GOB and the UN hold National Steering Committee Meeting

The United Nations is working with the Government of Belize to ensure the country achieves its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laid out in the 2022-2023 Country Implementation Plan. Yesterday, both parties participated in a joint National Steering Committee meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Belmopan. The purpose of the meeting was to provide strategic oversight and direction to the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022- 2026. Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Amalia Mai, explained the importance of this partnership and the working relations between GOB and the UN.

Amalia Mai, CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade: “We meet as we near the end of 2022 after two full years of nonstop setbacks and challenges. A pandemic, rebuilding an economy, interspersed with floods, prevailing high prices arising from a fiscal stimulus during the COVID-19., the war in Ukraine, further contributing to inflationary pressures and now to close out 2022 the latest climatic event with the passage of Hurricane Lisa. Well let us hope that this is the last turmoil for this year. Undeniably though there were positive moments. We saw the people unite in the aftermath of the recent hurricane helping each other in the face of adversity. The floating of the blue bond remains a positive undertaking and I think we have weathered the fight against COVID-19. But through all the travails and good times the UN has been a constant partner working closely with government to contribute their expertise and support in addressing challenges head on. Never losing sight of the vulnerable population who are at ever greater risk of marginalization during these periods of crisis. We also recognize the role of the UN system in the global development architecture and the exceedingly good relations that have characterized Belize relations with the UN system.” 

UN Resident Coordinator in Belize, Birgit Gerstenberg, spoke about the UN’s commitment to assist Belize across a wide spectrum of key sectors such as education, human rights, citizen security, and health. 

The total budget of the Country Implementation Plan is an estimated 51 million US dollars.