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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29 August 2026

Rising seas, rising stakes: What increasing sea levels mean to humanity

Land is being inundated, homes are flooding, and livelihoods are being lost, driving significant hardships on people in search of a more secure future.It is not just the environment that is being affected; rising sea levels also have a significant impact on human rights, economic development, health, culture, the future of many countries and basic human dignity.Everyone and pretty much everywhere is affected across developed and developing nations. The ability to act and adapt today will prove decisive for whether rising seas become a manageable challenge or a generational crisis.© UNDP Villagers in South Malaita in the Solomon Islands plant mangroves to protect the coastline.What is sea level rise?Simply put, sea levels are getting higher due to the effects of human-induced climate change. Between 2014 and 2023, the global sea level rose 4.7mm a year. In 2024, it jumped to a record 5.9mm. Even under the most optimistic scenario, oceans will likely rise up to 0.55 metres by 2100; under the worst, over a metre. A small but high-impact chance exists under high emission scenarios of nearly two metres by the end of the century.What's causing it?Melting glaciers and ice sheetsThermal expansion; warming oceans literally take up more spaceAbout 91 per cent of the planet's excess heat is being absorbed by the ocean, so as the climate warms due to increased harmful gas emissions, future rises will be locked in© UNICEF/Ashwa Faheem Concrete cylinders line a beach in the Maldives to protect against sea-level rise.The human impactAround 770 million people, roughly 1 in 10 humans, live less than five metres above the high tide line. That is uncomfortably close and its proximity is already being felt. Freshwater wells and farmland are turning saltyFlooding is damaging hospitals, schools and sanitation systemsIncreased exposure to waterborne disease threatens drinking water supplies and contributes to growing psychological stressFisheries and tourism, the backbone of many coastal economies, are being disruptedSome projections suggest up to 1.2 billion people could be displaced globally by 2050, as people look not just for safer ground but also somewhere they can build a new livelihoodNew evidence suggests sea-level risks may be significantly underestimated in some regions, meaning tens of millions more people could be more vulnerable than previously thoughtBeyond the physical: cultural heritage, ancestral land and traditional ways of life are being lost, with real psychological toll.UN News/Daniel Dickinson Houses are lost to the sea due to coastal erosion in Puerto Rico in the Caribbean.The price tagCoastal infrastructure damage already exceeds $1.8 trillionWithout adaptation, annual global losses could hit $1.4 trillionSmall Island Developing States lost $153 billion to climate hazards between 1970–2020US home insurance premiums jumped by 33 per cent between 2020–2023 in disaster-risk areaPorts that handle more than 80 per cent of global trade are increasingly exposed to flooding and rising seas, creating risks for global supply chainsWhere is most at risk?Many of the countries facing the most immediate risks contribute least to the emissions driving sea level rise and often have the fewest resources to respond.Small Islands: Some Pacific nations face relative sea level rise of more than twice the global average and remain particularly vulnerable to increasingly frequent flooding eventsLow-lying delta cities: Dhaka, Mumbai and Kolkata, where over 14 million people risk losing their homes, livelihoods and livesCoastal megacities: Miami, New York and Guangzhou face losses of trillions of dollars if infrastructure is damaged© Unsplash/Piiko Modern cities like Guangzhou in China are facing floods as seas rise.Can it be stopped?Not entirely; some rise is already locked in. But how much more happens depends on the extent to which the harmful emissions can be cut now. One flashpoint: Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier, covering around 190,000 sq km. Its collapse alone could trigger a sudden, irreversible sea level jump of over half a metre, a genuine and possible tipping point from which there is no going back.Adapting to the inevitableMoving away from climate-changing fossil fuels is the world’s most important priority to slow down global warming and thus the rise of seas, but adaptation measures are also needed now. Early warning systems so that people can be protected before disaster strikesSea walls, mangroves, dune restoration and the managed retreat of people from threatened areasBetter data; many regions still lack basic monitoring of sea conditionsClarity in relation to legal aspects, including on statehood and maritime zones, in the event that land is submergedDeveloping countries need an estimated $310-365 billion a year for adaptation, but global adaptation finance was only about $26 billion in 2023.© NASA A NASA image shows a rapidly melting section of the West Antarctic ice sheet known as Thwaites Glacier.The bottom lineRising seas can feel like an unstoppable force, but how much damage is done, and to whom, still depends on the choices that people, communities and governments make today. Ultimately, boosting adaptation finance, ensuring that statehood is not affected by rising seas, and giving sea-level rise the standing and urgency of a permanent global priority is what is needed to protect people's homes, histories, livelihoods and identities.Rising faster than ever, UN report warnsSea levels are rising faster than ever and represent “one of the most profound threats to populations around the world”, according to a UN report presented at the UN Pacific Islands Forum in Palau on Monday.The report, which examines the social, economic and legal consequences of rising sea levels as well as ways to respond to them, was commissioned ahead of the 24 September UN high-level meeting on the topic.Briefing journalists, Navid Hanif, head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, stressed the urgent need to scale up a collective response. “The sea level is rising,” he said. “Our resilience, our financing and our ambition must rise faster.”Learn more about UN efforts to address sea level rise here. This story was first published by UN News.

