Anguilla and UN Sign New Five-year Regional Cooperation Framework

At the brief ceremony held virtually this morning UN Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq and Premier of Anguilla Dr. The Honorable Ellis Lorenzo Webster  formalized the agreement, on behalf of the UN Development System and the Government of Anguilla.  The MSDCF will serve as the overarching blueprint for UN collaboration in the region for the next five years; and will cascade into a more specific Country Implementation Plan for the British Overseas Territory.

In delivering opening remarks, minutes before signing the agreement, Mr. Trebucq described the new Cooperation Framework as:  “timely for this region and one that will usher in renewed solidarity toward sustainable growth.”

Noting that the UN’s relationship with Overseas Territories like Anguilla  and Small Island Developing States was of high priority,  Mr. Trebucq added: “I wish to sincerely commend the Government of Anguilla for the significant progress made in social indicators during the past years , and for your achievement of many of the SDGs. It is , therefore, imperative that we continue to work closely together to protect these gains, and to ensure that the most vulnerable citizens are protected from economic or climatic shocks.”

The UN Resident Coordinator further told the ceremony after a  year of consultations at various levels, they  had arrived at a point where they believed that they had a clear roadmap on how the UN will support the various Caribbean countries to achieve two urgent priorities (1) to accelerate progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals; and (2) to facilitate faster recovery from the socio-economic and health impact of COVID-19”.

Signing on behalf of the Government, Premier  Webster welcomed the cooperation, noting: “We embrace the opportunity for more organized and comprehensive operations through a clear articulation of our national priorities. It joins the best of both worlds, combining direct engagement with UN agencies and targeted assistance in key strategic areas.”

The Anguillan Premier also commended the UN Development System on the extensive work that has gone into developing the MSDCF, as well as its flexibility in mobilizing response to the COVID-19 threat and the development of the Multi-Sector Response Plan. He underlined that while Anguilla was not currently able to benefit from a permanent UN presence on the ground, they were hoping that they could progress  discussions on increased advocacy and dedicated advancement of their  country agenda.

He concluded: “With this signing today we are committing to this partnership with the UN and with our fellow Caribbean Countries, to do the work towards economic resilience, prosperity, well-being, equality and sustainability.”

Members of the UN Sub-regional Team from UNDP, UNICEF, PAHO, ECLAC, WFP, UNESC, UNEP and UNESCO, also participated in the signing ceremony, and offered congratulations to the Government, while giving assurances of their continued support.

The MSDCF identifies four key priorities for achieving resilient sustainable development in the region: increased support to the economic resilience agenda; intensified efforts to ensure realization of human rights for all; strong commitment to enhancing inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation; and scaled up support to ensure that Caribbean societies remain peaceful and just societies. 

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