United Nations in Jamaica

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. Kindly note that the data visualizations show an aggregate of the Caribbean. To view the disaggregated data per country, please click on the name of the country or territory you wish to explore.

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Publication

01 May 2026

UN Jamaica MCO Annual Results Report 2025

The United Nations Multi-Country Office (MCO) for Jamaica, The Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to share its 2025 Annual Results Report. This report documents the collective efforts of the UN system and its partners across four priority areas: Economic Resilience and Shared Prosperity; Equality, Well-being and Leaving No One Behind; Climate Resilience and Natural Resources; and Peace, Safety, Justice and the Rule of Law. Despite a challenging year marked by Hurricane Melissa, global economic pressures, and persistent structural inequalities, the report highlights meaningful progress in areas including health systems strengthening, education digital transformation, disaster risk management, gender-based violence response, and sustainable financing for the SDGs.The 2025 report also reflects the UN's commitment to operating as one coherent system, delivering coordinated humanitarian response, policy advice, and development support across the sub-region under a single Cooperation Framework. As the final full year of the 2022–2026 Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, it captures both the gains achieved and the lessons that will shape the next cycle of partnership. From farmers rebuilding after hurricanes to young people stepping up as peace ambassadors, the stories within these pages affirm that resilience, inclusion, and sustainable development remain not only possible but within reach for the people of the Caribbean.

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08 March 2026

Powering progress through equality | Kyana Bowen and Maxsalia Salmon (Op-Ed)

The devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, which inflicted an estimated US$12 billion in damages, underscores the urgent need for robust national resilience. In this context, the private sector’s role in championing equality and fostering sustainable development is not merely a moral imperative but a strategic business necessity, fundamental to strengthening the nation’s capacity to withstand future shocks.Empirical evidence consistently demonstrates a compelling link between gender equality and economic prosperity. Economies that actively close gender gaps experience accelerated growth, enhanced innovation, and greater resilience against economic and environmental volatility. Investing in women through equitable renumeration, leadership pathways, inclusive workplaces, and gender-responsive policies acts as a powerful economic multiplier. This approach unlocks untapped potential, strengthens productivity, and expands market opportunities, creating a virtuous cycle of sustainable development.Across Jamaica, a growing number of businesses are already exemplifying this leadership. These enterprises are increasingly integrating their core strategies with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They recognise that enduring value creation is inextricably linked to positive social and environmental impact.Companies such as One-on-One Educational Services Limited, CorpCare, PwC Jamaica and Esirom Limited are among those that have formally committed to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact Network Caribbean. This commitment translates into embedding human rights, fair labour standards, environmental stewardship, and anti-corruption measures into their daily operations. The actions establish practical benchmarks for responsible and competitive business conduct.OPERATIONAL DECISIONSThis often begins with deliberate operational decisions that cultivate an inclusive workplace culture. For instance, companies are adopting flexible work arrangements, performance-based incentives, and equitable promotion opportunities, alongside comprehensive parental leave policies. These measures enable employees to effectively balance professional contributions with personal responsibilities, fostering an environment where individual diversity is recognised and supported. This approach signifies a broader evolution within Jamaica’s business community, integrating inclusion into foundational systems.Further reinforcing this commitment is the growing adoption of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a collaborative initiative by UN Women and the UN Global Compact. Over 25 Jamaican companies have embraced the WEPs, utilising its structured framework to advance gender equality across their workplaces, marketplaces, and communities. This includes fair treatment for women and men, gender-responsive recruitment and promotion policies, support for education and professional development, and fostering supply-chain practices that empower women. These actions are foundational steps toward building a more resilient, equitable, and future-ready Jamaican economy.Leadership at the governance level is equally paramount. The representation of women, particularly at the highest echelons of executive and board leadership, is crucial for organisational performance and long-term stability. While women are well-represented in management roles across Jamaica and the Caribbean, this progress has not consistently translated to the most senior leadership positions. Bridging this gap directly correlates with enhanced organisational performance. Gender-inclusive governance bolsters accountability, enriches strategic insights, and deepens stakeholder trust all foundational pillars of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. Businesses that intentionally align leadership representation with their sustainability agendas are better positioned to drive sustained profitability and navigate economic and social disruptions.DISPARITIESDespite encouraging advancements, significant disparities persist, demanding focused attention. Women, especially those engaged in nascent sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and other climate-sensitive industries, continue to encounter substantial structural barriers. These include restricted access to finance, land, and digital tools, alongside underrepresentation in technical training, STEM fields, and senior leadership. Such disparities not only restrict individual opportunity but also impede national economic growth. As a country on the frontline of climate change, Jamaica’s development pathway must strategically harness women’s full participation and leadership. Climate-smart investments, inclusive green jobs, and resilient supply chains will only realise their full potential when women are fully integrated as innovators, skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers.The international community’s Pact for the Future, adopted by UN member states in 2024, explicitly positions the private sector as a co-architect of sustainable development. It calls on businesses to align investments with human rights, ambitious climate action, inclusive economic growth, and intergenerational equity. For Jamaican businesses, this is far more than a global policy statement; it shapes investor expectations, international competitiveness, and long-term risk management. Those who lead in this transition will not only bolster national development but also strategically position themselves in an evolving global marketplace.The vision for Jamaica is clear: a nation where businesses flourish by contributing meaningfully to equality, sustainability, and shared prosperity; where women and girls can realize their full potential unhindered by structural barriers; and where the private sector is recognized as a dynamic force for national progress. This is not an aspiration; it is an economic necessity.As we mark International Women’s Day, celebrating 115 years of collective advocacy and progress, one truth endures: transformative change is contingent upon intentional leadership, robust partnerships, and sustained action. The future for women, businesses, and Jamaica hinges entirely on today’s decisions. For Jamaica’s business leaders, the time for decisive action is now.Companies can accelerate progress by committing to pay transparency and gender-responsive budgeting; increasing women’s participation and leadership in climate-related and STEM sectors; expanding procurement opportunities for women-led businesses; investing in family-friendly policies and safe, flexible workplaces; and embedding gender equality and climate resilience into core business strategies and risk management frameworks. By embracing gender equality not as an option but as the cornerstone of our collective future, Jamaica’s private sector can help power a more resilient, competitive, and inclusive nation. Kyana Bowen is the executive director of the UN Global Compact Network Caribbean. Maxsalia Salmon is partnerships and development finance officer of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. Send feedback to jamaica.rco@un.org

