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Press Release
25 May 2023
UNICEF and JCPD Sign Agreement to Modernise Social Protection System and Improve Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities
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Speech
24 May 2023
Remarks of the Resident Coordinator on the Partnership Agreement Signing Ceremony with UNICEF and Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities
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Press Release
18 May 2023
The United Nations is seeking young, future leaders to join new global training programme for a world free of nuclear weapons
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals 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.
Video
10 December 2022
United Nations Jamaica & Bahamas Explains the Universal Declaration on Human Rights
This Human Rights Day, the United Nations in Jamaica reminds us of the Articles of the landmark Universal Declaration on Human Rights #UDHR75 For Jamaica and the world – its message of dignity, freedom, and justice for all remains even more relevant today.
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08 November 2022
Multilaterial System Remains Critical in Tackling Global Challenges
These were the words of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, at the flag raising ceremony commemorating Jamaica's 60th anniversary of membership in the United Nations.
“We remain fully convinced that the alternative to a functioning multilateral system is a more dangerous and divided world that will threaten to marginalise and erode the security and development of small States in particular. We must all, therefore, continue to emphasise the tremendous benefit to our nations and our people of a robust and well-functioning multilateral system,” she said.
She noted: “Small States like Jamaica are, of necessity, the strongest advocates for multilateralism and… multilateral cooperation will be key to getting us back on the road to sustainable economic growth and enhancing resilience to cope with global challenges. We must, therefore, reaffirm our commitment to a world underpinned by a strong rules-based multilateral system.”
The Minister was addressing the UN Day Anniversary Flag-Raising Ceremony at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston on October 24.
Senator Johnson Smith said that Jamaica will continue to play a positive role in the activities of the organs and bodies of the UN.
“We expect that their programmes and projects will complement those introduced at the national and regional levels and believe that our collective efforts will assist in achieving our own national development goals,” she said.
She noted that Vision 2030, which aligns with the overarching framework of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) continues to be Jamaica’s guide in this regard.
“The United Nations is the product of hope. As we mark UN Day, let us renew our hope and conviction in what humanity can achieve when we work as one in global solidarity,” Senator Johnson Smith added.
UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Garry Conille said that now, more than ever, the institution must remain the space for constructive dialogue and a beacon for sustainable peace, prosperity and the future of the planet.
“Our modern world faces some of the greatest challenges in its history, from the climate crisis to COVID-19, from the fallout from the war in Ukraine to growing threats to democracy,” he pointed out.
Mr. Conille said that since Jamaica joined the UN in 1962, the country has played an outstanding role in the organisation’s system, helping to call international attention to matters such as human rights, decolonisation, economic cooperation, women's issues, among others.
He said that as Jamaica continues to lead an ambitious global agenda, the UN partnership in country, to accelerate progress towards the SDGs, is at its highest level.
“In the past two years alone, joint programmes have increased... with investments of the current country implementation plan already exceeding our expectations,” he said.
UN Day is commemorated annually on October 24, recognising the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.
This year is the 77th anniversary of the UN, and the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s membership to the UN.
Originally published by the Jamaica Information Service October 25, 2022
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Press Release
05 September 2022
United Nations & Bahamas Development Bank Partner in staging first Multilateral Partnership Forum focused on the Sustainable Development Goals
Today’s Forum begins at 9 a.m. and is themed, “Transformational Partnerships for a Sustainable Future.” Prime Minister, the Honorable Phillip Davis will deliver the keynote address.
The Bahamas SDG Partnership Forum 2022 serves as a platform to strengthen engagement and relationships across relevant stakeholders and sectors, leading to a more transformational whole-of-society approach to partnerships for advancing SDGs in the Bahamas – particularly in the era of building forward better from COVID-19. The public may join online via the United Nations Bahamas Facebook page.
The event features panel discussions, group dialogues and key presentations engaging a number of partners including Eugene Newry, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Nicholas Higgs, Managing Director, Bahamas Development Bank; Nicola Virgil-Rolle, Executive Director, Lyford Cay Foundation; Samantha Rolle, Executive Director, Access Accelerator; Dave Prescott, Creative Director, The Partnering Initiative (TPI); The Hon. Obediah Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development and Sumayyah Cargill, Manager, Strategic Development and Initiatives, Bahamas Development Bank, among others.
Senior officials of the United Nations will also present at the signature event. Roberto Valent, Regional Director, UN Development Coordination Office Latin America and the Caribbean, Sai Navoti, Chief of SIDS Unit Sustainable Development Goals Division, UN DESA as well as Dr. Garry Conille, UN Resident Coordinator in The Bahamas will present.
