The First Meeting of the UN/G.O.B. National Steering Committee
On Thursday, a joint United Nations Government of Belize National Steering Committee meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Belmopan. The meeting was to ensure that the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022-2026 and the Country Implementation Plans are aligned with the development processes and commitments. This is particularly as it relates to Belize’s national development plans and the sustainable development goals. It also looked at support for resource mobilization for the cooperation framework and the development of financing opportunities. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.
Duane Moody, Reporting
The United Nations Belize Joint Steering Committee monitors progress and steers the direction of implementation of UN development system work in Belize. On Thursday, the committee met for the first time as it charts the way forward for its five-year cooperation framework for the country. The committee comprises UN agencies in Belize and key government ministries and statutory bodies.
Roberto Valent
Roberto Valent, Regional Director, UN Development Coordination Office, Latin America & the Caribbean
“I wish to express my deep gratitude to the Government of Belize and the UN country team for the close collaboration in implementing the new UN MSDCF. I would like also to take a moment to thank the Government of Belize for leading the way with the signature of the second UN cooperation framework in the Caribbean, an important signal for the rest of the region on the added value of uniting the voices of SIDS and middle-income countries that are at the forefront of the climate crisis.”
The Regional Director of the UN Development Coordination Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Roberto Valent says that Belize has been making progress in achieving the sustainable development goals.
Roberto Valent
“The 2021 United Nations Sustainable Development Report indicates that Belize is on track with the SDGs on sustainable cities and communities, responsible production and consumption and climate action. And the country is demonstrating moderate improvements on good health and wellbeing, gender equality, clean water and sanitation among others.”
The UN system has had strong longstanding partnerships with Belize and the Caribbean on a wide range of issues. Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Amalia Mai says that despite the pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic and the rebuilding of the economy, there were positive moments experienced over the past two years.
Amalia Mai
Amalia Mai, C.E.O., Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade
“We saw people unite in the aftermath of the recent hurricane, helping each other in the face of adversity. The floating of the blue bond remains a positive undertaking and I think we have weathered the fight against COVID-19. But through all the travails and the good times, the UN has been a constant partner working closely with government to contribute their expertise and support in addressing challenges head on, never losing sight of the vulnerable population who are at ever-greater risk of marginalisation during these periods of crises.”
The UN system plays a critical role in global development and in Belize; the collaboration is visible across many sectors including education, human rights, citizen security, health and more.
Brigit Gerstenberg
Brigit Gerstenberg, UN Resident Coordinator, Belize
“I can proudly say on the behalf of our colleagues of the different agencies and programs working in Belize that we used this year to work on not only the implementation plan for Belize – started to implement it, by the way – but also a financial landscape analysis and recently started consultation to inform the partnership strategy to accompany the UN MSDCF in Belize and for supporting the government to implement its medium term development strategy as well as looking for resources for the accomplishment of the 2030 agenda in the SDGs.”
Several UN agencies and programs have received approvals for their strategic program aligned with the cooperation framework and the government plans. Duane Moody for News Five.
