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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29 June 2026

English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean nations signal broad support for new regional UN cooperation framework

At the 2026 Annual Coordination Meeting held virtually on 16 June 2026 in Belize City, the United Nations System and Caribbean governments introduced a new framework for guiding their development cooperation over the next five years. The Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) for 2027-2031 was the subject of a hybrid regional meeting that included Resident Coordinators and government ministers, as well as representatives of UN agencies and development partners from across the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. During the open floor session, representatives from Grenada, Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, the British Virgin Islands, Jamaica and Belize each expressed their governments' broad acceptance of and commitment to the MSDCF 2027–2031. Countries pledged national ownership, called for stronger data systems, and welcomed the framework's sharper, more catalytic focus as a decisive improvement over the previous cycle. THE FOUR OUTCOMES: A Sharper Framework for Caribbean Resilience This MSDCF marks a decisive shift from broad aspiration to focused, measurable action, built around four interconnected outcomes that address the Caribbean's most urgent development priorities.Outcome One — Economic Diversification & Inclusive EconomiesCaribbean economies must grow beyond narrow sectors and legacy dependencies. This outcome targets small producers, women entrepreneurs, youth, and indigenous communities, helping them participate in green, blue, orange, and circular value chains. The UN will invest in digital public infrastructure for micro-enterprises, regional trade integration, climate-resilient food systems, inclusive finance, and future-ready skills — so that by 2031, economic opportunity is no longer concentrated in the hands of a few.Outcome Two — Resilience to ShocksWith 80 per cent more extreme weather events since 1980 and over 70 per cent of critical infrastructure in high-risk coastal zones, climate vulnerability is the region’s defining challenge. This outcome embeds anticipatory, risk-informed development into national systems – strengthening governance, early warning data, climate finance, community-level preparedness, and nature-based solutions. The 2025 response to Hurricane Melissa, which mobilised over USD 100 million in combined support, demonstrated exactly the coordinated action this outcome seeks to institutionalise.Outcome Three — Integrated Social ServicesAgeing populations, migration pressures, and recurring climate shocks are straining already constrained social systems across the region. This outcome focuses on building health, education, and social protection institutions that remain functional before, during, and after crises, not improvised in the heat of an emergency. Digital civil registration systems, inclusive life-course services, and shock-responsive social protection will ensure that vulnerable groups from early childhood through older age are reached, counted, and protected.Outcome Four — Resilience to Crime and Violence Crime-related losses cost the Caribbean an estimated 3.83 per cent of regional GDP annually, and the impacts fall hardest on women, young men, migrants, and marginalised communities. This outcome calls for a shift from fragmented, reactive policing toward coordinated, prevention-first, community-led action. It addresses transnational crime networks, strengthens justice institutions, and in a notable recognition of emerging needs, elevates mental health and trauma-informed services as central to breaking cycles of violence across generations.“Behind every indicator in this framework is a human being, and behind every target, a family, behind every outcome, a life. So let us never lose sight of that, and let us never stop until every one of these lives is better for having been here.” — Dennis Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator, Multi-Country Office (MCO) Jamaica, Incoming Chair of the Regional Steering Committee From Alignment to ExecutionWhat distinguishes the MSDCF 2027–2031 from its predecessors is not its ambition — it is its discipline. The previous framework was acknowledged as relevant but too broad, spreading resources thinly and making it difficult to demonstrate collective impact. The new cycle responds with fewer but clearer outcomes, stronger links between action and results, and renewed Country Implementation Plans that governments must actively own and review.During the meeting, leadership of the Regional Steering Committee was formally passed during the meeting from Resident Coordinator Raul Salazar, who had guided the consultative process among multiple Caribbean nations, to RC Dennis Zulu of Jamaica, who will steer implementation through the framework’s first cycle. The handover, marked by Belizean cultural performances, underscored that behind every policy document lie real communities with history, identity, and a stake in the future.RC Salazar closed by reminding delegates that contributions from governments, civil society, development partners, and UN agencies had helped ensure the framework remains grounded in the needs, priorities, and aspirations of the region. He called on all present to carry forward the theme of the meeting - One Caribbean, One Framework, One Future - as the region moves from preparation to implementation.