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27 February 2026

IOM Jamaica Workshop Increases Gender Sensitivity for more Inclusive Migration Governance

the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Jamaica has taken a bold step to ensure that migration policies and frontline services truly reflect the needs and realities of all migrants.In January and February 2026, IOM Jamaica delivered four hands-on workshops across St. Ann, Manchester, Kingston, and St. Andrew, training thirty-three representatives from government ministries, child protection agencies, and civil society organizations. These sessions focused on practical ways to identify and address gender bias, strengthen referral pathways, and develop action plans that respond to the unique challenges faced by migrants of different genders.Participants learned that migration journeys can be especially complex for women and girls, who may face heightened risks of exploitation or barriers to accessing services. Men and boys, too, encounter distinct challenges—such as stigma or limited support networks. Gender-diverse migrants often struggle with discrimination and lack of tailored assistance. Through interactive modules and real-world scenarios, attendees gained tools to recognize vulnerability, tailor support, and foster safer, more inclusive environments for all.Reflecting on the initiative, Natasha Greaves, IOM Jamaica’s Head of Office (a.i.), emphasized the human impact: “This capacity-building effort is an investment in the people and systems shaping Jamaica’s migration response every day. It supports the implementation of the National Migration and Development Policy and strengthens partnerships with ministries, agencies, and community actors. Looking ahead, IOM Jamaica will continue expanding technical support to ensure that important gender considerations are taken into account, influencing how migration governance is designed and delivered across the country.”Participants praised the workshops for equipping them to better identify vulnerable groups and improve coordination. The collaborative approach fostered a sense of shared responsibility, ensuring that migrants and their families receive support that respects their dignity and responds to their specific needs.This initiative is part of IOM Jamaica’s ongoing commitment to strengthening migration governance at both national and local levels. By centering gender equality and inclusive development, IOM and its partners are helping to build a Jamaica where every migrant, regardless of gender, can access opportunities, protection, and support.