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An aerial view of a densely populated small island in Papua New Guinea, surrounded by clear turquoise ocean waters and shallow coral reefs.

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26 August 2026

Caribbean technical teams strengthen capacity for sustainable sargassum management

Technical officers from five Caribbean countries gathered in Punta Cana from 17 – 21 August 2026 for training on sargassum management systems and equipment operations. The training was hosted by UNDP through its project for Improving National Sargassum Management Capacities in the Caribbean, funded by the Government of Japan. The Caribbean continues to face recurring Sargassum influxes that affect coastal ecosystems, tourism, fisheries, public health, and local livelihoods. The project supports countries in addressing this growing challenge through investments in equipment, technical assistance, capacity building, and innovative solutions that contribute to coastal resilience and sustainable development. Participating countries are Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.Recognising the need for coordinated and effective responses, the five-day training focused on building the technical knowledge and operational readiness needed to maximise the impact of investments in sargassum management equipment provided through the project. Through a combination of classroom sessions, field demonstrations, equipment inspections, and hands-on practical exercises, participants gained first-hand experience in operating and maintaining specialised offshore and onshore management systems, including booms, harvesters, and beach rakes.Participants engaged directly with equipment manufacturers, technical experts, researchers, and practitioners on topics including safety protocols, equipment maintenance, environmental safeguards, operational planning, and emerging opportunities for the sustainable use of collected sargassum. The training also provided a platform for countries to share lessons learned, discuss common challenges, and strengthen regional cooperation.“This training comes at a critical time for our region. Sargassum continues to pose significant environmental, social, and economic challenges to our coastal communities, tourism sectors, fisheries, and marine ecosystems,” said Karima Degia, Cluster Lead for Nature, Climate and Energy at UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. “Through this project funded by the Government and People of Japan, Caribbean countries have been able to invest in equipment, technical solutions, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening their readiness and response capabilities. However, equipment alone is not enough. The true value of these investments lies in the knowledge, skills, and partnerships that enable their effective deployment and operation.”The mission was delivered with support from a range of partners, including DESMI, Fundación Grupo Puntacana (FGPC), Barber, Bois D'Arc, GIZ Laboratory, and the Embassy of Japan. Their expertise and collaboration enabled participants to explore integrated approaches to Sargassum management and learn from operational experiences within and beyond the region.

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A group of participants wearing protective gloves, vests, and branded DESMI caps gather around a long table in a workshop, assembling black mesh sargassum barriers equipped with black floats.

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24 August 2026

Making every move count: Using chess to promote inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities