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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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09 November 2026

State of the climate in 2026 gives new meaning to phrase “off the charts”

Antalya, Türkiye (WMO) - The year 2026 continues the protracted streak of exceptional global temperatures, melting ice and rising sea levels, with a very strong El Niño event set to unleash even more heat and extreme weather well into 2027, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It highlights the knock-on risks to the environment, economy, and everyday life.Key messages2026 will be one of four warmest years on recordEl Niño turns up the heat and multiplies risksSea level and ocean heat are at record high levelsExtreme weather has massive economic and human costForecasts and warnings, underpinned by sustained observations, are vitalThe WMO State of the Climate Update 2026 shows that the past 12 years have individually been the warmest on record, with the past four years being the top four. The global average surface temperature for January–September 2026 was about 1.47 °Celsius above the pre-industrial average. This figure is likely to rise through the end of the year because of the warming effect of El Niño, which has been intensifying since August and is expected to be the strongest on record by December.Earth’s energy imbalance is rising and the earth system is accumulating heat at an accelerating rate. The imbalance reached its highest level since monitoring began, as greenhouse gases trap unprecedented amounts of heat and upset the equilibrium between incoming energy from the sun and outgoing energy. The ocean absorbs 90 per cent of this excess heat and 2026 is on track to be the tenth successive year of record ocean warmth.Sea level is the highest on record, and sea-surface temperatures hit monthly records during 2026. The long-term retreat of glaciers continues - the annual mass loss of ice in 2025 would have filled five Olympic pools every second of the year. Freshwater storage has been dwindling since 2014.“We have entered a new age of climate extremes. A supersized El Niño is colliding with a planet already superheated by manmade climate change. Climate records keep falling. The human costs keep rising. And those least responsible are suffering first and worst. Leaders must get serious by cutting emissions faster, accelerating a just transition from fossil fuels and delivering the finance and protection vulnerable countries need.” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “El Niño and indeed the state of the global climate in 2026 gives new meaning to the phrase off the charts. El Niño doesn't add new heat to the planet. It releases heat from the ocean, which is the warmest ever measured. There is simply more heat available to release,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.“We are supercharging our weather and El Niño will be a risk multiplier. Heatwaves, tropical cyclones, and rainstorms are intensifying faster than our historical baselines prepared us for. Hundreds of millions of people this year have been exposed to unbearable extreme heat, whilst the catastrophic ice and rock collapse and flash floods in Nepal highlighted the compound risks facing communities in fragile, warming high-mountain terrain.”Forecasts underpinned by sustained observations from every part of the world are more important than ever to monitor our rapidly changing climate and help navigate the increasing risks to societies and economies. The good news is that the number of countries reporting the existence of multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWSs) has increased from 56 in 2015 to 136 in 2025, according to the report.The WMO State of the Climate 2026 Update was released on the first day of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, as an authoritative, science-based report. It includes data – where available – up to September 2026 and therefore does not reflect the most recent impacts of El Niño. The final State of the Global Climate 2026 report will be issued in March 2027, incorporating scientific contributions from dozens of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, regional climate centres, United Nations partners and experts from the WMO community.HighlightsGlobal temperature: The global mean near-surface temperature anomaly averaged from January to September 2026 (1.47 °C ± 0.13 °C above the 1850–1900 average) is comparable to the whole-year averages for 2025 (1.43 °C) and 2023 (1.46 °C) and lower than the 2024 record (1.55 °C). This is based on nine internationally recognised datasets. The past four years, 2023-2026, are the four warmest years on record.La Niña conditions at the start of the year had a temporary cooling effect, which was reversed by the development of El Niño. Global monthly average sea-surface temperatures were the highest or second highest on record for June, July and August, and monthly global temperatures were among the three highest for the time of year from May to September.El Niño is forecast to continue into early 2027. El Niño typically boosts annual global mean temperatures by around 0.1 °C–0.2 °C, and it is likely that the final anomaly for 2026 will be higher than the January to September average. El Niño typically has the greatest impact on global average temperatures