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22 July 2026

How Jamaica is Rebuilding Without Losing Ground on Development

in the areas that matter most to people. Economist at the Resident Coordinator’s Office in Jamaica, Stuart Davies, looks at how practical action on food security, green jobs, renewable energy and local resilience is helping communities withstand future shocks.When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in 2025, it left behind losses and damage estimated at J$1.953 trillion (approximately $12 billion), equivalent to 56.7 per cent of 2024 GDP, more than half of everything the country earned in a single year. Combined with the impacts of Hurricane Beryl a year earlier, these disasters tested livelihoods, infrastructure and economy across the island. For many Jamaicans, the consequences were immediate: disrupted incomes, damaged homes and businesses, interrupted services and increased uncertainty about the future.Yet Jamaica’s story is not only one of recovery. It is also a story of protecting development gains in the face of increasingly frequent and severe climate shocks. As the country rebuilds, it is working to preserve progress, create jobs and strengthen communities while continuing to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The challenge is significant: climate-related losses can erase years of development progress in a single season, while longstanding gaps in areas such as food security, education, water and sanitation, inequality and environmental sustainability still require urgent attention.Through the leadership and coordination of the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), UN agencies are helping Jamaica strengthen resilience, expand economic opportunities, improve data systems and support vulnerable populations affected by crises. Together, these efforts are helping ensure that recovery is not simply about rebuilding what was lost, but about creating a stronger foundation for sustainable development.Caption: For a small island developing state like Jamaica, sustainable development is never a straight line. It is built, tested and rebuilt again and again after every shock. Photo: © UNDP MCO in Jamaica/Kane Inc Media photosProgress that reaches peopleDespite the pressures created by repeated climate disasters, Jamaica continues to deliver results in areas that directly affect people’s lives.A good example is the country’s work to better understand and address poverty. Through the development of Jamaica’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index, policymakers can look beyond income and identify overlapping disadvantages in areas such as education, health, living standards and employment. This provides a more complete picture of who is being left behind and where support is most needed.Jamaica is also investing in people through education and skills development, helping young people prepare for an evolving economy. At the same time, progress in environmental conservation, protected areas, forest management and renewable energy is strengthening the country’s long-term resilience. These efforts matter because healthy ecosystems, reliable water, resilient agriculture and cleaner energy all affect livelihoods, food security, tourism and the ability of communities to withstand future shocks.Climate action is also creating new economic opportunities. Climate Promise of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has helped strengthen Jamaica’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution, advance climate-smart agriculture and explore how green growth can create jobs. Work by UNDP and International Labour Organization (ILO) has identified the potential for up to 7,500 new jobs in green industries, agriculture and tourism. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) supported gender-responsive, climate-smart agriculture activities, helping link climate resilience to food systems and rural livelihoods.Caption: When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in 2025, it left behind losses and damage estimated at J$1.953 trillion (approximately $12 billion), equivalent to 56.7 per cent of 2024 GDP. Photo: © UNDP MCO in Jamaica/Anorak photosCommunities at the centre of developmentSome of the strongest examples of resilience are happening at community level.In Northern Clarendon and West Kingston, the UN Human Security Programme supported more than 43,000 residents through initiatives that combined improved water and sanitation services, livelihood support, climate adaptation measures and strengthened local governance. Rather than addressing challenges individually, the programme brought together multiple interventions designed around the realities communities face every day.Following Hurricane Melissa, UN Women and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) worked with national partners to address gender-based violence in emergencies, including through risk-awareness sessions and relief support for affected communities. This matters because resilience is not only about roads, buildings or financing. It is also about dignity, safety and rights when people are most vulnerable.Better data, better decisionsThe ability to recover effectively depends on understanding where needs are greatest and where progress is being made.With support from the United Nations, Jamaica has strengthened surveys, census processes, administrative data systems, SDG indicator platforms and digital dashboards. These tools provide decision-makers with better evidence to target resources, monitor results and identify emerging challenges. Reliable data helps ensure that policies are shaped by realities on the ground and that development efforts reach the people and communities that need them most.Caption: Despite the pressures created by repeated climate disasters, Jamaica continues to deliver results in areas that directly affect people’s lives. Photo: © UNDPTaking stock and planning the way forwardJamaica’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR), presented at the 2026 High-Level Political Forum, provides an opportunity to take stock of this journey. A VNR can sound technical, but at its heart it is simple. It is a country telling the world: here is what we set out to do, here is what actually happened and here is what still needs to change.For Jamaica, this means recognising progress in areas such as poverty reduction, education, environmental conservation and renewable energy, while acknowledging that challenges remain. Food security, water and sanitation, inequality, sustainable cities, life on land and stronger institutions continue to require attention if the country is to achieve the SDGs by 2030.The review also highlights many of the lessons that have emerged throughout Jamaica's development journey in recent years. Progress depends not only on investment and policy reforms, but also on strong partnerships, reliable data and solutions that respond to the realities people face in their daily lives.For a small island developing state like Jamaica, sustainable development is never a straight line. It is built, tested and rebuilt again and again after every shock. As Jamaica looks ahead, the focus remains on creating opportunities, strengthening communities and ensuring that development gains translate into lasting improvements in people's lives.Story by the UN Development Coordination Office