The United Nations (UN) in Guyana, in collaboration with the Deaf Association of Guyana and the Guyana Chess Federation, brought together UN staff, children and teachers from several Special Education Needs (SEN) Schools, and development partners for a day of chess, connection and friendly competition on August 21, 2026.The event gave participants an opportunity to engage in friendly competition while promoting greater awareness of disability inclusion, challenging stereotypes and encouraging dialogue and networking among students, teachers, and development partners.The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) affirms that persons with disabilities have the right to full and effective participation and inclusion in society on an equal basis with others, including in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport. This foundational commitment has since been reaffirmed across the UN system, particularly through the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), which provides a framework for advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.In her welcome remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Jean Kamau, emphasised that “persons with disabilities have the same rights, aspirations and potential as everyone else.” She encouraged the students to use opportunities such as this event to engage with UN staff and development partners, reminding them that they are leaders today and tomorrow and could one day lead these very institutions.Managing Director of the Deaf Association of Guyana, Sabine McIntosh, explained that “when we move from exclusion to inclusion, we are moving closer to the kind of society we wish for all of us and for future generations.”For the Guyana Chess Federation, Secretary Marcia Lee noted that it was “a proud moment for the Federation to watch these amazing students and teachers step up to challenge players from the United Nations Guyana and diplomatic corps." She added that “the event truly highlighted how chess connects people across all skill levels and walks of life, and we look forward to partnering with the UN on future events.” The Chess Federation highlighted its ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Education's Special Education Needs Department to introduce and sustain chess programmes in Special Education Needs Schools across the country, helping to build a vibrant community of young players with disabilities.The disability-inclusive chess competition concluded with the recognition of five winners:Best Overall Player: David Rideout, UNDP GuyanaBest Teacher Player: Nikita Grannum, Diamond Special Needs School Best Female Student: Pooja Rahaman, Diamond Special Needs School Best Male Student: Deon Smith, David Rose School Best UN Staff Player: Kyle Rahaman, FAO GuyanaThe UN in Guyana has been using sport as a tool to promote inclusion and integration and to increase awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities. In previous years, the UN has collaborated with New GPC Inc., the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the National Blind Cricket Association to promote inclusion during the CPL tournament in Guyana. The UN has also collaborated with the Spartans Domino Club to host a domino competition between UN Guyana, the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, and other partners. This story was first published by UN Guyana.

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Participants play a game of chess across a wooden table inside a bright blue room with Guyana Chess Federation banners, while observers and a man in a purple United Nations t-shirt look on.

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21 August 2026

UNESCO empowers Caribbean educators to drive climate-resilient learning

UNESCO, in collaboration with the University of the West Indies and with the support of the Grenada National Commission for UNESCO, brought together in Grenada educators and education officials from five Caribbean countries for a regional capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening the integration of Education for Sustainable Development, Climate Change Education, and Disaster Risk Reduction into education systems.Held from 30 June to 2 July 2026 as part of the Climate Smart Education Systems Initiative, this learning program convened 34 participants from Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to strengthen participants' understanding and capacity to integrate these interconnected areas at the school, classroom, and education-system levels with practical approaches that can be adapted to Caribbean contexts.The workshop explored several strategies for embedding sustainability, climate change, and disaster risk reduction into teaching and learning processes, teacher education, and also professional development. This is particularly relevant to all Caribbean countries, which regularly face significant environmental and climate-related challenges and require education systems that can support both resilience and adaptation more effectively.Participants were able to engage with a series of stimulus materials, expert presentations, and various practical activities that were designed specifically to encourage transformative and inclusive learning environments. Participants could identify challenges and opportunities for curriculum integration and also developed strategies to accelerate progress and began designing practical projects for implementation in their respective contexts and countries.Notably, the workshop's comprehensive program combined theoretical foundations with hands-on learning, including creative group activities, reflection exercises, a field visit to the Mirabeau Agriculture Station—a key facility in Grenada—and action research planning. These activities sought to empower educators to develop and implement locally relevant solutions and support the sustainability of initiatives well beyond the workshop itself.As a follow-up to this initiative, UNESCO will consolidate the workshop outcomes into a regional guidance note and provide further technical support to participating ministries and institutions. The outcomes will also inform upcoming regional resilience programs, supporting continuity and scalability. An online convening will take place later this year to allow participating countries to collect data and review progress on their action plans.Through this continued collaboration, UNESCO and its partners aim to strengthen the capacity of Caribbean education systems to turn climate and environmental challenges into opportunities for more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive education................................................................................................................This news was first published by UNESCO Regional Office for the Caribbean.

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A large, diverse group of professionals standing together in rows for a photo inside a modern conference room. Banners flank the group on either side, with a UNESCO banner on the left and a banner for The University of the West Indies on the right.