“The United Nations and The Bahamas have this year entered into a Cooperation Agreement that has already begun to yield programmes of impact for the people of The Bahamas,” Dr. Conille said.
The Partnership Forum is also the kick-off to a week-long Partnership Accelerator training programme. The 2030 Agenda Partnership Accelerator is a collaborative initiative by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and The Partnering Initiative (TPI), in collaboration with United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP), UN Global Compact, and the UN Development Coordination Office. The initiative aims to significantly help accelerate effective partnerships in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The training workshops, which include a two-and-a-half-day national training will engage over 40 local leaders with best practice skills and techniques for building effective partnerships, it will enhance understanding of relationships across participants from different sectors and launch new partnerships for supporting the implementation of the SDGs. The Caribbean Partnership Accelerator Training of Trainers workshop, with 15 regional participants, will then close out the week.
According to Aneesah Abdullah, United Nations Country Coordinator, the week’s activities are the fruits of years of partner building and networking aimed at maximizing local expertise and leveraging the service offerings of the UN Development System for the benefit of Bahamians.
“This national training will create a network of partnering champions ready to contribute to national development in new ways. From consultations with local actors, we have ensured that the agendas reflect our national priorities including issues related to climate change, the economy, education, gender and migration,” Abdullah said.
The inaugural SDG Partnership Forum is hoped will encourage and enable the development of structured partnerships to contribute to The Bahamas’ achievement of the SDGs including the establishment of a partnership mechanism to further facilitate meeting the SDGs in The Bahamas.
“From this Forum we hope to identify innovative opportunities for multiparter SDG engagement including facilitating greater access to technical and financial resources for realizing Agenda 2030. I am especially grateful to all our partners, particularly the BDB for supporting the coordination of this effort.” Dr. Conille said.
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05 September 2022
First of its kind - Bahamas and United Nations Partnership Convene Initiative to Accelerate SDG Action
Today’s Forum begins at 9 a.m. and is themed, “Transformational Partnerships for a Sustainable Future.” Prime Minister, the Honorable Phillip Davis will deliver the keynote address.
The Bahamas SDG Partnership Forum 2022 serves as a platform to strengthen engagement and relationships across relevant stakeholders and sectors, leading to a more transformational whole-of-society approach to partnerships for advancing SDGs in the Bahamas – particularly in the era of building forward better from COVID-19. The public may join online via the United Nations Bahamas Facebook page.
Click here for participant and media resources.
https://bit.ly/unbdbpartner
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01 May 2020
Spotlight Initiative
The Spotlight Initiative is a global, multi-year partnership between the European Union and the United Nations to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
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21 December 2022
Jamaican Economy Panel Rounds Up A Year of Adding Value to Economic Conversation
The Jamaican Economy Panel (JEP) has become a cornerstone upon which socio-economic issues can be sounded, reasoned, and rationalised – with a particular ear for a general population audience. The opinions shared have enriched understanding of the development space that the family of UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes occupy or can indeed step into as the United Nations works to support economic transformation and resilience building for Jamaica.
Over the last year, the JEP has covered a wide range of themes, from the Looming Obesity Crisis, Food Systems and Climate Change, Climate Risks for Jamaica and the Impact on Women, Climate and Disaster Preparation, Stigma, Discrimination, and Violence against Vulnerable and Marginalised Groups in Jamaica, Ocean Economy, Climate Resilience to lastly, the Creative Economy. This December issue takes stock of the critical points flagged by our Panel and the recommendations raised
Jamaica's Looming Obesity Crisis:
This survey highlighted that Jamaica must tackle obesity through comprehensive policy in all contexts. Panellists agreed that addressing obesity through public policy is needed. Although tax policy is generally one of the most convenient go-tos for affecting people's behaviours, tax on unhealthy behaviours is likely to be highly regressive. Therefore, panellists felt that using public funds to provide a more balanced (and locally sourced) diet in schools can affect behavioural change without the negative impact of regressive taxation.
Food Systems and Climate Change:
JEP panellists felt that even though global food systems are a critical part of everyday life, they receive minimal attention. In Jamaica, the agricultural sector is responsible for 16% of employment and provides substantial earnings through exports. Most importantly, the agricultural sector provides the food we all eat daily. Nevertheless, the Jamaican agricultural industry faces some considerable challenges, especially related to its low level of productivity. More significant investment in technology and skills and the pursuit of economies of scale would help increase the sector's level of productivity. This recommendation is critical in light of climate change, which has already started affecting agricultural output in the country, mainly through the deterioration of infrastructure. In the future, the panellists agreed that providing more support to farmers to improve their agricultural management skills further and teach them to consider the changing climate is crucial. Improving access to finance for farmers will support those who want to invest in upgrading technology and infrastructure, thus increasing the sectors' climate resilience.
