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Press Release
16 September 2026
700 fishers and fish vendors certified to strengthen their livelihoods in three bays protected area
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15 September 2026
RIISE begins operations to accelerate resilient infrastructure delivery in the Eastern Caribbean
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Story
07 September 2026
UNESCO launches WINGS Caribbean to advance science, women and Caribbean transformation
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The Sustainable Development Goals 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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Take Action
02 January 2026
Act Now for the Global Goals
What happens when millions of people act together for our common future? Join the #ActNow UN campaign to take action for the Sustainable Development Goals.
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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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15 September 2026
RIISE begins operations to accelerate resilient infrastructure delivery in the Eastern Caribbean
Miami, 15 September 2026 — The governments of Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines can now access support from the Caribbean Resilient Infrastructure Implementation and Skills Exchange (RIISE) Facility to accelerate the delivery of climate-resilient infrastructure projects. RIISE has officially begun operations, and is ready to provide specialized technical assistance to overcome implementation bottlenecks so that investments are swiftly translated into completed, resilient public infrastructure on the ground.Funded by the Government of Canada and hosted by UNOPS, RIISE operates through a Secretariat based in Barbados and is governed by participating Caribbean countries, with technical guidance from an independent panel of experts."Resilient infrastructure is essential to economic development, climate adaptation, and the well-being of Caribbean communities. Canada is pleased to support RIISE as a regionally led facility that will help governments access the expertise and support needed to deliver priority infrastructure investments. By helping address implementation challenges and strengthening countries' ability to move projects forward, RIISE has the potential to accelerate resilient infrastructure delivery and generate lasting benefits for Caribbean communities", said H.E. Brenda Wills, High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.RIISE currently supports Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Eastern Caribbean in accelerating increasingly complex climate investments, ensuring local teams have direct, on-demand access to specialized technical expertise. By providing targeted support during project implementation, RIISE complements existing financing and project-preparation mechanisms and helps governments move projects toward completion.This implementation support can target a range of projects, including water and sanitation, transport, energy, coastal protection, public buildings, disaster recovery, health, education, and housing. Governments can access two service modalities: Short-term technical advisory services to resolve specific challenges. and temporary specialist deployments to reinforce local teams, combining remote and in-country support tailored to each assignment.Through these two modalities, governments can access expertise in project management, procurement, contract management, engineering and technical reviews, and financial management.To support resilient and inclusive delivery, RIISE can also deploy specialized expertise across environmental and social safeguards, climate resilience, and gender equality and social inclusion, alongside stakeholder engagement, communications, monitoring and reporting, and risk management.How to access support: Ministries and public institutions in the four participating countries can request assistance through their designated National Focal Points, who can fill out the online Request Form outlining the project, the implementation challenge, and expected outcomes. The Secretariat will use this information to assess eligibility and work with the requesting institution to define the scope of assistance and expertise required. For guidance on preparing and submitting a request, visit riise-caribbean.org or contact secretariat@riise-caribbean.org. “Today marks an important moment for the Caribbean. UNOPS is proud to provide the operational backbone for this Caribbean-led initiative. Governments across the region have set a bold vision for more resilient infrastructure; our role is to help turn that ambition into results by providing national institutions with the additional capacity, expertise and implementation support they need to deliver for their people,” said Giuseppe Mancinelli, UNOPS Caribbean Director.Beyond its immediate implementation support, RIISE’s longer-term ambition is to help strengthen and retain technical expertise within the Caribbean. As the facility evolves, this could include opportunities for specialists to work alongside public-sector teams and for countries to share knowledge and experience, helping local teams build the expertise to lead future infrastructure initiatives.RIISE was officially launched on 14 September at a side event of the Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) in Miami.Participants included Hon. Shawn Edward, Minister of Infrastructure, Ports Services, and Energy of Saint Lucia; Hon. Andrew John, Minister of Housing, Land Management, Urban Development, and Informal Settlement Upgrading of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security of Dominica; Alva Browne, Permanent Secretary in Grenada’s Ministry of Infrastructure, and H.E. Brenda Wills, High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, alongside representatives of international financial institutions, international organizations, and infrastructure development partners.While Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are the initial focus, RIISE is designed with the potential to expand its reach over time in response to government needs and as additional partnerships and resources are mobilized. *** ENDS *** Notes to editorsPhotos RIISE 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.