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13 July 2026

Dennis Zulu | New global standard for decent work in the digital economy

It is now well documented that digital platforms now provide opportunities for the connection of millions of people to work in areas including transportation, short-term accommodation, food delivery, tourism services, online tutoring, consulting, software development, and creative industries, to mention but a few.
These opportunities have created new income streams, increased labour market flexibility, and have enabled the entry of workers from small island developing states (SIDS) into global markets without the need to leave their countries. According to the Jamaican Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Jamaica now has just over 50,000 workers in what is identified as the digital services sector, formerly referred to as the business process outsourcing sector (BPO).
Acknowledging the growth of platform economies and their ever-growing contribution to economic growth and the labour markets across the world, member states of the International Labour Organization (ILO), a United Nations specialised agency on labour market matters, adopted in June 2026 the world’s first-ever convention on decent work in the platform economy. ILO conventions are designed to set minimum international labour standards for the labour market.
The adoption of this ILO Convention no. 193 of 2026 marked a defining moment in the evolution of labour rights, as it was a recognition that, despite the rapid change in the nature of work, the principles of fairness, dignity, and protection applied to all workers in all instances.
Why was the adoption of ILO Convention 193 significant for Jamaica and other SIDS as they try to develop digital economies that are both innovative and inclusive?
For Jamaica and other SIDS, having limited domestic markets, being geographically isolated and consistently vulnerable to both natural and man-made shocks, makes efforts to create employment opportunities particularly challenging. The emergence of digital labour platforms has therefore offered opportunities to overcome these constraints by enabling workers to provide services across geographical borders and to participate in what is now a global digital economy. For many Caribbean young people, women and entrepreneurs, the platform economy provides them with opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
IMPORTANT DEFICIENCIES
It must be noted, however, that this rapid growth in employment opportunities within the digital platform has also revealed important deficiencies with regard to the protection of workers. The main reason for this is that many platform economy workers operate in what is considered to be a grey area between traditional employment and self-employment. As a result, platform workers usually do not benefit from social protection, collective representation, occupational safety and health safeguards and other available mechanisms to challenge unfair treatment. Within the digital platform economies, there is now an increasing practice in the use of algorithms and automated decision-making to decide how work is allocated, monitored and remunerated, with the concerned workers having little information on how these systems operate.
Addressing these issues was the rationale for the adoption of the new ILO Convention 193. For the first time, the international community, including Jamaica and other (SIDS) members of the ILO, agreed on a comprehensive global framework that established minimum labour standards for workers engaged through digital labour platforms. One significant outcome of this convention was its recognition that digital platform workers were entitled to the full range of fundamental principles and rights at work, irrespective of how their employment status was classified under national law.
Some of the protections offered to digital platform workers under this convention included: freedom of association and collective bargaining, protection from forced labour, child labour and discrimination, safeguards against violence and harassment, access to occupational safety and health protections, timely and transparent payment, and social security. Furthermore, measures to ensure that platform workers were correctly identified, in due consideration of the realities of their working relationship rather than contractual labels alone, were incorporated.
The ILO Convention also addresses one of the defining characteristics of the modern platform economy which is the growing use of automated decision-making systems. It prescribed the need for greater transparency in how these systems affect workers, given the fact that algorithms increasingly influence livelihoods, earnings and access to future work.
Why is ILO Convention 193 particularly relevant for Jamaica and, indeed, other SIDS?
BUILDING BLOCKS
The Caribbean region already has in place many of the building blocks for a growing digital services economy. As governments continue to diversify their economies by investing in digital transformation and positioning their economies for future growth, it becomes an imperative to ensure that this growth evolves into decent work opportunities.
It is important to note that ILO Convention 193 was not intended by the ILO member states to limit innovation or indeed discourage digital platforms from operating. On the contrary, it was designed to provide clarity on the protection of platform workers and promoting responsible business practices by establishing internationally agreed labour principles for the sector. It must be emphasised that international labour standards and innovation are mutually reinforcing rather than competing goals, as workers who are protected, fairly compensated and treated tend to be more productive and better able to contribute to a nation’s sustainable development.
Beyond the collective adoption of an ILO convention, it is important to note that their ratification is the prerogative of its individual member states. Decisions to ratify ILO Conventions usually involve dialogue between the tripartite partners, namely government, employers’ and workers’ representative organisations. An agreement among these tripartite partners to ratify the convention will result in an obligation by the member state to align national legislation and practice with its provisions, adapting them to their own legal and institutional contexts.
For Jamaica and other SIDS, ILO Convention 193 comes at an opportune moment. Across the region, governments have embraced digitalisation not only as a driver of economic diversification, resilience and competitiveness, but also an accelerator to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are emphatic on the need not to leave anyone behind. In this regard, providing protections for platform workers, ILO Convention 193 seeks to ensure that Jamaica and other SIDS benefit from a sector that offers opportunities for the development of resilient digital economies that are productive, competitive and in line with global good practice.Dennis Zulu is the United Nations resident coordinator in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Bermuda, The Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com

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06 July 2026

UN Resident Coordinator Explores Sustainable Agriculture at Down Too Earth Adventure Farms