Climate Risks for Jamaica and the Impact on Women:
Many respondents felt that women and girls are affected differently by the risks of climate change. This view could be because many Jamaican women find themselves in entrenched positions such as single parents, heads of households, low-income jobs, or household and community responsibilities. To guarantee that women and girls are better included in developing strategies to reduce the impact of climate change, panellists agreed that giving them a seat at the table was the most vital tool. This move would ultimately ensure that Jamaica approaches its disaster responses with an appropriate gender lens.
Climate and Disaster Preparation:
The panellists for this JEP felt a need to access more financing to invest in climate adaptation, especially concerning coastal defences and water storage. They highlighted that opportunities exist worldwide to attract such investments through private and public funds. Furthermore, the panellists had mixed perceptions about different segments of Jamaican society's preparedness for a potential hurricane. Their views can be attributed to the lucky streak the country has enjoyed with no significant impacts in almost a decade. Nevertheless, Jamaicans must prepare for acute disasters. The panellists saw the Government's initiative to establish a catastrophe bond as a good step toward preparing for the potential financial impact of a hurricane. However, the panellists indicated that a larger bond size and additional instruments to mitigate risk might be desirable.
Stigma, Discrimination, and Violence against Vulnerable and Marginalised Groups in Jamaica:
The JEP felt that Jamaica had made progress in this area, however, Jamaica must double its efforts to tackle the structural drivers of exclusion. They endorsed protective legislation, stronger political will, effective human rights programming and monitoring, and the improved capacity of public and private sector organisations to promote, respond and treat human rights issues.
Jamaica is a party to several treaties and resolutions relating to human rights, which obligate the Government to protect and promote the rights of all persons without distinction. However, continued work is needed to improve the human rights situation for vulnerable and marginalised groups. Panellists highlighted that additional and accelerated efforts are needed in Jamaica to address stigma and discrimination. Such measures will ensure that everyone, regardless of their group, can live peacefully with dignity and rights and participate fully in governance, cultural life and the economy while achieving their fullest potential.
Ocean Economy:
Jamaica has made many attempts to overcome some of the foremost issues facing its ocean resources. However, panellists agreed that there remains a long way to go to ensure that blue economic transformation strikes the right balance between optimising its commercial value and ensuring that Jamaica's Ocean resources sustain for future generations. The JEP emphasised that everyone has a responsibility and role in achieving this. As Jamaica evolves from the devastating effects of COVID-19, effective recovery must include blue economic transformation. Panellists highlighted that the planning for post-covid recovery provides a significant and unique opportunity to reset and chart a new course to build forward better in this decade of action and champion blue economic transformation.
Climate resilience:
Panellists agreed that increased cooperation and partnerships between the government and civil society, International Financial Institutions, and the private sector would expedite climate resilience in Jamaica. The JEP emphasised that it is necessary to understand better the trade-offs they face to best achieve blue transformation for Jamaica. Finally, panellists concluded that it was essential to adopt a multistakeholder approach as it would further promote collaboration and unity around policies to counteract the effects of climate change in Jamaica.
The Next Issue of the JEP looks at Jamaica’s Creative Economy
It is evident from the overview above that the panellists have come together to offer recommendations for some of the most complex issues facing Jamaica. However, we must examine what the future holds for the JEP. What is clear is the immense scope and opportunity to build upon our partnership with the University of the West Indies and increase our visibility and impact amongst civil society and on the government level. To better understand how we can achieve this, we asked the panellists what areas they would like to see addressed in 2023, how the JEP can be more impactful, and how the JEP can get better engagement.
Panellists felt that issues surrounding health and wellness were critical as Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton highlighted the economic burden of non-communicable diseases, many of which are a result of lifestyle. Panellists emphasised the need to address the economics of crime as well as effective strategies to reduce it. It was also suggested that we examine the effect of the triple crisis (finance, food and climate) on Jamaica. In addition to this, JEP panellists emphasised the need to address areas of green, blue and circular economic opportunities for local communities as well as examine ways to formalise the informal economy. Lastly, panellists suggested more specific topics such as industrial policy and large-scale emigration.
Regarding becoming more visible and gaining traction, the participants felt that increased visibility through sharing the results via social media and collaborating more with media outlets such as The Gleaner and Observer could create quick discussions and debates on specific topics. Another participant suggested sending out a survey to civil society to gain insight into the current issues being debated at the local level. Furthermore, some panellists suggested offering specific policy briefs, guided by the responses, aimed at policy- and decision-makers.
