Belize has become the first of 18 countries in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean to officially launch the new UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
This strategic framework prioritizes outcomes in four areas: economic resilience and shared prosperity; equality and wellbeing; resilience to climate change shocks and sustainable natural resource management; and peace, safety, justice, and the rule of law.
And one man who's completely enthused by the prospect is Ministry of Sustainable development CEO Kenrick Williams. He says it's just the thing to accelerate planned strategic actions that were derailed by the pandemic.
Kenrick Williams, CEO Ministry of Sustainable development
"Ladies and gentlemen in September of 2019 the decade of action was announced calling for accelerating sustainable solutions to challenges ranging from poverty and gender to climate change and increasing inequality, sadly this global commitment was railroaded as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic thereby highlighting the relevance of the SDG's now more than ever as it provides the very valuable framework for sustainable recovery. The extent to which we take this pathway, therefore, towards the 2030 agenda on sustainable development now depends on our ability to adapt an integrated and multi-dimensional approach to planning, prioritization, and implementation. This approach requires that we embrace a whole of government or a whole of society approach to national development. It requires that we establish key partnerships with a shared vision, advancing the sustainable development goals and it requires that we integrate these goals into national development and sector development strategies and plans. Vital to us returning to this desired path, the path capable of advancing the achievement of the sustainable development goals is the localization of the agenda and the creation of an enabling environment in which each of us can meaningfully contribute to achieving its targets."
Outcomes in the MSDCF will be pursued in Belize by 19 UN agencies, working together with national and international development partners, including governments, civil society, and the private sector.