unique agritourism destinations. What began as a working farm has steadily grown into Down Too Earth Adventure Farms a place where agriculture, education, healthy living and entrepreneurship come together.During his recent mission to The Bahamas, United Nations Resident Coordinator Dennis Zulu, himself a farmer by profession, visited the farm alongside Director General of Foreign Affairs Jerusa Ali, UN Bahamas Country Coordinator Aneesah Abdullah, and Deon Stewart, UNDP/GEF Small Grants Programme Senior National Coordinator for The Bahamas.The visit provided an opportunity for an engaging exchange on food security, health and wellness, climate resilience, and the critical role local farmers play in strengthening national food systems. As fellow agricultural professionals, Zulu and Sinclair shared perspectives on sustainable farming, value-added agriculture and the importance of supporting domestic food production while creating new economic opportunities for local farmers.Visitors to Down Too Earth Adventure Farms quickly discover that it is much more than a traditional farm. Guests can tour fields and animal enclosures, learn to identify native plants and fruit trees, experience an authentic agritourism attraction, enjoy an event venue for special occasions, and sample fresh farm-to-table cuisine prepared on site.One of the farm’s standout features is its extensive guava plantation. Sinclair has also partnered with a local craft distillery to supply fresh Bahamian ingredients for the Islands & Cays brand, which produces distinctive Bahamian spirits using locally sourced ingredients, including guava, sapodilla and cascarilla bark—flavours deeply rooted in Bahamian culinary traditions.The farm continues to expand its range of locally produced goods. Its industrial kitchen transforms fresh harvests into wholesome products including guava, tamarind and sapodilla jams, locally produced honey, dried herbs such as basil, oregano, cilantro and other herbs, and an impressive selection of frozen natural juices featuring soursop, guava, passion fruit, sea grape, mango and guinep. Fresh fruits, vegetables and refreshing coconut water are also available daily, allowing visitors to prepare meals using produce harvested directly from the farm.The delegation toured the greenhouse, where herbs and vegetables are cultivated, before visiting the industrial kitchen to observe firsthand how fresh produce is transformed into a wide range of value-added products designed to promote healthy living while creating additional income opportunities through local agriculture.Food is another major attraction at the farm. Sinclair’s son, Chef Dwayne Sinclair, prepares a menu centred on ingredients grown on the property. His increasingly popular sourdough pizzas including meat lovers and vegetarian varieties are made fresh to order using sourdough, while favourites such as sea moss salad, flavourful wings and freshly prepared natural juices offer visitors a true farm-to-table dining experience.Beyond producing fresh food, Down Too Earth Adventure Farms demonstrates how innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture can work together to strengthen food security, support healthier lifestyles and create new opportunities within The Bahamas’ agricultural sector. The visit highlighted the importance of investing in local farmers and value-added agriculture as the country continues its journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

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06 July 2026

Strong partnerships are helping build a more sustainable future for The Bahamas

British High Commissioner to The Bahamas, to discuss shared priorities including youth empowerment, climate resilience, public health and the localization of the 2027–2031 Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF).The meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration between the United Nations, the Government of The Bahamas and international development partners in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring that no one is left behind.Participants also reflected on the importance of investing in young people, noting the positive contribution of King's Trust International, founded by His Majesty King Charles III, which has been supporting young people around the world by helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed. The discussion also highlighted the successful 2025 Bahamas Youth Sector Conference, which brought together youth-serving organizations from across the country to strengthen collaboration and expand opportunities for young Bahamians. The meeting highlighted the importance of protecting The Bahamas' unique natural environment and building resilience to climate change, recognizing that strong partnerships are essential to safeguarding the country's future.Health cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. Dr. Eldonna Boisson, Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO)/Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, joined the meeting, reaffirming the United Nations' commitment to supporting national efforts to strengthen health systems, improve health outcomes and build more resilient communities.