in the year after its development.Greenhouse gas levels reached a new record in 2025. Atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has increased by 53 per cent from around 278 parts per million (ppm) in 1750 to about 426.8 ppm in 2025. Global averaged methane concentrations increased from 729 parts per billion (ppb) in 1750 by 167 per cent to 1 948 ppb in 2025. Nitrous oxide concentrations increased by 26 per cent from 270 ppb in 1750 to 339.1 ppb in 2025.Measurements from benchmark monitoring stations (such as Mauna Loa in Hawaii and Kennaook/Cape Grim in Australia), indicate a continued increase in 2026. El Niño events typically lead to a surge in greenhouse gas concentrations.Earth’s energy imbalance: Ocean heat measurements and satellite observations show an acceleration in the rate at which the Earth system is accumulating heat. In 2025, it reached its highest observed value since monitoring began in 1960. Preliminary values for January–July 2026 suggest another record high. Ocean heat content in the upper 2 000 metres was the highest in the observed record in 2025 and has continued to rise in 2026, according to preliminary data (to July). Ocean warming rates have accelerated with a particularly strong increase over the past two decades, impacting marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the ocean’s role as a carbon sink. Ocean heat intensifies tropical and subtropical storms, accelerates sea-ice loss in the polar regions, and – together with melting land ice – drives sea-level rise. This warming is projected to continue for hundreds to thousands of years.Global mean sea level reached a record high in 2026. Sea-level rise has accelerated since the start of the satellite record as a result of increased melting of glaciers and ice sheets, as well as increased thermal expansion of warming waters. June, July and August 2026 saw their highest values since the beginning of the satellite altimetry era in 1993. This sharp increase may reflect changes associated with the developing El Niño, including a shift in rainfall from land to ocean in the western tropical Pacific.Sea ice: In 2026, Antarctic sea ice reached its third-lowest annual maximum on record (in the satellite era since 1979), while the Arctic maximum was the lowest or second lowest. Sea ice plays an important role in the global climate system and polar ecosystems.Glaciers lost more than 400 gigatonnes of ice in 2025 - equivalent to approximately 1 mm of sea-level rise. This annual mass loss would have filled five Olympic pools every second of the year. 2025 marked the fourth consecutive year in which all 19 glaciated regions around the world suffered ice loss. The melting of glaciers has implications for local and downstream geohazards, ecology, regional water resources and water quality, as well as global energy and sea-level budgets.Freshwater: Water stored on land (in groundwater, soil, rivers, reservoirs, glaciers and snow) has declined globally since 2014. In 2025, 42 per cent of the assessed global area had below-normal terrestrial water storage, compared to the long-term average of 25 per cent.Extreme events impacted lives and livelihoods, undermined food security, deepened poverty and contributed to displacement across multiple regions. The European heatwaves, drought and wildfires led to more than 30,000 excess deaths, according to preliminary estimates, with national temperature records in at least eight countries, and major impacts on agriculture, energy and transport.An estimated 146.5 million people in India were exposed to extreme heat in an April 2026 heatwave. The Himalayan glacier collapse and catastrophic downstream flash flood in late August killed more than 1,300 people and had a massive impact on Nepal’s economy.Tropical cyclones caused devastation and loss of life in many countries.The current El Niño is expected to act as a risk multiplier for health. Increased heat, drought and heavy rainfall can contribute to heat-related illness and mortality, wildfire smoke and poor air quality, malnutrition and food insecurity, injuries, and changing risks of water- and vector-borne diseases such as cholera, malaria and dengue. The World Health Organization (WHO) has, for the first time, classified the anticipated health impacts as a health emergency.El Niño is already increasing risks for agriculture in key seasons and production systems, especially in areas where there is high food insecurity and heavy reliance on rainfed agriculture.Notes to EditorsThe nine global temperature datasets are: Berkeley Earth, CMA-GMST, CMST, DCENT-I, ERA5, GISTEMP, HadCRUT5, JRA-3Q, and NOAAGlobalTemp.This year’s report is accompanied by a new interactive online platform where users can explore the data behind the report, learn more about the methodologies, combine maps of climate data and explore El Niño. The platform is currently in beta, and user feedback is encouraged to support its further development.The World Meteorological Organization is the United Nations System’s authoritative voice on Weather, Climate and Water............................................................................This story was first published by World Meteorological Organization (WMO)For further information, please contact:Clare Nullis
WMO media officer
cnullis@wmo.int
+41 79 709 13 97Global Communication and Engagement Media Contact
media@wmo.int

