CDEMA and UNICEF sign MOU at 13th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis  – 4 December 2024 – The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and UNICEF Latin America and the Caribbean have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at reducing vulnerability and building resilience across the Caribbean region. This partnership, formalized by Jean-Benoit Manhes, UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean, and Elizabeth Riley, Executive Director of CDEMA, will focus on strengthening child-centered disaster management in collaboration with local, national, and regional authorities.

The MOU emphasizes the importance of promoting disaster risk management policies and best practices, with particular attention to enhancing systems that address the unique needs of children during emergencies. Both organizations are committed to ensuring that disaster management efforts prioritize the safety and well-being of children across the Caribbean.

"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable in times of crisis, particularly children,” said Manhes. “By strengthening child-centered disaster management, we are building more resilient communities and ensuring that children’s needs are met before, during, and after disasters. 

Riley added: "Under this new Memorandum of Understanding, we re-affirm our shared commitment to strengthening child-centred disaster management across the Caribbean. Together, CDEMA and UNICEF will strengthen the harmonization of programming and targeting results across CDEMA participating states." 

The agreement was announced at the 13th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM 13), where both organizations reiterated their dedication to improving national disaster management systems. Key initiatives under this partnership include efforts to promote resilient schools, empower youth as active contributors to disaster resilience, and drive policy reforms on child protection.

The partnership also highlights the critical need for mental health and psychosocial support for children in disaster-affected communities. Additionally, the organizations aim to ensure access to essential services such as water, sanitation, and hygiene in times of crisis.

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This story was first published by UNICEF Eastern Caribbean.