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07 September 2026
UNESCO launches WINGS Caribbean to advance science, women and Caribbean transformation
The UNESCO Office for the Caribbean launched today WINGS Caribbean (Women Inspiring New Generations in Science), a new fellowship initiative designed to support outstanding women researchers and innovators whose work addresses some of the Caribbean’s most pressing development challenges.Under the theme “Advancing Science. Advancing Women. Transforming the Caribbean,” WINGS Caribbean will award two fellowships of USD 10,000 each, one in STEM and one in Social Impact.The initiative is specifically aimed at mid-career and advanced-career women whose projects address priorities including climate and environmental resilience, disaster risk reduction, digital innovation, applied scientific research, social development, governance, social entrepreneurship and community-based research.Fellows will have up to 12 months to develop projects capable of delivering practical and measurable societal benefits.The Caribbean needs the full power of its scientific talent to meet the challenges ahead, and women must be at the center of that effort. WINGS Caribbean is not simply about supporting women in science. It is about advancing science itself by ensuring that some of the Caribbean’s most talented women researchers and innovators have the opportunity, resources and visibility to develop solutions that can make a tangible difference to our societies.— Eric Falt, Regional Director of UNESCO for the CaribbeanWINGS Caribbean builds on a growing portfolio of UNESCO initiatives supporting women and girls in science across the region. Together, these initiatives reflect a sustained commitment to supporting women at different stages of the scientific journey, from inspiring the next generation to enabling established researchers and innovators to make a greater impact.WINGS Caribbean is designed to complement this pathway by addressing a different stage of the scientific career: supporting mid-career and advanced-career women to take their research and innovation further, strengthen its application to Caribbean priorities, and translate scientific achievement into leadership and tangible societal impact.WINGS Caribbean is being implemented by the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, in technical collaboration with The University of the West Indies, Mona, Faculty of Science and Technology, and the Caribbean Academy of Sciences.Through the two fellowship streams, UNESCO and its partners aim to strengthen scientific excellence, increase the visibility and leadership of women in research and innovation, and build a growing regional network of women whose work is helping shape a more resilient, innovative and sustainable Caribbean. How to ApplyApplications are open to eligible women nationals of UNESCO Member States and Associate Members in the English-speaking and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. Each selected fellow will receive USD 10,000 for a project lasting up to 12 months.Application deadline: 30 September 2026 at 11.59 pm Jamaica time (UTC−5)WINGS Caribbean Call for ApplicationsWINGS Caribbean Online Application FormFor further information, please contact the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean at kingston@unesco.org..........................................................The news was first published by the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean.
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04 September 2026
UNLIREC and CARICOM need your voice on preventing gun violence
The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) are asking Caribbean stakeholders to provide feedback on a proposed Prevention-Based Approach to Reducing Firearms-Related Violence.The open call for inputs invites government institutions, civil society organizations, and representatives of the international and business community across the Caribbean to submit their perspectives to shape a strategy that places prevention at the centre of the region's response to armed violence, as part of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap (CFRM)..About the Caribbean Firearms RoadmapAdopted by CARICOM Member States and the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap sets out a shared path to curbing the proliferation of illicit firearms and ammunition and strengthening regional security. UNLIREC and CARICOM IMPACS serve as co-custodians of the Roadmap, which has been in implementation since 2020 with the support of international partners. Sixteen countries in the region have formally adopted the Roadmap, with thirteen having developed National Action Plans that tailor its framework to their national contexts.A recent Mid-Term Review of the Roadmap recommended introducing a dedicated Prevention Addendum to complement existing enforcement-focused measures. The review called for the Addendum to be developed through an inclusive process that actively engages civil society organizations and community representatives, drawing on lessons from comparable regional frameworks that already incorporate a prevention component. The current Open Call for Inputs is a direct step toward that broader, more holistic approach to reducing firearm-related violence.Why Your Input MattersA prevention-based approach recognizes that reducing firearm-related violence requires more than law enforcement action alone. It calls for coordinated efforts across health, education, community development, gender and youth programming, and the private sector. The quality and reach of this initiative depend on the breadth of perspectives received.How to ParticipateOrganizations and stakeholders are encouraged to review the full call and submit their inputs via the link below:🔗 A Prevention-Based Approach to Reducing Firearms-Related Violence – Open Call for InputsFor more information on the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, visit:UNLIREC – Caribbean Firearms Roadmap
CARICOM IMPACS
The UN Resident Coordinator's Office encourages all eligible stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago and across the region to take part in this important consultation and help shape a safer, more resilient Caribbean.
CARICOM IMPACS
The UN Resident Coordinator's Office encourages all eligible stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago and across the region to take part in this important consultation and help shape a safer, more resilient Caribbean.
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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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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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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
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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Press Release
27 July 2026
UN Guyana Statement on the sinking of the MV Barima
We send our sincere condolences to the Government and people of Guyana and the families of those affected. We wish the survivors a speedy recovery. The UN Country Team expresses sincere gratitude for the ongoing dedication of the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Public Works, regional and local authorities and everyone working tirelessly in rescue and recovery efforts. The United Nations reaffirms its solidarity with the people and Government of Guyana.
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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.
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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Latest Resources
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Resources
15 May 2026
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