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19 August 2026

Cassava, culture and courage

Written by Roxana Hijlaard and Alejandra Pero of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) In the remote Indigenous village of Donderskamp, nestled along the riverbanks of the Wayambo river in western Suriname, Cynthia, a 44-year-old Kaliña woman, begins her day with the rising sun. Her hands, seasoned by years of labor and care, skillfully prepare cassava harvested from her own land. She’s grown this cassava despite unpredictable weather and frequent threats from wild boars and carrier ants. Cynthia bakes cassava bread, a staple in her community, using traditional methods passed down through generations. However, there is a risk that the tradition can be lost as her daughter is studying in the capital city Paramaribo, far from the village and its traditions. The process is labor-intensive: peeling, grating, pressing, and baking over firewood she gathers herself. Despite the physical demands, she takes pride in producing food from her land. “We live free here,” she says. “We plant, we fish, we help each other.” In Donderskamp, access to reliable food sources is often disrupted by environmental and logistical challenges. Climate hazards have made farming unpredictable. Floods can spoil cassava within hours, while droughts dry up water sources, forcing families to rely on river water that often makes them sick. Without refrigeration, fresh food spoils quickly. “Sometimes food is left to rot because it cannot be sold or consumed,” Cynthia shared. Transport is another hurdle. The village boat travels to Boskamp, the nearest urban center, only once a month, limiting access to markets and supplies. Electricity is available for just a few hours a day. Cynthia dreams of 24-hour electricity—not just for comfort, but for economic opportunity. “With electricity, we could store casripo – a traditional cassava- based condiment – preserve meat and fish, keep juice fresh, sew clothes, and expand our sales,” she says, echoing the hopes of many in her community. Her story reflects broader struggles faced by Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Across the Amazon region. Yet, women like Cynthia remain resilient—rooted in tradition, driven by hope. She is not alone. Donderskamp is developing a community-driven life plan, aiming to preserve its cultural identity and improve livelihoods. Women, for example, are organizing, selling cassava bread and crafts during Indigenous Peoples Day in Paramaribo. They are advocating for better infrastructure, training, and recognition.For Cynthia, cassava bread is more than food—it is a symbol of culture, survival, strength, and the quiet determination of a woman who refuses to be left behind.In June 2025, the World Food Programme (WFP) conducted a field assessment in the areas targeted under the Just Energy Transition Joint Programme (JET JP). This assessment, complementing those of partner agency UNDP, provided a detailed overview of the socioeconomic conditions in these communities and underscored the critical role of consistent energy supply in ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods. The findings were intended to inform the design of inclusive, rights based, and culturally appropriate interventions under the Just Energy Transition Joint Programme (JET JP), as well as to guide future WFP programming. The JET JP was designed as a transformative initiative focused on developing market ready, bankable energy projects to promote sustainable energy access, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability for Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.With an overarching target of achieving 35 percent renewable energy by 2030, the programme was projected to directly benefit more than 19,000 people while contributing to the advancement of key Sustainable Development Goals. Through planned efforts to strengthen local capacities—particularly through training and policy advocacy—the initiative aimed to promote gender equality, climate resilience, and social equity, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

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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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Press Release

27 July 2026

Global Affairs Canada and UNOPS sign agreement to accelerate resilient infrastructure implementation in the Eastern Caribbean

BRIDGETOWN (BARBADOS), 27 July 2026.— Global Affairs Canada and UNOPS have signed an agreement to establish the Caribbean Resilient Infrastructure Implementation and Skills Exchange (RIISE) Facility, a new Caribbean regional initiative designed to help governments deliver resilient infrastructure investments more effectively.Funded by the Government of Canada and hosted by UNOPS, RIISE is a groundbreaking regional mechanism that will initially support Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Anchored by a Secretariat based in Barbados, RIISE combines regional leadership with UNOPS global expertise and operational support—operating in line with UN values and administrative standards. The Secretariat will coordinate requests from participating governments and mobilize specialized expertise to help overcome infrastructure implementation challenges."Canada is proud to support RIISE as part of our longstanding commitment to strengthening climate resilience across the Caribbean. By helping governments deliver resilient infrastructure more effectively, build local capacity and promote specialized expertise across the region, RIISE will generate lasting benefits for Caribbean communities while deepening the strong ties between Canada and the region," said Brenda Wills, High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.Across the Caribbean, governments are advancing ambitious infrastructure and climate-resilience investments, yet many projects face implementation bottlenecks. Created to respond to government demand, RIISE provides targeted technical assistance to strengthen implementation capacity and accelerate project delivery."Caribbean governments have clear priorities and an ambitious vision for resilient and sustainable development. RIISE will provide timely access to the specialized expertise they need to overcome implementation challenges and turn those priorities into tangible results for communities. At the same time, it will strengthen national capacities and foster greater regional collaboration," explained Giuseppe Mancinelli, UNOPS Director for Barbados and Caribbean Coordinator.Support may include short-term technical advisory services, the temporary deployment of specialists, and the exchange of practical knowledge and experience across countries. Assistance will be tailored to the needs of each government and assignment.RIISE will complement financing and project-preparation mechanisms already operating in the Caribbean by concentrating on the implementation phase, helping governments translate approved investments and national priorities into tangible results for communities.Participating governments facing implementation challenges with infrastructure projects are encouraged to engage with the RIISE team early as potential opportunities for initial support are explored.The facility will be officially launched on 14 September 2026 on the sidelines of the Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) in Miami. **** ENDS *** Notes to editorsUNOPS Press contact:
Sofía Trejos, UNOPS Communications Senior Officer for the Caribbean, sofiatr@unops.org, +506 8704 2199Global Affairs Canada Press contact:
Denyce Blackman, Political-Economic and Public Affairs Officer, BDGTNGR@international.gc.caAbout RIISE
The Caribbean Resilient Infrastructure Implementation and Skills Exchange (RIISE) is a regional technical assistance facility funded by the Government of Canada and hosted by UNOPS. It will initially support Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by helping governments overcome implementation challenges, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote regional knowledge exchange in resilient infrastructure delivery.About UNOPS
UNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners, to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement across the world. Read more: www.unops.org.About Global Affairs Canada
Global Affairs Canada manages diplomatic relations, promotes international trade, provides consular assistance, and leads Canada's international development, humanitarian assistance, and peace and security efforts.

