UN Day in Guyana: Celebrating partnerships

In Guyana, this day holds particular significance as the United Nations System reflects on the partnerships and progress achieved through its active engagement with the government of Guyana and all stakeholders. This year’s observance highlighted the collaborative efforts in areas such as sustainable development, human rights, climate resilience, and peacebuilding—issues that are integral to Guyana's national development agenda.

A Day of Reflection and Renewal of Commitment

UN Day was observed with a reception that brought together all stakeholders - government officials, UN staff, civil society organisations, development partners, private sector, academia, media, among others. During her remarks, Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana, reflected on global crises like conflicts, climate change, and inequality, emphasising the importance of collective action and quicker institutional responses to tackle these challenges effectively. She highlighted that the recent Summit of the Future in New York yielded three critical international agreements—the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations, which aim to build a fairer financial system, prioritize peace, and protect future generations. 

Kamau offered praise for the country’s leadership on many of the commitments that were made in the Pact for the Future. “With respect to youth, already Guyana is a Co-Facilitator for the establishment of the UN’s Youth Office, which puts young people closer to the heart of the multilateral system. As it relates to global security, as we know, Guyana is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council until 2026. In this role Guyana is contributing to discussions and decisions on international peace and security contributing to Key resolutions, sanctions and peacekeeping mandates,” highlighted Kamau.

In his address, the Honourable Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Acting President and Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to the principles of the United Nations. “Guyana remains dedicated to contributing to the important work of the Organisation across its major pillars: international peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, and international law,” he said. He added that the government will persist in creating an environment that supports sustainable development, eradicates poverty, and combats climate change, while also leveraging technology and innovation, including AI, for the greater good of humanity.

The Acting President and Prime Minister also underscored Guyana's role as a member of the UN Security Council, with a focus on key global priorities such as climate change, food insecurity, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, women’s peace and security, protection of children in armed conflict, and youth engagement in peace and security.

UN-Guyana Collaboration

During her remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator outlined the UN Country Team’s collaborative efforts in Guyana across key areas, including job creation, health, education, environmental protection, and support for vulnerable communities. She highlighted the UN System’s investment of $17 million in projects in 2023 aimed at making development inclusive and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also acknowledged the work of several UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes that are helping to expand Guyana’s non-oil economy, enhance healthcare, support Forcibly Displaced People and vulnerable populations, and protect human rights. 

Kamau said, “We bring transparent, trusted, and technically robust support to this country, at the invitation of national authorities. We leverage global networks to help ensure that the country's development remains rights-based, inclusive, resilient, and aligned with the SDGs. We remain fully committed to supporting national authorities, and to our deep, long-standing partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and international development actors.”

Moving Forward: Building a Resilient and Inclusive Guyana

UN Day in Guyana served as a reminder of the power of global cooperation in addressing challenges that no single nation can solve alone. It highlighted the need for continued collaboration with all stakeholders to create resilient societies that prioritize the well-being of their people. As Guyana and the UN work together, the promise of the UN Charter continues to inspire a shared commitment to peace, progress, and the global good.

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This story was first published by UN Guyana.