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A large, purple-lit supercell thunderstorm cloud looms over a calm lake at night with distant city lights on the shore.

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06 November 2026

Caribbean puts new health and climate change plan into action

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, 6 November 2026 (PAHO/WHO) — Caribbean countries and regional partners are moving to put the new Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031) into practice. On 30 October 2026, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) convened a virtual technical webinar to present the Plan, review country experiences and align partner support for climate-resilient health systems across the Caribbean.The webinar brought together ministries of health, national climate and health focal points, regional technical institutions, academia, civil society and development partners.The Plan was endorsed by Ministers of Health of CARICOM Member and Associate Member States at the 53rd Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development, Health (COHSOD-Health), held at PAHO Headquarters in Washington, D.C., ahead of the 63rd PAHO Directing Council. Developed with PAHO support, it aims to help countries strengthen climate-resilient, low carbon and sustainable health systems against growing environmental pressures.Why it matters: Financing, capacity and dataOpening the session, Ms. Leah-Mari Richards, Chief of the PAHO/WHO Office for the Caribbean Subregional Program, reflected on progress since the first Caribbean Action Plan was adopted in 2019: “More health chapters in national adaptation plans, more early warning systems, more trained health workers. But the gaps in financing, institutional capacity, and data remain. The new plan is our shared answer for the next five years.”PAHO Assistant Director Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas underscored what implementation will require: “Country-led implementation of the plan requires meaningful engagement for communities and civil society, effective governance, clearly defined responsibilities, and sustained coordination across sectors. A skilled workforce is equally important to interpret information, communicate risks, and translate warnings into timely action.”Closing the financing gapSecuring sustainable funding remains critical for translating regional goals into action. Mr. Elbert Ellis, Portfolio Manager in the Social Sector Division at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), said: “Project preparation remains a major bottleneck. The challenge is therefore not simply a shortage of financing; it is also a shortage of investment ready projects.”He explained that CDB is responding through its Climate Change Project Preparation Fund, which provides grant resources for concept notes, feasibility studies and financial structuring, as a pathway to bankable health-related investments.At country level, Mr. Deryck Ramkhelawan, Senior Environmental Health Officer and Climate Change and Health Focal Point in Grenada, described a blended financing approach that combines donor grants, concessionary loans and national budgets. “One of our key lessons learned is that health objectives must be deliberately incorporated into national climate financing mechanisms and development planning processes,” he said. Putting people at the centre of climate planningReframing how adaptation is approached across small island states, Mr. Mansfield Blackwood, Assistant Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), stressed that climate planning falls short if it protects infrastructure but fails to protect people. “Health should be a core objective of every climate policy, investment, and adaptation strategy,” he said.This people-centred focus is reflected in national action. In The Bahamas, Dr. Philip Swann, Acting Director of Public Health, reflected on lessons from Hurricane Dorian in 2019: “Climate adaptation must be integrated into routine health system planning and operations rather than treated solely as an emergency response plan.”Meanwhile in Cuba, Dr. Susana Suárez Tamayo, National Director of Environmental Health, described active monitoring and monthly forecasts that ensure early warning information reaches the community level to strengthen prevention and vector control.Additionally, in Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Deborah Ng Saye Shoon, Disaster Management Specialist at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the health sector’s dual role: “The question is no longer simply how we protect our healthcare facilities from the impacts of climate change, but equally how our health sector can contribute to the reduction of emissions that drive climate change while safeguarding the continuity of essential health services.”Building evidence and skillsAddressing the institutional and technical frameworks needed to support the plan, Dr. Georgiana Gordon-Strachan, Director of the Tropical Metabolism Research Unit at The University of the West Indies (UWI), called for frameworks for interdisciplinary collaboration that address the economic, social, environmental and commercial determinants of health. “We need to look beyond health and we cannot be a silo,” she said.Dr. James Hospedales, Executive Director of the EarthMedic and EarthNurse Foundation for Planetary Health, stressed the urgency of workforce literacy and community-led action: “Action on climate change and health at speed and scale that we need can only occur when we have a much more climate-literate health workforce: nurses, doctors, administrators, and so on.”The new Caribbean Action Plan (2026–2031)The new Action Plan builds on the achievements of its 2019–2023 predecessor, which advanced:Health National Adaptation Plans (HNAPs): 10 countries developed HNAPs and climate-informed disaster preparedness plans.Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessments: 12 countries completed health V&A assessments.Workforce Capacity: Trained over 2,500 health professionals across 15 countries and graduated 24 Climate and Health Fellows from 13 countries.Early Warning Systems: Seven countries strengthened their multi-hazard early warning systems.SMART Health Facilities: Upgraded healthcare facilities to meet PAHO’s Safe and Green standards in seven countries.To address remaining gaps, the 2026–2031 Action Plan is organised around four Strategic Lines of Action:Governance and Leadership: Embedding health into national and regional climate policies.Climate Resilient Health Systems (Adaptation): Strengthening disease surveillance, early warning systems and resilient infrastructure.Low Carbon Health Systems (Mitigation): Reducing the sector’s carbon footprint through renewable energy, efficient operations and sustainable waste management.Resources and Climate Finance: Mobilising domestic and international climate finance.Closing the webinar, Dr. Daniel Buss, Unit Chief for Climate Change and Environmental Determinants of Health at PAHO, thanked countries and partners for their contributions and highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration to turn the Plan’s commitments into results. He noted that the coming weeks, including the road to COP31, offer a key opportunity to keep health at the centre of the Caribbean’s climate agenda.ResourcesCaribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change 2026–2031: https://iris.paho.org/items/58457d27-8906-410f-b94c-3a2f04bf1bd7Indicator descriptors: https://iris.paho.org/items/bc2002c9-663b-4be9-a9fc-f8d8581d5193Research for Action Agenda on Climate Change and Health in the Caribbean: https://iris.paho.org/items/a86c1097-fc9c-4da9-8e5a-e5c374a26556About the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of their populations. Founded in 1902, it is the international public health agency for the Americas and serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO).About the Office for Caribbean Subregional Program CoordinationThe Office for Caribbean Subregional Program Coordination complements PAHO/WHO's work at national, regional, and global levels. Located in Bridgetown, Barbados, the Office is charged with the responsibility of strategic cooperation with the major subregional political integration entities and their institutions on health policies, strategies and plans, contributing to key health development objectives in the Caribbean............................................................................This story was first published by Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)Media ContactWebsite: https://www.paho.org/en/caribbean-subregional-program-coordinationEmail: spc-crb@paho.orgSocial media: @PAHOCaribbean (X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)

