Remarks by RC Dr. Garry Conille, on Jamaica's Signing of the Multicountry Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2022 – 2026

Acknowledgement / Protocol

Thank you, Mr. Lewis.

• Senator The Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
• Honourable Minister
• Honourable Minister
• Honourable Minister
• Ambassador Sheila Sealy Monteith, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
• Dr. Wayne Henry, Director General, Planning Institute of Jamaica
• Permanent Secretaries
• Members of the Diplomatic Corps.
• Colleagues from UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes
• Distinguished Members of the Media
• Representatives in Academia, Private Sector, Civil Society
• Ladies and gentlemen here and guests online

Good afternoon

Greetings/ Acknowledgement

The UN in Jamaica continues to enjoy an excellent partnership with the Government of Jamaica and I convey our hope that this partnership will only grow stronger moving forward.  

I would also like to acknowledge that the partnership framework we are singing today, is bolstered by Jamaica’s continued commitment to multilateralism and its global leadership. Indeed, Prime Minister Holness’ global advocacy for increased access to diversified development financing for small island developing states will be critical in our efforts to mobilize the resources needed for this ambitious agenda.

Finally, I want to thank you, Minister Johnson Smith and you Director General Henry, for your unwavering commitment to this process, evidenced by the dedicated hard work of your teams over the past year. Today we see the first fruits of that labour as we begin a new journey in UN G-O-J development cooperation.

Honourable Minister

Mr. Director General

Distinguished Guests,

The ongoing UN reform has given new meaning to the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework making it, and I quote, “the most important instrument for planning and implementation of UN development activities” in any given country.

And I am happy to report that Jamaicans were strongly involved in the process leading to the development of the document we will be signing here today.

As we researched, Jamaica’s academics were there. As we crafted and drafted, Jamaica’s government technical teams were there. As we debated on results and outcomes, Jamaica’s civil society and your young people – in all their diversity – were there. As we designed even the cover and layout, Jamaica’s small business was there. The result? This MSDCF document is a framework designed and built with partnership, will be implemented through partnerships, and is a model of cooperation for which we can all be proud.  

With the SDGs at its core, this UN Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework is very much aligned with Jamaica’s ambitions and priorities. The four pillars of the MSDCF speak to:

1. Economic resilience and shared prosperity
2. Equality and well-being
3. Resilience to climate change and shocks, and sustainable natural resource management
4. Peace, safety, justice, and the rule of law.

Through pillar one, the UNCT will support national efforts to ensure that Jamaica’s economy is prosperous (Vision 2030 Goal 3). Through pillar two we have aligned with the Vision 2030 goal of ensuring that all Jamaicans are empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Thorough pillar three we are supporting Jamaica’s ambition to maintain a healthy natural environment. And through the fourth MSDCF pillar we will work with national stakeholders towards a Jamaican society that is secure, cohesive and just.

The signing of the UNMSDCF will be followed by the formulation of a country implementation plan, prepared by the country team with the Government and other stakeholders to ensure close alignment to the most recent Mid Term Socio-Economic Planning Framework and other national policies and strategies.

Excellency,

Mr. Director General,

Distinguished Guest

The UN Country Team in Jamaica is looking forward to working with you to create shared prosperity and economic resilience; to raise the bar for equality and well-being, leaving no one behind; to  build resilience to climate change and other shocks and support sustainable natural resource management;  to promote peace, safety, justice, and the rule of law.

In this Jamaica’s 60th year of Independence and its 60th anniversary of UN Membership I am proud to have been at the table with all of you as we pioneer this innovative model for technical cooperation in the development world. With this partnership framework, we are reiterating our commitment to work with your institutions to deliver real results for the people of Jamaica and meet our collective vision of a Jamaica where those abroad and at home deem this beautiful island as the place of choice to live, do business and raise their families.

Thank you.

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