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Press Release

20 July 2026

Jamaica shows how to break the SDG delivery bottleneck at HLPF 2026

With less than five years left until 2030, Jamaica brought a pressing question to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum. Why do some middle-capacity countries move towards the Sustainable Development Goals more slowly than countries with far fewer resources?Strong plans, finance and political commitment are not always enough. Progress can stall when skills, institutions, infrastructure, energy systems and technology are weak or disconnected. Together, these "productive capacities" are the practical abilities that enable a country to produce, diversify, innovate and turn policy into results.This challenge framed the side event "Breaking the Bottleneck: Productive Capacities and SDG Acceleration, The Jamaica Experience", hosted by the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations on the margins of HLPF 2026. It brought together the Government of Jamaica, the University of the West Indies, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the wider UN system. Speakers presented Jamaica as a live case study of how a middle-capacity Small Island Developing State can move faster through evidence, reform and carefully sequenced investment.Opening the discussion, UN Resident Coordinator Dr Dennis Zulu said the development conversation had shifted from commitment to delivery. "The question is no longer whether countries are committed to the Sustainable Development Goals. Jamaica's commitment is not in doubt. The question is whether our institutions, our systems and our financing frameworks can convert that commitment into delivery," he said.The data underline the urgency. Jamaica ranks 84th out of 169 countries in the Sustainable Development Report and performs above the average for Small Island Developing States. Even so, only 26 per cent of SDG indicators have been fully achieved, while 38 per cent are unchanged or worse than the 2015 baseline. As Dr Zulu stressed, the answer is not more commitments, but a stronger national ability to prioritise, sequence and implement.The research presented at the event explains why this can be difficult. It identifies a "capacity paradox" affecting countries at an intermediate stage of development. Such countries may have enough capability to design and launch ambitious programmes but not to implement them successfully. More activity and more spending do not automatically produce faster progress when the underlying capacities are incomplete or developed in the wrong order.Professor David Tennant of the University of the West Indies presented findings from a UN-funded study. Across countries, the study finds productive capacity to be a more reliable driver of overall SDG performance than export diversification or economic complexity alone. Professor Nadine McCloud, whose analysis covered 193 countries from the year 2000 to 2024, explained the implications for Jamaica. The priorities include larger investments in people and skills, deeper use of digital technology, early action on energy constraints and continued strengthening of public institutions.Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., said the research findings gives Jamaica a clearer way to understand the challenge. "We don't just need more capacity. We need the right capacity, developed in the right sequence, with institutions capable of converting good policy into measurable results," he said. Human capital, which scores 46 on UNCTAD's Productive Capacities Index, is a bottleneck affecting poverty reduction, health and industrial development. After unemployment reached a historic low of 3.3 percent last October, he added, the next task is to expand productive, sustainable and well-paid work.For island states, however, a global index tells only part of the story. Dr Andrzej Bolesta of UNCTAD presented a new version of the Productive Capacities Index designed for Small Island Developing States. It adds climate resilience and financial resilience to the standard eight categories. Early results show relative strengths in digital connectivity, institutions, human capital and financial resilience, but weaker performance in transport and energy. This wider UNCTAD project also covers Antigua and Barbuda, the Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago, and is intended to lead to a development programme and a donors' roundtable.Closing the event, Dr Stuart Davies, Senior Economist in the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office in Jamaica, summarised the discussion. He emphasised that productive capacities are not a technical side issue but an engine for the SDGs. For Jamaica and other island states, he said, the decisive question is speed: not simply whether progress is being made, but whether gaps are closing fast enough amid climate exposure, fiscal pressure, import dependence and narrow productive structures. Progress is neither automatic nor linear, he cautioned, and island states need measures that reflect vulnerability, resilience and access to finance.Dr Davies then set out a practical agenda for moving from diagnosis to delivery. Jamaica could establish an SDG Convergence Accelerator to track which gaps are closing too slowly, identify the bottlenecks and estimate the time and action required to overcome them. The evidence could then be translated into a ranked investment pipeline focused on high-return priorities such as skills, energy, business upgrading, digital connectivity and stronger institutions.He argued that these investments work best as integrated packages rather than standalone projects. He also cautioned that speed cannot come at the expense of people or the environment, and that safeguards for inclusion and sustainability must be part of the design from day one rather than added later. Done well, he suggested, Jamaica's experience could become a working model for other Small Island Developing States facing the same constraints.The side event took place on the margins of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, convened in New York from 7 to 15 July 2026 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This year's forum met under the theme "Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all.MEDIA CONTACTDr. Stuart Davies, Senior Economist
United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Officer
Email: stuart.davies@un.org

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Press Release

20 July 2026

UN Resident Coordinator, Chinese Embassy Strengthen Partnership on Climate Resilience and Food Security

Mr. Zulu, accompanied by Aneesah Abdullah, UN Country Coordination Officer with the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (UN RCO) satellite office in The Bahamas, met with Mr. Zhou Yi, Commercial Attaché, and another representative from the Embassy's Commercial Section to explore opportunities for continued collaboration as The Bahamas and the United Nations prepare for the implementation of the 2027–2031 Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF).The discussions reflected the shared recognition that international partnerships remain essential in helping Small Island Developing States confront the growing impacts of climate change while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.China's representatives outlined the country's continued commitment to climate action, highlighting investments in renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power, electric vehicles and disaster preparedness equipment that can help countries build greater resilience against increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters.Food security and sustainable agriculture also featured prominently during the meeting.One of the most significant examples of cooperation between China and The Bahamas has been the Hunan-Bahamas Agricultural Cooperation Project, through which agricultural experts from China's Hunan Province established and operated a demonstration farm at the Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre in Nassau.The initiative introduced climate-resilient crop varieties—including peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower and watermelons—while providing practical training and technology transfer to Bahamian farmers, Ministry of Agriculture personnel and agricultural students. Following several successful extensions due to its impact, the project concluded last year with the demonstration farm officially handed over to the Government of The Bahamas.Chinese officials also reaffirmed their country's commitment to maintaining a strong friendship with The Bahamas, noting that China's support for the construction of the country's new national hospital through highly concessional financing reflects its longstanding commitment to improving healthcare and supporting national development.The meeting further acknowledged China's broader partnership with the United Nations, including its collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support Caribbean countries recovering from devastating hurricanes through multi-million-dollar resilience and recovery initiatives.Mr. Zulu said the meeting underscored the value of bringing together governments, development partners and the United Nations to accelerate sustainable development.The courtesy call formed part of the Resident Coordinator's mission to The Bahamas, during which he met with government officials, development partners, diplomatic representatives and civil society organizations to reinforce collaboration ahead of the launch of the 2027–2031 United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

