press Release

13 October 2026

UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean welcomes Nicholas Booth as Resident Representative

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Mr. Nicholas Booth has assumed the role of Resident Representative at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi-Country Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.He presented his credentials to Senior Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Christopher Sinckler on 12 October 2026, thus officially commencing his duties as the new UNDP Resident Representative. He succeeds Ms. Limya Eltayeb whose tenure ended in May.Mr. Booth brings more than 20 years of international experience across the United Nations system, leading and supporting initiatives on democratic governance, human rights, access to justice, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Booth served as UNDP Resident Representative in Papua New Guinea and held senior leadership roles at UNDP's Regional Hub in Bangkok, supporting countries across Asia and the Pacific. A barrister by training, he holds law degrees from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford in the United Kingdom. Mr. Booth affirmed his commitment and enthusiasm for continuing his work with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – this time in the Caribbean."I am honored to present my credentials and formally begin my tenure as UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. I look forward to deepening UNDP’s partnership with the countries and people of this region as we advance a more inclusive, prosperous and sustainable future together – one where SIDS’ vulnerabilities instead become opportunities for lasting resilience and growth."Senior Minister Sinckler warmly welcomed Mr. Booth to Barbados, as he lauded UNDP’s longstanding history of positive contributions to Caribbean development and emphasised the importance of its role as a strong and reliable partner for SIDS. ...........................................................................This story was first published by UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

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Press Release

01 October 2026

Beatrice Mutali appointed new UNFPA SROC director

Beatrice Mutali assumed duties as the Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean (SROC) on 1 October 2026.Prior to this, she was the United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UN Secretary-General’s Representative in Zambia. She led and coordinated the United Nations Country Team, comprising 24 UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes, in support of Zambia's sustainable development efforts. Beatrice ensured system-wide accountability, promotion, and advocacy of the fundamental values, standards, and principles of the UN Charter.An Economist by profession, Beatrice brings over 30 years of private and public sector experience across high, middle, and low-income countries in both development and humanitarian contexts.Beatrice served previously in various roles within UNFPA, including Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, based in South Africa; Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa, based in Senegal; and UNFPA Representative to South Africa, Country Director for Botswana and Eswatini (2018-2021). During her prior tenure at UNFPA, she led successful resource mobilisation efforts, programme development, delivery, and monitoring, and built strong partnerships.Prior to UNFPA, Beatrice held leadership roles in Family Planning, HIV/AIDS, and Sexual and Reproductive Health with organisations such as Merck/MSD, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Beatrice holds a Master’s Degree and a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Kurukshetra University, India. She speaks English, French and Kiswahili............................................................................This story was first published by UNFPA Caribbean

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Press Release

16 September 2026

700 fishers and fish vendors certified to strengthen their livelihoods in three bays protected area

The certification ceremony, held at the Roi Henry Christophe Campus of Limonade (CHCL/UEH), brought together government authorities from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the Ministry of the Environment (MdE), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR), as well as representatives of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Technical Execution Unit (UTE) and other key project stakeholders.The 400 fish vendors and 300 fishers completed training on fishing equipment management, sustainable management of fisheries resources, safety at sea and sustainable fishing techniques. They form the second group to receive certification under the project’s efforts to strengthen the livelihoods of people working in the artisanal fishing sector, following an initial cohort of 204 fish vendors who had already received training.Marcelin Aubourg, Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, stated:« The I-BE Project addresses issues of particular importance to our country. In the departments of Nord-Est and Nord, and especially in the Three Bays Protected Area of Managed Natural Resources (AP3B), we must reconcile the protection of fragile natural resources with improving the living conditions of the populations who depend on them. The project must help diversify livelihoods, increase incomes, improve nutrition, and develop economic activities compatible with sustainable natural resource management. »The training is part of a broader package of measures to strengthen livelihoods along the artisanal fishing value chain. These include the establishment of the AP3B Fisher Support Cooperative (CAPAB) and the provision of fishing equipment, including a fish aggregating device (FAD) and four floating traps.Minister of Environment Valery Fils-Aimé, for his part, expressed strong satisfaction with the project's progress, noting that the initiative reinforces Haiti's efforts to implement its commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change:« Our ambition is for the Grand Nord to become a pilot territory for a new approach, a blue economy that protects biodiversity, strengthens climate resilience, creates income and jobs, and opens the way to new financing mechanisms, particularly through the carbon market. »
IFAD’s third supervision missionThe ceremony took place as part of IFAD’s third supervision mission to the I-BE Project. IFAD is the project’s main financier, providing US $23 million toward a total project budget of US $26.6 million.Samir Bejaoui, IFAD Country Director for Haiti, highlighted the investment's direct impact on communities:« Smallholder producers and fishers are having a tangible impact on their communities' livelihoods through more entrepreneurship-oriented practices. Thanks to the training and equipment provided under the I-BE project, their skills are being strengthened, with improved access to markets and the adoption of sustainable practices. This is helping them increase their incomes and become more resilient to economic, climate, and social volatility. Through this investment, IFAD reaffirms its commitment to long-term, sustainable rural development for Haiti's rural populations. »Through its Technical Execution Unit (UTE), the Ministry of Economy and Finance implements the project in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, and the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP). The partnership aims to strengthen project governance while helping local artisanal fishing communities put their skills and knowledge into practice and strengthen their livelihoods.Jean Béluis, a fisher from Fort-Liberté and a beneficiary of the training, said:« Thanks to the training, we have, while building our capacity, learned how to properly manage the sea. In the past, we were content simply to fish, without knowing that as fishers we had a responsibility to protect marine resources, the marine environment, and to properly maintain our fishing equipment. Today, things are different.»Implemented in the municipalities of Limonade, Caracol, Terrier-Rouge, Fort-Liberté and Ferrier, the I-BE Project has reached 5,699 households to date, approximately 28,345 people, across its different areas of intervention.5,699 households, approximately 28,345 people, across its different areas of intervention, including artisanal fishing, rice production, beekeeping, cattle farming, mangrove conservation and microfinance. Press ContactTechnical Execution Unit (UTE/MEF)Galvany Nicolas, Communication Specialistgnicolas@ute.gouv.ht(509) 4040-4566