As a way of connecting all of these discussions, the UN hosted a partnership forum on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Jamaica's membership in the United Nations and the 60th Independence anniversary. The conference brought together members of the government, private and third sectors, civil society and academia. The high-level panel discussions on some of the issues brought forward by the JEP underscore the essential role of innovative partnership opportunities in reaching sustainable development goals through this type of engagement. In addition to this, Elliot Harris, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development and Chief Economist, made special remarks about the creative economy.
Please find the link here for the recording of the United Nations Partnership Forum 2022.
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10 November 2022
Bahamian government officials and CSOs benefit from training on Human Rights Treaty Reporting
As the region continues to face the effects of complex global conflicts and humanitarian crises, honouring these commitments has become even more critical.
Recently, UN Women and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights), in partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office hosted a three-day workshop in the Bahamas on ‘Engaging with Treaty bodies through reporting’ focusing on enhancing the capacity of government officials to prepare reports on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and CEDAW.
The workshop addressed to members of the Bahamian Government, Parliamentarians and Civil Society, sought to strengthen the understanding of how national reporting on the Conventions can be used to facilitate more effective advocacy, legislative and policy development, and accountability to promote human rights within the Bahamas.
Human Rights Officer in the Capacity building programme, UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Marie Boyer said: “During the 3-day event, we managed to look at the expectations on the Bahamas to meet their obligations as they relate to women’s rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, children, and the right of racial minorities. A lot was achieved, and we were honoured with the great contribution from Ms. Marion Bethel, expert of the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discriminations against Women.”
Ms Boyer further highlighted one of the main outcomes of the training: “At the end of the workshop, participants drew a concrete roadmap to finalize a number of reports that will be subject to review by UN Treaty bodies in Geneva in the months to come.”
In delivering closing remarks, Representative for UN Women Multi-Country Office – Caribbean, Tonni Ann Brodber congratulated the participants for their commitments to advancing equality in the Bahamas while emphasizing the important role they played as champions for equitable policies in their national governments and regionally.
Ms Brodber said: “The Caribbean region is like no other— whether our diversity in culture, people, creativity and biodiversity, there is so much to celebrate about our people and our region. However, we acknowledge that progress is still needed in many areas, and we recognize that to better secure human rights within the Caribbean, it is important for all Caribbean countries to build their capacity to effectively meet global treaty bodies' requirements, and a critical part of this is Reporting.”
The Bahamas Country Coordination Officer in the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, Aneesah Abdullah identified the importance of the training for national development and the role of the UN in amplifying human rights, stating: “One is the RCO's commitment to responding to the particular needs of the government by collaborating with relevant government stakeholders, in this case, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs and the Office of the Attorney-General. Another is the RCO's role in promoting human rights - a key element of our organizational mandate. And finally, facilitating the involvement of more than one agency, it demonstrates the RCO's increased efforts to identify and create opportunities for the delivery of joint support, where appropriate, by the UN system to The Bahamas.”
Gender Expert, Department of Gender & Family Affairs in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Mrs. Elaine Sands, a participant lauded the organisers for the workshop: "I was so excited to be a part of such a timely forum as it helped to strengthen my knowledge on the reporting procedures and focused particularly on my area of work which is advocacy and awareness against Gender-Based Violence and to promote Non-Discrimination and Gender Equality. I received knowledge and understanding of the obligation of the State to respect, protect and fulfil the gaps in the Circle of Rights. Reviewing Gender Norms and Roles, Gender-Based Violence and how it affects the family and society.”
The Assistant Director of Legal Affairs, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affair, Ms Jewel Major shared similar sentiments, stating: “The presentations provided clarity and spurred the participants to want to know more. In gleaning some of the comments about the workshop from the participants, the common expression was that the information was presented with so much clarity, now I understand what we must do, and why we have to do what we are being encouraged to do.”
This training occurred several months after the inaugural National Gender-Based Violence (GBV)/Discriminatory Law Review Forum held in February 2022 which targeted gender and human rights experts in The Bahamas to examine the state of international commitments and national legislation which impact gender equality.
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13 February 2023
Jamaican Youth Partner with United Nations Country Team to Stage National Youth Town Hall with His Excellency Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th UN General Assembly
This week His Excellency Abdulla Shahid the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) paid a working mission to Jamaica. This was the first visit of any sitting UNGA President to Jamaica. Mr. Shahid supported the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) with high-level advocacy interventions around gender-based violence, climate action within small island developing states and greater engagement of youth in governance.
The Youth Town Hall was the first official engagement of His Excellency, as part of his detailed high-level agenda with senior government officials including the Most Honorable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica.
The Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE) and the Youth Advisory Council of Jamaica (YACJ) cohost the event and led the mobilization of island-wide youth representatives including youth parliamentarians, leaders of youth groups and community based organizations, representatives from uniformed groups, young people living with disabilities and ambassadors of the Governor General's I Believe Initiative (IBI).
The Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE) is the youth-led principal vehicles for community outreach activities of His Excellence Patrick Allen, the Governor General of Jamaica. The GGPE coordinates the Governor General’s Programme for Excellence and the Governor General Achievement Awards. Historically, the GGPE works with strong focus on issues of:
Education
Youth engagement and volunteerism
Family Values
The GGPE celebrated 30 years in 2021 and recognized the occasion alongside UN76 with the re-start of its annual Youth consultative Conference, the largest hybrid consultative effort of youth in Jamaica and the English speaking Caribbean.
The Youth Advisory Council of Jamaica (YACJ) facilitates continuous engagement of young people in youth development policy and programming actions of the Government of Jamaica. The YACJ is one structure geared towards the fulfilment of the Goal VI of the CARICOM Youth Development Goals (CYDGs), which seeks to ensure and enhance youth participation in all levels of decision-making, programme implementation and oversight. The YACJ works to mainstream the needs of youth through Government of Jamaica (GOJ) programmes and activities during all phases of programme development, implementation and evaluation. The YACJ is also the Steering Committee for the National Youth Parliament, toward ensuring that the deliberations of the parliament are presented to, and discussed with relevant decision-makers. The YACJ is structured to ensure that youth are provided with an avenue for full participation in decision-making processes as equal and valuable partners.
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29 April 2022
Jamaican Economy Panel discusses climate change and disaster preparedness in Jamaica
This month, responding to the publication of the contribution of Working Group II to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report that assesses the impacts of climate change, the warnings in the recent IPCC, and the upcoming hurricane season, the panellists look at disaster preparations.
The panellists identified several critical hazards in Jamaica primarily impacted by climate change, with cyclones (hurricanes) naturally being at the top. However, they are also particularly concerned about people whose livelihoods depend on the coast and who may suffer from a confluence of impacts. With hurricanes, rising sea levels and threats to biodiversity, such coast-dependent lives are likely to suffer the strongest.
The respondents are optimistic about the government's new catastrophe bond launched last year, a first for a SIDS government. It provides Jamaica with up to USD 185 million in protection against losses caused by a named storm over three hurricane seasons. If anything, the JEP panellists would have liked to see an even larger catastrophe bond, mindful that the impact of a hurricane as powerful as Gilbert (1988) would cause estimated losses of up to USD 1.3 billion.
While mitigation continues to be the gold standard for climate change, there is no doubt that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Jamaica must also look at a myriad of adaptation efforts to reduce the impact of disasters. The respondents see opportunities for improving coastal defences, such as through the improvement of mangroves. Respondents recognize, however, that any investment in adaptation strategies will require substantial climate financing. While international development partners provide some opportunities for such climate financing, it is also crucial for the country to continue pursuing other avenues, including innovative private financing.
While Jamaica has not been directly impacted by any since 2012, the risk of hurricanes continues to be great. However, the prolonged absence of major hurricanes making landfall may have affected some of the preparations people pursue. While the panellists generally believe that much of the population is decently prepared, they are sceptical about the government and the private sector.
The full results of this month's discussion are available here.
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30 March 2022
Spotlight Initiative rolls out national visibility campaign to highlight available resources for victims of Violence against women and girls
From March-May 2022, the Spotlight Initiative (SI) coordination team in Jamaica will roll out a nationwide visibility campaign to highlight the resources available to victims of violence against Women and Girls.
Having launched in 2020, the Initiative has since achieved several major milestones including the Establishment of Domestic Violence Intervention Centres to increase access to quality essential services for all women and girls; improvements in several laws and policies among others. The national campaign, therefore, aims to inform members of the public about the diverse resources where women and girls can receive help, information and access to other resources such as shelters and a helpline.
The campaign will utilise a multimedia approach and include placements in television, radio, print and other outdoor media including billboards. This will be complemented by digital media placements, community and online activities.
While the Spotlight Initiative is being implemented across four parishes, namely: Westmoreland, Clarendon, Kingston & St. Andrew and St. Thomas, the national campaign will reach other national stakeholders who can benefit from the available resources.
The SI utilizes interagency coordination via UN Women, UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF with generous funding by the European Union.
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Press Release
25 May 2023
UNICEF and JCPD Sign Agreement to Modernise Social Protection System and Improve Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities
According to the 2001 Census, there are approximately 580,000 persons with disabilities in Jamaica. Thirty thousand (30,000) are registered with the JCPD, of which just about 5,000 are children.