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Press Release

02 July 2026

‘Be led by evidence’ – Barbados Minister tells CARICOM statisticians

BRIDGETOWN, 2 July 2026 – “I want to encourage us to be led by evidence,” Hon. Marsha Caddle, M.P. Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning, Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados, told experts emphatically during the 35th Meeting of the CARICOM Advisory Group on Statistics (AGS). The week-long technical meeting in Barbados is being convened by the CARICOM Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) andUNICEF. The Minister made her remarks as she reflected on current conversations about falling fertility, aging, and immigration occurring in hercountry and in other parts of the world and the anecdotes that appear to be fueling the discourse. “It is also important to establish a single source of truth,” she added, pointing out that it is critical to know why data matters.As she characterized statisticians as the “unsung heroes of evidence-based policymaking in the Region”, the Minister called for more investment in data gathering. A wide-ranging agenda at the meeting deals with pressing issues such as the implementation of the Regional Strategy for the Development of Statistics (RSDS) and reviewing and refining the Draft Regional Census Strategy for the 2030 Population and Housing Census Round. It will also consider the proposed establishment of the CARICOM Regional Population Commission. A key feature will be the Dialogue on South-South Cooperation in Census Readiness, which will bring together CARICOM Member States, development partners, and technical experts of the Government of India to exchange technical expertise and explore innovations in census preparation. The dialogue forms part of the ‘Enhancing Census Preparedness in the Caribbean’ initiative, supported by the UN-India Sustainable Development Goals Country Fund, and is expected to strengthen regional readiness for the 2030 census round.Halim Brizan, Director of the Regional Statistics Programme at the CARICOM Secretariat, said the meeting is happening at a pivotal moment in the development of statistics in CARICOM, highlighting the Region’s preparation for the 2030 Round of Population and Housing Census, and the assessment of CARICOM’s progress in implementing its RSDS.“The overarching objective of this Thirty-Fifth Meeting of the AGS is to advance the implementation of the RSDS. During this meeting, we will also exchange experiences on the RSDS implementation framework, CARICOM's regional mechanisms for South-South Cooperation and consider the establishment of the CARICOM Regional Population Commission among other important initiatives,” he said in opening remarks. In his address, Shohrat Orazov, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for the UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area, underscored the importance of reliable, timely and comparable data to effective policymaking particularly as Caribbean countries navigate increasingly complex social and climate-related challenges. “Strong statistical systems not only help us understand these challenges but also enable governments and partners to design more effective responses and measures to progress overtime,” he said.Jenny Karlsen, Deputy Director of the UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean contextualized the meeting as an effort benefitting from cross-country collaboration on statistics. She referred to the importance of demographic data as the foundation of decision-making across government sectors and acknowledged the unique challenges the Region faces in collecting and disseminating data. She added that 2026 is “a year of urgency and opportunity” in developing new approaches. “As the 2030 Census round begins, the Caribbean Community stands to benefit from the strong technical and strategic relationships that its Member States share, embodied in the Regional Strategy for the Development of Statistics, as well as common initiatives in capacity strengthening. The Advisory Group on Statistics provides a strong platform to leverage ongoing collaboration and to think strategically about how to collect and use population data over the coming years,” she stressed . Please watch the opening ceremony of the 35th AGS here. About the Advisory Group on StatisticsThe AGS is the principal subsidiary body of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians (SCCS). It provides strategic guidance on regional statistical priorities and makes recommendations to the SCCS on the development, adoption and implementation of regional statistical programmes and best practices.