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Press Release

31 August 2026

UN launches regional campaign for disability-inclusive employment in the Caribbean

The regional initiative, which promotes disability-inclusive employment and advances the economic participation of persons with disabilities, has attracted support from leading businesses, with some having committed to equitable hiring practices and workplace cultures through a Disability Inclusive Employer’s Pledge.The ‘HireAbility Campaign’ connects six UN Country Teams in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean and brings together governments, employers, organisations of persons with disabilities, youth advocates, development partners and UN agencies. Mr Simon Springett, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in delivering Opening Remarks for the Campaign’s official launch, described it as "an important milestone for disability inclusion across the Caribbean", while highlighting its evolution from “a powerful idea advanced by Zinzee Noel, a youth advocate and Grenada’s representative on the UN Youth Advisory Group (YAG), to a Caribbean movement for inclusive employment and equal opportunity”. "Although barriers differ across countries, the aspiration is universal: persons with disabilities must be able to participate fully in society, access decent work, contribute their talents and skills, and be recognised for those contributions," he maintained. The UN Head thanked disability advocates, employers, and Caribbean businesses, including Massy Stores Saint Lucia, Grenada Broadcasting Network, and photography and videography companies Unique Productions Inc. and Bajanpro Inc. of Grenada and Barbados, respectively, for their leadership and support. He also urged stakeholders to view the campaign not as a one-time event but as part of a sustained journey toward accessible workplaces and more inclusive communities.In her welcome remarks, Ms Noel, who co-hosted the event alongside Mr Loik Charles, fellow youth disability advocate and YAG representative for Dominica, underscored the campaign's central message that persons with disabilities already possess the skills, qualifications, creativity and determination needed to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. Reflecting on her own journey, where she faced ongoing discrimination despite being qualified and extremely capable, she maintained, "The HireAbility Campaign gives us an opportunity to change the conversation. Its message is simple but powerful: Break barriers. Embrace inclusion. Champion rights.” Ms Noel stressed that inclusive hiring benefits not only individuals but also strengthens organisations, communities and economies.Thomas Kring, Deputy Director of the International Labour Organization Caribbean Office, in his Feature Address told participants, "Access to decent work is not charity. It's about rights, dignity, equality and economic participation.” Charging that labour markets must provide persons with disabilities with fair opportunities to develop their skills, find decent work and contribute fully to society, he described the Inclusive Employer Pledge as a public commitment to equitable hiring, dignity, respect and equal opportunity.Among the highlights of the launch was the signing of the Disability Inclusive Employer Pledge by representatives of Carenage Bay Holding Ltd in Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Runman Belize Corporation; and The Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited. Signatories also outlined concrete actions being taken to fulfil this public commitment, including plans by the Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited to launch an internship programme for persons with disabilities. Bringing the curtain down on the launch ceremony, Mr Charles urged employers and partners across the Caribbean to sign the Pledge, remove workplace barriers, strengthen partnerships, and commit to long-term change that advances disability inclusion across the region.A disability inclusion sensitisation webinar immediately followed the launch, with presentations by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) offering practical expert guidance on inclusive hiring, workplace accessibility, reasonable accommodation, violence and harassment prevention, and supportive workplace environments. The HireAbility Campaign will continue over the next four months and culminate on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, thus providing more employers with the opportunity to sign the Pledge. The campaign’s ultimate goal is a Caribbean where talent is recognised, barriers are removed, and persons with disabilities can participate fully and equally in the world of work.

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