“There is an urgent need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that no one is left behind,” said UNICEF Jamaica Representative, Olga Isaza at the signing ceremony on Wednesday, May 24 at the AC Hotel in Kingston. “UNICEF is concerned that of the number of persons living with disabilities, 25% are poor and 53% live in rural areas,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the EU Ambassador, Marianne Van Steen, Vanna Lawrence said, “The European Union uses this opportunity to reiterate its commitment to raising awareness on the living conditions of persons with disabilities, highlighting the challenges they encounter in everyday life as we assist with providing the tools and resources needed to improve their lives.”
The MoU forms part of a broader initiative to strengthen Jamaica’s child-sensitive, shock-responsive social protection system. It also covers technical support which is geared towards strengthening the quality of services for persons with disabilities especially children with disabilities.
Over the next 18 months, under the agreement, UNICEF will accelerate its work with the Council to support the needs of the most disadvantaged children. Through a project oversight committee, comprising the government, partner UN Agencies such as UN Women and the World Food Programme, UNICEF will be building the capacity of key stakeholders.
This project is being funded by a joint Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Fund Programme and the Canadian Government. “Already, the programme is responding to Jamaica’s national development priorities,” UN Resident Coordinator, Vincent Sweeney said.
“We are enhancing payment processes making them more efficient, effective, and accessible as well as strengthening institutional capacity for evidence-based emergency expansion of social protection programmes for the most vulnerable.” Mr Sweeney noted.
Additionally, the programme is ensuring that information systems used by the Social Protection system are integrated to support increased coverage and coordination and importantly working to close gender gaps on the policy and legislative frameworks.
Ms Isaza pointed out that these are critical areas which require sustained attention to protect and build on the gains made within the past decade. We must continue to work to advance the fundamental rights and promote the full potential of children in accordance with the SDGs and Jamaica’s 2030 development plan.”
For his part, the Chairman of the JCPD Board, Mr. Collin Ebanks welcomed the partnership agreement with UNICEF and shared that he was anticipating the training in advocacy and other capacity building opportunities for the Board of Directors and technical staff of the Council.
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Press Release
25 May 2023
The United Nations is seeking young, future leaders to join new global training programme for a world free of nuclear weapons
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the government of Japan are calling on young people to apply for an innovative learning programme that will empower them to make their contribution to a world free of nuclear weapons.
Applications are now open for a new global training programme called the “Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons”. The training programme, which is run by UNODA and made possible by the generous financial contribution of Japan, offers up to a hundred scholarships for young people aged 18 and over. The new training programme is aimed at equipping the leaders of the future with the knowledge, skills, and network to join global efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons – the most dangerous weapons on earth.
Although nuclear weapons have only been used twice in warfare—in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945—about 12,500 reportedly remain in our world today and there have been over 2,000 nuclear tests conducted to date. One nuclear weapon can destroy a whole city, potentially killing millions, and jeopardizing the natural environment and lives of future generations through its long-term catastrophic effects.
The programme is seeking youth who are motivated to use their talents to promote change for a more peaceful and secure world – without nuclear weapons. The intention is to bring together an eclectic and geographically diverse group of advocates for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. In addition to young people interested or active in international affairs, such as government or civil society organisations, those with a background in education, academia, journalism, industry, and other areas, are encouraged to apply. The programme is open to youth from across the globe, from nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States alike.
Over the course of two years, the selected participants will receive training in general principles of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control through online courses, with a selected cohort going on a week-long in-person study tour to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The future leaders will also exchange ideas with disarmament experts from think tanks, civil society organizations, media, and the diplomatic field, and develop the practical know-how to engage and contribute on issues related to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control. Importantly, participants will learn about the lessons that the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, called hibakusha, have long been sharing with the world about the unimaginable suffering that nuclear weapons caused. As the hibakusha continue to age, it is vital that their powerful stories and appeals to eliminate nuclear weapons are carried forward by the future generation.
The programme will start in 2023 and culminate in 2030 – a year marked by various milestones, including the 85th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings and the 60th anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of the Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Upon completion of the programme, the alumni will play a key role in training and mentoring the next cohort of interested young nuclear disarmament advocates. Following the 2023 – 2025 inaugural training programme under the Youth Leader Fund, three more rounds of similar trainings will be conducted, generating a positive ripple effect, and consolidating a worldwide network of talented future leaders with the shared goal of saving humanity from nuclear weapons. Through education, skills training, mentoring and other support, the hope is that participants will continue their disarmament and peace and security work in their field of interest and expertise after the programme.