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Press Release

01 July 2026

Development Partners and Government Rally Behind Jamaica's Recovery at the Fourth Development Partners Forum

Held at the UWI Regional Headquarters under the theme "After Melissa: Supporting Jamaica's Resilient Recovery," the forum brought together senior representatives of the Government, the United Nations, and bilateral and multilateral partners to align support behind a single national recovery effort.The forum was co-chaired by the United Nations and the High Commission of Canada, who lead the development partners group for the 2026 to 2027 period. It opened with a grounding account from the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management on the human, economic, and environmental toll of Hurricane Melissa, and the state of recovery to date. A central theme that emerged was the importance of building resilient systems across the length and breadth of Jamaica, strengthening building codes and infrastructure, and ensuring that the information needed for an effective response is fully integrated into operations.The education sector offered one of the day's most striking lessons. With some 8,000 teachers and 152,000 students affected by the hurricane, it became clear that schools serve as the safest point in most communities, and that newer schools built to higher standards sustained the least damage. Partners agreed that rebuilding to higher standards must be a guiding principle of recovery, so that what is built today protects communities tomorrow.A key focus of the forum was the emergence of Jamaica's National Recovery and Resilience Agency (NaRRA) and the coordination it can bring to a recovery of this scale. Participants underscored the value of a single, prioritised national master plan to sequence the recovery, align partners, and direct resources to where they are needed most, avoiding duplication and closing gaps.Presenting on behalf of the United Nations system, United Nations Development Programme Country Resident Representative Dr. Kishan Khody set out how the UN in Jamaica is supporting recovery across its agencies, funds and programmes. The UN, through Khody, highlighted its alignment to Jamaica's recovery needs, the areas where the system can add value, and opportunities for joint programming with the Government and partners. These cover resilient infrastructure and shelter, social protection for the most vulnerable, education, health, disaster risk reduction, and the data and assessment work that informs sound decision-making."Recovery on this scale cannot be run project by project," said Dr. Dennis Zulu, UN resident coordinator. Dr. Zulu oversees all UN operations in the country – across all agencies. "It needs a plan to coordinate around, and a place for all of us to stand behind. The United Nations will rally behind NaRRA, behind a national master plan, and behind the Government's priorities, aligning what each of us brings and making sure our support reaches the communities that need it most."The forum also drew on international experience. The Japan International Cooperation Agency shared lessons from Japan's post-disaster recovery, among them the principles for building back better and for strengthening institutional coordination between government and partners. Sessions through the day reviewed how development partners can best align to Jamaica's recovery and took an honest look at the partnership's technical working groups and how they must evolve to serve the recovery effort.Partners closed the forum by reaffirming their shared commitment to a coordinated, country-led recovery, and agreed to carry forward the areas of alignment and readiness identified during the day.About the Jamaica Development Partners Forum
The Jamaica Development Partners Forum brings together the resident international development partners in Kingston to coordinate support to the Government of Jamaica in line with Vision 2030 Jamaica and the Medium-Term Socio-Economic Policy Frameworks. Members include the United Nations in Jamaica, the High Commission of Canada / Global Affairs Canada, the European Union, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the High Commission of the United Kingdom / FCDO, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and the Embassy of the United States / INL. The United Nations and Canada co-chair the group for the 2026 to 2027 period.

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Press Release

29 June 2026

United Nations and Ministry of Youth and Sports Put Young People at the Heart of Sustainable Development

Those were some of the themes that energized discussions when United Nations Resident Coordinator Dennis Zulu met with Minister of Youth and Sports, the Hon. Mario Bowleg, and senior ministry officials during his official mission to The Bahamas.The meeting focused on a powerful goal: ensuring that every young Bahamian has the opportunity to succeed.From entrepreneurship and employment to sports, leadership and second chances, government and United Nations officials explored new ways to work together to help young people develop their talents, build successful futures and contribute to national development. "Youth is a precious stage of life," Mr. Zulu said, noting that many of the decisions made during these formative years help determine the course of a person's future. He emphasized that investing in young people means investing in the future of The Bahamas.He also highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between government, the private sector and development partners to ensure young people are equipped with the skills today's workforce demands while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship."Our young people have ideas that can transform communities and move countries forward," he noted. "When we invest in them, we invest in sustainable development."Minister Bowleg echoed that optimism, pointing to the remarkable impact Bahamian youth continue to make both at home and around the world.He observed that while many young Bahamians pursue education and careers overseas, their connection to home remains strong."Wherever they go, Bahamians carry The Bahamas in their hearts," the Minister shared, encouraging young people to spread their wings, seize every opportunity and one day bring their knowledge, experience and success back home to inspire the next generation.The discussion showcased several of the Ministry's flagship programmes that are already helping young Bahamians build brighter futures.Officials highlighted Be Inspired, which provides grants to young entrepreneurs to launch and grow businesses; Fresh Start, offering young people a second chance to rebuild their lives; Job Ready, preparing recent high school graduates for employment; and a variety of summer camps that keep children engaged, active and learning throughout the vacation months.Sports also featured prominently during the discussions, with ministry officials highlighting the continued growth of athletics across The Bahamas and the vital role sport plays in developing confidence, discipline, teamwork and leadership. Officials also noted that increased government investment is allowing the Department of Sports to expand support not only for athletes but also for coaches who help develop future champions. The meeting also celebrated the important contributions Bahamian youth continue to make within the United Nations system. Young Bahamians have represented the country on issues ranging from climate change and education to the priorities of Small Island Developing States. Among those recognized was Amber Turner, the 2026 Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS) Fellow, who is currently serving at United Nations Headquarters in New York with The Bahamas Permanent Mission to the United Nations.The engagement formed part of Mr. Zulu's official mission to strengthen collaboration between the United Nations and national partners while advancing the localization of the 2027–2031 Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF). The discussions will help ensure that the voices, aspirations and potential of young Bahamians remain central to the country's sustainable development journey.As the meeting concluded, one message rang loud and clear: when young people are given opportunities to learn, lead, innovate and dream boldly, they don't just build better futures for themselves—they help build a stronger Bahamas for everyone.--END--