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Press Release

23 June 2026

Latin America and the Caribbean back new Political Declaration on HIV Following UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS in New York

“We welcome the adoption of the new Political Declaration, which serves as a road map to guide the HIV response over the next five years, and which received strong support from governments across our region. This is undoubtedly an important signal that countries remain committed to the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” said Luisa Cabal, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “We recognize the work of all actors in the HIV response—from communities to governments—in helping us reach this renewed commitment.” The meeting brought together governments, multilateral organizations, civil society, and communities, with strong participation from representatives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Their engagement reflected the region’s continued commitment to the HIV response and its determination to keep HIV high on national and regional health and development agendas. The new Political Declaration comes at a critical moment for the HIV response, marked by declining international funding, persistent inequalities in access to health services, and the impact of stigma and discrimination on the populations most affected by HIV.The Political Declaration, which will guide the global HIV response for the period 2026–2031, sets out new targets and commitments to expand equitable access to HIV testing, treatment and prevention; address funding gaps; protect human rights and promote gender equality; expand access to HIV medicines and related technologies; and strengthen the role of communities and civil society in the AIDS response. During the meeting, representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean agreed that the progress achieved in the HIV response must be protected and accelerated in the face of financial challenges, persistent inequalities and barriers that continue to limit access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care services. “The adoption of this Political Declaration sends a strong message that the world remains committed to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, and that the tools and knowledge needed to achieve this goal are within our reach. While the Caribbean has made significant progress, those gains remain fragile in the face of financial challenges, persistent inequalities, stigma, discrimination and barriers to access,” said Leslie Wade, Permanent Observer of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to the United Nations. “CARICOM continues to call for renewed global solidarity, sustainable financing and equitable access to HIV prevention, treatment and innovation. What is needed now is renewed political leadership and collective action to turn commitments into action and ensure that no one is left behind.”“Brazil expresses its deep appreciation for the strong support shown for this Political Declaration on HIV, which reflects our shared recognition of the progress achieved to date while acknowledging that important challenges remain,” said Mariângela Simão, Secretary of Health and Environmental Surveillance at Brazil’s Ministry of Health. “In this regard, we also wish to highlight the valuable role of UNAIDS in supporting countries in the implementation and monitoring of these commitments, helping to ensure that our collective efforts translate into meaningful and sustained impact.” “Communities have been at the heart of the HIV response and must continue to support the implementation of the commitments made. Our role has been essential in ensuring that these agreements translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” said Mariana Iacono, representative of ICW Latina. “Community experience has helped bring public policies closer to people living with HIV, key populations and all those who continue to face structural barriers to fully exercising their human rights. We stand ready to work alongside governments to turn the 2030 targets into reality and end AIDS as a public health threat.” The interventions by governments, regional organizations and community representatives underscored that achieving the 2030 targets will require strengthening multilateralism, reinforce national responses and ensure the meaningful participation of communities. They also emphasized that the commitments made in New York must be translated into concrete action that responds to people’s needs and helps reduce the inequalities that continue to hinder progress. At the close of the meeting, Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, said that governments around the world, with the support of communities, had reaffirmed that multilateralism remains alive and that international cooperation continues to be an essential tool for accelerating progress towards 2030. “The fact that so many Member States voted in support of this Political Declaration at this moment is recognition that our progress remains worth protecting and that there is a willingness to sustain the actions needed to achieve the 2030 goal,” she said. *** End ***
Contact UNAIDS LAC | Jaevion Nelson | nelsonj@ unaids.org
UNAIDS LAC | Josué Valera | valeraj@unaids.org | communications@unaids.org UNAIDS The 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, X, Instagram and YouTube.

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