In recent years, the United Nations Secretary-General has made a major push to empower youth, recognizing their role as the ultimate force for change and noting that they have proven their power in support of the cause of disarmament. Last Summer, at the tenth Review Conference of the States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Prime Minister Kishida announced his country’s commitment to contribute ten million US dollars towards the United Nations to establish this new disarmament education and mobilization initiative, which seeks to “bring the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the world, and the world to Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”
Applications will be accepted until Monday, 31 July 2023. For more information, visit www.disarmamenteducation.org/ylf.
Contact: youthleaderfund@un.org.
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Press Release
05 May 2023
The Cost of Congestion: The Impact of Vehicular Traffic in Jamaica’s Capital
Kingston, Jamaica like many other rapidly expanding cities has not been able to avoid increasing traffic congestion. A survey conducted by The Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ), found that, on average, people in Jamaica are spending 90-minutes per day in traffic, which for a small island developing state represents a huge cost. This not only has huge economic implications but can also pay a toll on the psychological and physiological wellbeing of the society as well as substantial environmental costs.
Ian Thomson, from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, explained that “in addition to the costs of congestion in terms of lost economic efficiency, there are also negative consequences in terms of social cohesion. The phenomenon of traffic congestion, which is caused mainly by relatively wealthy car drivers, lengthens journey times and, more importantly, forces up public transport fares. Owning a car is one of the fruits of human progress; using it in conditions of acute congestion or contamination is a social ill.”
Unfortunately, increasing the supply of roads is not the apparently simple solution to the issue. As Braess’ paradox suggests, adding one or more roads to a road network can actually slow down overall traffic flow through it, therefore it is important to consider various solutions to road congestion as well as the factors that contribute to it.
Dr. Nadine McLoud, Head, Department of Economics, University of the West Indies Mona stated that “Congestion is a significant distorting externality for Jamaicans. It cuts into work and leisure times and, by extension, leads to suboptimal work and home production levels, inter alia. Yet, there is no silver bullet to reigning in our congestion problem that stems from a plurality of factors. A workable congestion toolkit should explore the collective social impact of meaningful spatial permutations of a road pricing mechanism and its disposition (congestion charge in certain zones), an improved public transportation system including a generalised school bus system, shift work and remote work schedules and sensitisation campaigns.”
One of the other major concerns with the surge of congestion is the increase in vehicle pollution including higher levels of air and noise pollution. Panellists felt that the majority of drivers were not aware of the environmental implications of traffic congestion. Congestion involves the engine starting and stopping which means extra fuel consumption and therefore emissions such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide which not only have a huge impact on the environment but also have an impact on our health. Panellists indicated that it is important to consider ways to disincentivise car use, as well as public education campaigns.
In conclusion, Jamaica, like many other countries, continues to struggle with increasing urbanisation resulting in high congestion levels. As aforementioned, the congestion is impacting not only physical and mental health but also the health of the planet. Regarding the Sustainable Development Goals, Goal 13, "Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts," must be considered. The world remains "woefully off track in meeting the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and reaching net-zero carbon dioxide CO2 emissions globally by 2050." It is important Jamaica plays its role in addressing this. Evidently, there is not one single solution to combatting the rising congestion in Jamaica. A multistakeholder approach is needed that also involves raising public awareness and education on the topic to create a mindset and behaviour shift that also encourages people to consider other forms of transport.
The Jamaican Economy Panel is 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 a select group of economic and public sector experts to discuss 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 here.
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Press Release
03 May 2023
Defending Press Freedom: The Essential Pillar of Democracy and Human Rights
On World Press Freedom Day every year, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) honours his legacy by awarding the Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to a person or entity anywhere in the world that has stood up for press freedom — especially in the face of physical danger.
Today, as we observe the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of World Press Freedom Day by the UN General Assembly, I reflect on the story of Guillermo Cano Isaza, which made me aware for the first time in my youth of the risk members of my own family faced doing their jobs as journalists, and the risk I too would face if I decided to follow in their footsteps.
Remaining steadfast in my mission, I would go on to develop a career as a news producer in Colombia where I would meet two brave colleagues who I now pay tribute to on this day: Jaime Garzon, a journalist, comedian, and peace activist who was murdered in 1999 and Orlando Sierra Hernández, a columnist and deputy newspaper editor who was murdered in 2002. Both deaths, according to UNESCO’S Observatory of Killed Journalists, have been linked to the performance of their duties.
These first-hand experiences have shaped my view on press freedom as a fundamental human right which must be defended, protected, and expanded in all contexts. This view is supported by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."
When journalists are intimidated and fear for their safety, the fourth estate is weakened, leaving the citizenry that journalists serve without the ability to hold those in power accountable. And such threats to the freedom of journalists and media workers are growing daily. From global health to the climate crisis, corruption, and human rights abuses, they face increased politicisation of their work and attempts to silence them from many sides.