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Press Release

24 April 2026

Achieving Inclusive Recovery from Natural Hazards in Jamaica

Over the past two decades, Jamaica has experienced repeated climate-related hazards, including hurricanes, storms and droughts, resulting in significant economic losses and disruptions to livelihoods and essential services. Between 2000 and 2023, the country experienced 19 major hydrometeorological events, with cumulative economic losses exceeding JMD 136 billion. Recent disasters, including Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and Hurricane Melissa in 2025, further highlight the importance of strengthening recovery systems that support long-term resilience. This JEP discussion highlights that while Jamaica has strengthened its disaster response capacity, recovery outcomes remain uneven. Economically vulnerable households, rural communities, informal workers, farmers and fishers, and small tourism operators are among those most at risk of being left behind due to limited savings, lack of insurance, insecure land tenure and restricted access to financing. These challenges are often compounded for women, older persons and persons with disabilities, who may face additional barriers during recovery. JEP panellists highlighted that preparedness plays a critical role in shaping recovery outcomes. However, preparedness efforts are often constrained by limited financing, coordination challenges and gaps in data and early assessments. Strengthening risk communication, scalable social protection systems, housing readiness, livelihood protection, resilient infrastructure and rapid damage and needs assessments can significantly improve recovery outcomes following disasters. JEP panellists provided key insights for strengthening Jamaica’s preparedness for inclusive recovery. Overall, the JEP panellists concluded that Jamaica’s central challenge is not emergency response capacity but sustaining preparedness and translating it into faster and more equitable recovery outcomes. Strengthening preparedness systems that protect livelihoods, support vulnerable households and enable rapid, well-targeted recovery will be essential to reducing inequalities and safeguarding development progress in the face of increasing climate-related hazards. Dr. Nadine McCloud underscored the urgent need to strengthen Jamaica’s disaster risk management framework in light of increasingly frequent and severe natural hazards. She emphasized sustained investment in early warning systems, data and risk assessment, and resilient infrastructure, alongside stronger community–national coordination, to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience. She further noted that preparedness systems must be explicitly designed to support faster and more inclusive recovery across all communities. Dr. Stuart Davies, UN Senior Economist, noted that embedding preparedness more deliberately into recovery systems is essential to ensuring faster and more equitable recovery. Strengthening partnerships, improving data-driven decision-making and aligning preparedness and recovery planning are critical to ensuring that the most vulnerable communities are not left behind. Reflecting on the discussion, Mr. Dennis Zulu, United Nations Resident Coordinator, emphasized the importance of embedding preparedness within broader development and recovery systems. “As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe, strengthening preparedness for inclusive recovery is essential to protecting development gains in Jamaica. Ensuring that recovery systems are designed to reach the most vulnerable will be critical to building resilience and leaving no one behind. Through strong partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and coordinated action, Jamaica can accelerate recovery while safeguarding long-term sustainable development.” The Jamaican Economy Panel is part of a partnership between the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) and the Department of Economics at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona. The JEP brings together economic, public-sector experts and development practitioners to address monthly socio-economic questions. These questions help to highlight relevant economic issues and the collective expertise of the panellists. For more information on the Jamaican Economy Panel and for the results of this JEP discussion, visit the UN Jamaica website at www.jamaica.un.org. For further information, please contact:United Nations: Dr. Stuart Davies, Senior Economist. Email: stuart.davies@un.orgMs. Soyeon Chae, Gender and Climate Economics Assistant. Email: soyeon.chae@un.org Department of Economics, University of the West Indies: Dr. Nadine McCloud, Senior Lecturer. Email:nadine.mccloud02@uwimona.edu.jm

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