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05 November 2026

Trinidad and Tobago moves towards a net-zero, nature-positive economy

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, 27 October 2026 — Trinidad and Tobago took a step towards a lower-emission, nature-positive economy with the inception workshop for the “Accelerating the Transition to a Net-Zero, Nature-Positive Economy in Trinidad and Tobago” project, held on 22 October at the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre.Supported by US$4.85 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the four-year initiative aims to embed climate action, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development into national planning and economic decision-making. It will help build the policies, institutional capacity and financing mechanisms needed to support the country’s transition while creating opportunities for green investment.The project is being implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serving as executing agencies.For Trinidad and Tobago, whose economy relies heavily on oil and gas and is vulnerable to climate change, the project will support long-term planning that connects economic development with lower greenhouse gas emissions and the protection and restoration of nature.Emphasising the need for a transition that responds to Trinidad and Tobago’s national priorities, Candice Ramsaran, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, said: “We must therefore pursue a transition that balances our climate change commitments with our national development priorities, while protecting livelihoods and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth. From the Ministry’s perspective, we would like to see this project deliver practical outcomes, nationally relevant and sustainable beyond its four-year implementation period,” she added. A central output will be a National Net-Zero, Nature-Positive Strategy, supported by an energy transition roadmap and financing and investment strategies. The project will also strengthen climate and biodiversity data systems, assess the social and economic implications of the transition, and improve coordination across government and other partners.Underscoring the connection between climate action, healthy ecosystems and community well-being, Juan Bello, Regional Director and Representative of UNEP’s Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, said: “Achieving a net-zero economy requires more than reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also means protecting and restoring ecosystems, promoting sustainable economic opportunities, and ensuring that the transition benefits people and communities. As the GEF Implementing Agency, UNEP is proud to support this initiative, providing technical guidance and oversight to help ensure that the project delivers meaningful, lasting results aligned with national priorities and global environmental objectives.”The initiative will work with government agencies, the private sector, financial institutions, academia, civil society and communities. Planned activities include support for renewable energy regulatory reforms, stronger financing mechanisms, and training to help institutions identify and support sustainable investments.The project also plans to support sustainable mobility and energy-transition demonstration investments across Trinidad, along with a nature-positive ecotourism project in Tobago. Pre-feasibility studies and investment proposals will help develop a project pipeline capable of attracting financing, while lessons from demonstration activities will inform expansion opportunities.Highlighting the project’s significance for Trinidad and Tobago’s economic future, UNDP Assistant Representative Sharifa Ali-Abdullah said: “Importantly, this (the Net Zero Nature Positive Project) is not just an environmental agenda. It is an economic agenda. It is a competitiveness agenda. It is a jobs agenda. It is a survival agenda. It is an agenda about creating the conditions for sustainable investment, supporting innovation, strengthening communities, and ensuring that future generations inherit both a healthy economy and a healthy environment.”The inception workshop provided a forum to introduce the project and engage stakeholders on policy, planning and governance; energy transition and sustainable mobility; nature-positive development and ecotourism; and climate finance and investment.Building on the stakeholder dialogue, the project will establish governance and coordination mechanisms to guide delivery as it moves into implementation following its Tobago inception meeting. Technical working groups will support the key thematic areas identified during last Thursday’s discussions. In parallel, the project will recruit specialised technical experts and consultants to conduct baseline assessments, modelling, policy development, and other activities.Over its implementation period, the project aims to strengthen the foundations for a just transition, supporting emissions reductions, improved ecosystem management and greater investment in sustainable development............................................................................This story was first published by UNDP Trinidad and TobagoMedia contact:
Solange Fletcher-Herbert
Communications – UNDP
Email: solange.fletcher-herbert@undp.org | Tel: 1-868-680-5263

