Partnership For the Goals: United Nations Forum Convenes National Stakeholders in Week Of Activities Recognizing Pandemic Frontline Workers and Reaffirming Commitment To The Sustainable Development Goals

Dr. Garry Conille, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Jamaica, played host to the three-day Virtual Partnership Forum where he thanked Jamaica’s frontline workers and underscored that meaningful partnerships invite all members of society to participate in the process of actualizing the sustainable development goals.

“It is only through solid partnerships that we can meet the SDGs and therefore we need your help. So today, I am delighted that this Forum brings together the government, private and third sectors, academia, other international development partners, civil society, and young people. All are important stakeholders whom we are very happy to engage and exchange ideas with,” remarked the Resident Coordinator.

“I call on all stakeholders to expand their support of the development financing agenda– through financial, technical and other resources, as well as through technological advancement, innovation and knowledge sharing,” Dr. Conille continued.

Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of National Security, The Honourable Dr. Horace Chang presented the Forum’s keynote address, which themed the message of partnership as an innovative response to the unique economic and social challenges faced by small island developing states like Jamaica.

“The effectiveness of our national response to the ongoing global public health crisis has been determined by the degree to which we forged strong, collaborative partnerships. The United Nations, and its agencies here in Jamaica, have been consistent and reliable partners. Sir Alexander Bustamante, who spearheaded Jamaica’s entry into the United Nations, understood the importance of a multilateral system in which all Member States, irrespective of size or Gross Domestic Product (GDP), are regarded equally.”

The Honourable Dr. Chang used the occasion to express Jamaica’s commitment to the UN System and UN advocacy towards equitable access to COVID-19 vaccination supplies.

“Today, our government is committed to a reinvigorated United Nations and a multilateral system that facilitates partnerships through which small states, like Jamaica, are able to navigate the global scarcity and have equal access to life-saving vaccines,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

The opening high-level exchange, facilitated by Dr. Terri Karelle Reid included representation from Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade who echoed the value of developmental partnership and progress in the lives of everyday Jamaicans.

The UN continues to play a critical role in harmonising the international community’s efforts on promoting gender equality, reducing poverty, and promoting inclusive partnerships for sustainable development,” Senator Johnson Smith said.

“Progress on these issues means a better quality of life for Jamaicans and people everywhere. This is why Jamaica is proud to play an active role in advancing the aims and objectives of the United Nations,” she added.

Other speakers included Mr. Courtenay Rattray, UN Under-Secretary-General and former Jamaican Ambassador to the UN, Ms. Lisa Kurbiel, Head of Secretariat, UN Joint SDG Fund, Ms. Teresa Moll de Alba, Senior Manager Latin America and the Caribbean, UN Global Compact, Ms. Therese Turner-Jones, Country Representative for Jamaica and General Manager Caribbean Country Group, InterAmerican Development Bank, Ms. Barbara Scott, Deputy Director General, the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Ms. Imega Breeze McNab, Executive Director, Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, Mr. John Byles, Vice President PSOJ, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Assistant General Manager Jamaica National Group.