According to UNESCO, 2022 was one of the most dangerous years to be a journalist with 86 journalists and media workers killed around the world — a year-over-year increase of 50 per cent. Moreover, even against the backdrop of global conflicts in Ukraine and other parts of the world, the deadliest region to be a journalist last year proved to be Latin America and the Caribbean. This is a reflection of the outsized risk [that] journalists in the region face when covering topics such as crime, corruption, gang violence, and the environment. The three countries that saw the most killings of journalists last year according to UNESCO were Mexico (19), Ukraine (10) and Haiti (9).
As Haiti struggles with a multidimensional crisis caused by three consecutive years of economic recession, a political impasse, and unprecedented levels of gang violence, the level of risk incurred by journalists working in the country has increased, a reality reflected by the deadly statistics. Prior to this crisis, 2020 to 2021 saw one journalist killed carrying out their duties in Haiti. The drastic increase to nine in 2022 shows how quickly the status of press freedoms in any country can change, and should remind us all of the need to remain vigilant and proactive in defending, protecting and expanding press freedoms.
Jamaica is not one of the countries listed in the Observatory of Killed Journalists, which monitors and provides updated information on the killings of journalists and media workers since 1993. This should not be taken for granted.
Despite a less lethal work environment in Jamaica and many other Caribbean countries, there are still places where the media is not free to report and investigate without fear of retribution. Journalists across the region report incidents of intimidation, harassment, and even physical violence, all of which undermine the fundamental principles of democracy.
To address these challenges, governments in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean must continue strengthening measures to protect press freedom and implementing laws that provide journalists with legal protection and uphold their physical safety.
Citizens can also support press freedom by demanding transparency and accountability from their elected officials. By denouncing censorship and supporting independent journalism, citizens can help create a more open and democratic society.
Globally, the wider international community must also participate in advocacy for press freedom in their individual countries as well as collectively, across the world. This includes holding governments accountable for their actions and ensuring journalists can carry out their work without fear of retribution.
Let us never forget that it is the responsibility of journalists to expose human rights abuses and advocate for the rights of vulnerable populations. Without a free and independent press, these abuses can go unnoticed and unchallenged. As someone who knows what it is like to work in an environment where press freedom is constantly under threat, I pledge my personal support and that of the United Nations Information Centre for the Caribbean Area for the defence of press freedom in the region.
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Press Release
20 March 2023
Jamaica’s Social Protection Safety Nets Holding after COVID-19
In this discussion, the JEP was asked about the social security implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and how we are continuing to deal with the long-term effects.
As an economy with a significant reliance on the tourist industry, estimated to be around 20 per cent of GDP, the restrictions on travel were detrimental to most Jamaicans working in the sector. Restrictions in global travel and border closures caused visitor arrivals to decline by almost 70 per cent causing widespread job losses across the sector.
Dr. Nadine McLoud, Head, Department of Economics, University of the West Indies Mona stated that, “The needs of our most socioeconomically vulnerable are heterogeneous and numerous. Yet, the government and private sector can strategically join forces and leverage resources to yield long-lasting socioeconomic gains. For example, by using multiple social protection instruments - including microfinance provision - in a targeted manner, our society can ensure that Jamaica’s most challenged groups monetize their skill set to help chart their social and economic development.”
Panellists were asked for their views on social protection in Jamaica before the outbreak of COVID-19 and its capabilities to adapt to the increased needs that were caused by the pandemic. Many panellists felt that the social protection already in place was relatively capable of dealing with the heightened demand. One panellist highlighted the success of the CARE programme whilst also emphasising the challenges Jamaica’s informal sector still poses in ensuring inclusive social protection measures. The panellists identified informal workers and persons with disabilities as the two groups that received the least support. In the aforementioned UNDP report, Manuel Mera explained why the number of informal workers remains so high due to the contributory structure in Jamaica which acts “as the potential barrier to formality and the cross-subsidy as an incentive to remain informal.”
Responding to the survey results, Mr. Vincent Sweeney, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i., agreed that “establishing and maintaining robust social protection mechanisms ensures that Jamaica is striving to achieve its Vision 2030 and SDG targets.” He emphasised that “it is imperative that the United Nations works to support the government in enhancing its social protection measures, ensuring that inequalities are reduced and that no one is left behind.”
The pandemic has highlighted some of the preparedness areas that need addressing before the next shock inevitably hits. This should be done through enhanced social protection measures and a move towards a more digital society.
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 a select group of economic and public sector experts 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 here: https://jamaica.un.org/en/223975-jamaican-economy-panel-discussion-social-protection
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