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05 November 2026

What does the United Nations look like up close in the Caribbean?

Meet Jamid, Malisa, Kimeisha and Matt. Four Caribbean nationals. Four UN Volunteers. Four people, working close to home and alongside their own communities, turning the big promises of sustainable development into something people can see, feel and experience in their daily lives.The United Nations can sometimes seem vast and distant. But look closer, and its work comes down to people like them, serving in their own countries and communities.Turning data into evidenceJamid Israel Teyul joined the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Belize as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in 2024. Over 40 per cent of the country's population are children. Jamid’s role was to help UNICEF, the government and organisations working with children better understand the realities they face and what they need.As a UN Volunteer, he developed monitoring frameworks and evaluation tools that turned data and evidence into a clearer picture of children’s lives. “A typical day included supporting teams with technical knowledge, sharing good practices, analyzing data, and training local teams.”Raising awareness of Circular EconomyHow can we end plastic waste? Is there a way to prevent marine litter? These are some of the topics Malisa Peters covered while raising awareness of circular economy, a more sustainable approach to consumption that promotes reduction, reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of products and materials. As a UN Volunteer Communication and Social Media Specialist with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Cartagena Convention Secretariat, she has been part of the “Promoting Circular Economy Solutions” (PROMAR) project in Guyana since 2025. “I supported building communications and social media strategies, creating graphics, managing social media accounts, writing reports, doing research, web designing, and providing communications support across our project countries.”Preserving the ecosystemKimeisha Bailey joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Office in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in 2025.She was part of the Ridge-to-Reef (R2R) project, aiming to preserve and restore ecosystems and its biodiversity, especially after Hurricane Beryl hit the Caribbean.As Communications and Knowledge Management Officer, Kimeisha not only wrote web pieces about the evolution of the project, she also helped engage 150 youth in summer programmes across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, teaching children about composting, sustainable agriculture, protecting forests and endemic species, and coping with mental health during natural disasters.Coordinating on the groundFurther south of Barbados, Matthew Sealy supported the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Trinidad and Tobago as Coordination Assistant, a position he assumed in 2024. As part of the RCO, he was involved in coordination among all UN agencies in the country and government partners, so no day was alike. At a local event led by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), he helped register migrant children for school. “Most of the kids spoke Spanish and I don’t,” he admitted.“But communication is more than just words. We connected through body language, games, and smiles. It was one of the most heartwarming days I’ve had.”Other days took him to the ground to listen to people’s needs with the Community Caravan — an eight-weekend initiative across Trinidad and Tobago where teams of volunteers engaged with communities on topics ranging from health and governance to their aspirations for the future.The volunteers at heart“I have been volunteering for 10 years with various organizations. I also love Communications. When I saw the posting for this role, I decided to apply because I knew that if I wanted to make real change while advancing my career, UNV was the platform that I needed to be a part of,” shared Malisa.“I first started volunteering at a local NGO during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a turning point where I reflected more deeply on the systems that surround us and realized that there was this disconnect between how things are done and the people those changes actually impact,” Matt concluded. Jamid, Malisa, Kimeisha and Matt embody the spirit of United Nations Volunteers: professionals who bring their skills, commitment and passion to making a difference.Like them, over 90 professionals have joined the UN in the Caribbean as UN Volunteers in 2026, turning skills into service and inspiration into action.

