UN Support to Saint Lucia Reviewed under the 2024-2025 Country Implementation Plan

In Saint Lucia, government officials, UN representatives, and project beneficiaries convened to assess the United Nations’ support for the country’s 2024 sustainable development agenda. The meeting, held in a hybrid format, focused on the progress made under the 2024-2025 Country Implementation Plan (CIP) and the regional UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF). The session underscored the UN’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its partnership with Saint Lucia.

Paul Hilaire, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Economic Development and Saint Lucia’s MSDCF Focal Point, expressed gratitude for the UN’s contributions to the country’s social, economic, and ecological development, particularly its focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups. He highlighted the breadth of UN interventions across various sectors, ranging from agriculture and health to climate resilience and gender equality. However, Mr. Hilaire also emphasized the urgent need for increased attention to young boys, noting a concerning trend requiring targeted interventions to ensure their well-being and successful integration into society. He urged open communication and a solutions-oriented approach from all stakeholders to strengthen the collaborative relationship between the UN and Saint Lucia.

Kenroy Roach, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office, acknowledged the longstanding partnership between the Saint Lucian government and the UN Development System. He commended Saint Lucia’s leadership in pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly its upcoming submission of a second Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the UN’s High-Level Political Forum. This report will provide a comprehensive update on national SDG progress and demonstrates the country’s proactive engagement with the global development agenda. The VNR and the CIP review process are intrinsically linked, both serving as vital tools for achieving the SDGs.

Mr. Roach also praised Saint Lucia’s recent submission of its revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), highlighting the country’s ambitious climate resilience efforts. The commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by 2034 and the development of a Multi-Vulnerability Climate Response Profile solidify Saint Lucia’s role as a regional leader in climate action, setting a positive example for other nations. This proactive stance reinforces the country’s dedication to sustainable development and its commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Dr. Lorraine Nicholas, UN Country Coordination Officer based in Saint Lucia, emphasized the importance of tailoring regional frameworks to specific national contexts. While acknowledging shared regional development challenges, she noted that the CIP allows for customization to address the unique circumstances and priorities of individual countries. She cited the example of citizen security, a regional concern that may require different approaches depending on the specific national context. Dr. Nicholas underscored the pervasive impact of UN initiatives in Saint Lucia, emphasizing the organization’s reach across all sectors and communities.

The interactive nature of the review session facilitated robust discussions among beneficiaries, government stakeholders, and UN representatives. Participants engaged in constructive dialogue on ongoing initiatives, identified existing needs, and explored future programmatic strategies to accelerate SDG progress and build resilience across Saint Lucia. The session underscored the commitment to the principle of leaving no one behind, ensuring that all segments of society benefit from the development efforts and partnerships forged between the UN and Saint Lucia. This collaborative approach ensures that the UN’s support is aligned with national priorities and contributes effectively to the country’s sustainable development journey.