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A group holds up Sustainable Development Goal cubes in an office with UN emblems on the wall and a UN Volunteers banner.

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04 November 2026

Grenadian students step into UN leadership through Youth Secretary-General for a Day competition

ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada - Two Grenadian students took on UN leadership roles as the country's first UN Youth Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General for a Day, putting forward bold ideas on digital innovation, youth participation and Grenada's development.Following a competitive national selection, Malachi Francique of St. George's Institute was named UN Youth Secretary-General for a Day, while Jazmine Clarke of St. Joseph's Convent, St. Andrew, was selected as UN Youth Deputy Secretary-General.Led by Grenada representatives on the UN Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Youth Advisory Group (YAG), Kerri-Ann Marrast, Raheem Smith and Zinzee Noel, the competition invited students aged 16 to 18 to propose innovative, inclusive solutions to national and global challenges, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also gave participants an opportunity to explore diplomacy, sustainable development and the UN's work with Grenada.On 21 October, ahead of UN Day, which is observed on 24 October, Francique and Clarke participated in official engagements with Ambassador Dessima Williams, former Permanent Representative of Grenada to the United Nations; Mr. Victor Clark, Resident British Commissioner to Grenada; and Ms. Rosana John of Dentons Delaney, Deputy Chair of the UN Global Compact Network Caribbean. They later participated in DMs with the Prime Minister, a live radio and television programme featuring Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, where they posed questions and interacted with the Prime Minister following the show. Speaking at the awards ceremony on 28 October, Ambassador Williams underscored the importance of multilateralism for Small Island Developing States such as Grenada and encouraged young people to become more engaged in international affairs and leadership.“The UN provides stability to the world and thus becomes an anchor for Grenada. You can and must help to stabilise the anchor that stabilises where you live and how you live,” Ambassador Williams advised.In his UN Youth Secretary-General’s Message for United Nations Day, Francique proposed a Grenada Digital Futures Initiative focused on AI literacy, digital entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills for young people, with an emphasis on using innovation and partnerships to address community challenges.“Grenada is a small state, but small does not have to mean isolated. Through international cooperation, we can connect Grenadian talent with expertise, partnerships, funding and opportunities beyond our shores,” the UN Youth Secretary General said. Reflecting on her experience as UN Youth Deputy Secretary-General for a Day, Clarke called for greater youth participation in decision-making and challenged young people to recognise their ability to shape change.“We are not powerless spectators waiting for tomorrow to arrive. We are active participants in the story being written today,” she maintained.The competition also recognised Marissa Antoine of St. Joseph's Convent, St. Andrew; Zaine Ferguson of St. David Catholic Secondary School; and Kezia Alexander, Kamal Joseph and Anosha Mitchell of T.A. Marryshow Community College. Their submissions addressed issues including food security, climate resilience, mental health, the green-blue economy and stronger partnerships for sustainable development. Ms. Dunnaliz Commodore, Foreign Service Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, joined in presenting certificates to participants.The initiative brought together students, schools, government, diplomats, private-sector partners, UN agencies and youth leaders, demonstrating how young people can contribute practical ideas to national and global challenges.Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited contributed EC$1,000 towards a youth leadership initiative at the winning school, while Affordable Island Communications Inc. (AIsleCom Inc.) provided laptops to the first- and second-place winners. The YAG also acknowledged support from Ambassador Ruth Rouse, Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development; Media Broadcaster and Executive Producer Mr. Kenroy Baptiste; The UWI Global Campus; and Sweet Traditions Bakery Café. Personnel from UNDP, PAHO/WHO, WFP, UN Women, UNESCO, UNDRR and FAO also distributed tokens of appreciation to participants.The initiative will continue through planned mentorship in diplomacy and professional development for Francique and Clarke. With support from Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited, organisers also plan to produce a short video, “The Making of a UN Youth Secretary-General,” for broadcast through the Government Information Service and UN social-media platforms.Grenada became a Member State of the United Nations on 17 September 1974.

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Two students seated in front of UN staff and guests, beside a Sustainable Development Goals banner.

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Press Release

04 November 2026

Antigua and Barbuda signs new UN Cooperation Framework

St. John's: 27 October 2026: Antigua and Barbuda has achieved another significant milestone in its national development agenda, becoming the first country in the Eastern Caribbean to formally endorse the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) for the period 2027–2031.Prime Minister the Right Honourable Gaston Browne signed the Framework on behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda during an official ceremony held on Friday, 23rd October 2026, at the Office of the Prime Minister.Mr. Simon Springett, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, signed the accord on behalf of the UN Development System, underscoring the continued partnership between the United Nations and the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda in advancing sustainable development, economic resilience and social progress. "With less than five years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the urgency to act has never been greater. Progress is possible, but it will require acceleration, ambition, and above all, partnership. Antigua and Barbuda's early endorsement of this new five-year Cooperation Framework is a step in the right direction as we seek together to translate global commitments into tangible improvements in people's lives," said Mr. Springett.Antigua and Barbuda's early endorsement reinforces its leadership among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in promoting sustainable development, strengthening resilience and advocating international cooperation to address the unique vulnerabilities confronting small island economies. The Government views the signing as an important step towards strengthening its partnership with the United Nations and mobilising technical expertise, development assistance and institutional support for national priorities."This endorsement complements our longstanding advocacy for a more responsive international development system that recognises the particular vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States and provides practical support for their sustainable development. Antigua is proud to not only lead this call, but to work hand in hand with our UN partners to bring it to fruition," said Prime Minister Browne.The MSDCF 2027–2031 establishes a strategic framework for cooperation between the United Nations development system and participating Eastern Caribbean countries, aligning international development assistance with national and regional priorities.Of particular significance to Antigua and Barbuda is the Framework's support for implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (ABAS 2024–2034), the landmark ten-year development agenda adopted following the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, hosted by Antigua and Barbuda in May 2024.The Framework is expected to strengthen the implementation of ABAS by establishing a coordinated approach to development programming, monitoring outcomes, measuring progress and ensuring greater accountability for results.Developed through an extensive and inclusive consultative process, the MSDCF incorporates findings from the Multi-Country Analysis, national Common Country Analyses and consultations involving governments, civil society organisations and regional institutions. Its formulation also benefited from deliberations within the Joint Steering Committee.As a result, the Framework identifies several priority areas requiring coordinated action, including economic diversification, climate resilience, social protection, citizen security and accelerated progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also recognises that the challenges confronting Caribbean SIDS are interconnected and require comprehensive responses that strengthen national institutions, promote inclusive economic opportunities and ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind.A central feature of the MSDCF is its emphasis on addressing structural vulnerabilities, including economic concentration, exposure to climate-related disasters, weaknesses in data collection and management, and persistent social inequalities.Through coordinated interventions, the Cooperation Framework seeks to support more resilient and diversified economies, strengthen human capital and social systems, and improve regional capabilities in digital infrastructure, data management and climate risk reduction. It also acknowledges the importance of overcoming financing constraints, institutional fragmentation and intensifying climate hazards that continue to affect development outcomes across the Eastern Caribbean.To ensure effective implementation, the Framework provides for strengthened governance, monitoring and accountability arrangements through the Joint Steering Committee, Regional Steering Committee and individual Country Implementation Plans.These mechanisms are intended to promote closer collaboration between participating governments and the United Nations, improve coordination of development assistance and ensure that programmes deliver measurable benefits to citizens.By becoming the first Eastern Caribbean country to endorse the MSDCF 2027–2031, Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its commitment to regional leadership, international cooperation and a development agenda that places resilience, inclusion and improved living standards at its centre.This new Framework will guide United Nations development cooperation over the next five years, supporting coordinated action to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals in Antigua and Barbuda and across the wider Eastern Caribbean.

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Press Release

13 October 2026

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

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

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Press Release

01 October 2026

Beatrice Mutali appointed new UNFPA SROC director

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

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Press Release

16 September 2026

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

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

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Press Release

31 August 2026

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

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

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