United Nations in Suriname

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. These are the goals the UN is working on in Suriname:

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22 April 2026

Process for new Secretary General in January 2027 has started

The United Nations is led by the Secretary-General. Currently, this role is held by António Guterres, with a new appointment expected in 2027.The selection process is rigorous and held to high standards. The Secretary General must be focused on fostering dialogue among nations and advocating for vulnerable and marginalized communities worldwide.This week, four candidates have reached the interactive dialogue stage. They present their vision and respond to questions from Member States and civil society. A unique and transparent process! Process 2025-2026The process of appointing and selecting the next Secretary-General is based on General Assembly resolutions and will be guided by the principles of transparency and inclusivity.On 5 September 2025 the General Assembly adopted resolution 79/327 on the Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, which sets out the process for the selection and appointment in line with Article 97 of the Charter of the United Nations. Resolution 79/327 builds on previous related resolutions, which introduced significant improvements to the selection and appointment process of the Secretary-General.Within the process:A joint letter of the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council initiates the process.Candidates are nominated by a Member State or groups of Member States and provide a vision statement, curriculum vitae and campaign financing disclosures.The President of the General Assembly convenes webcast interactive dialogues with all candidates.The President of the General Assembly engages closely, in a transparent and inclusive manner, with Member States.Candidates are:Michelle Bachelet Jeria, former president of ChileMacky Sall, former president of SenegalRebeca Grynspan, former vice president of Costa RicaRafael Mariano Grossi, leader of the International Atomic Energy Agency

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21 April 2026

FAO-led Gran Krutu held in Suriname

During a two-day Gran Krutu on 13 and 14 April 2026 in Suriname, Indigenous, Tribal, and plantation leaders came together for an open and respectful dialogue on climate finance, forest protection, and sustainable development. The initial dialogue began with presentations from Vice President Gregory Rusland; Minister of Regional Development Miquella Huur; Minister of Oil, Gas, and Environment Patrick Brunings; as well as representatives from the Foundation for Forest Management and Forest Supervision (SBB). This dialogue was facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with supporting presentations for the plenary discussions.Other stakeholders present included the Coalition for Rainforest Nations (CfRN) and Deutsche Bank, who are also exploring additional opportunities for results-based payments.During the dialogue, the Indigenous, Tribal, and Plantation leaders shared their perspectives and views on results-based payments in a fair and constructive manner, as well as community needs, protection of rights, and meaningful participation.On the second day, participants discussed other important topics related to the process of preparing a project proposal under the Green Climate Fund (GCF), with FAO’s support, including further dialogue and consultation opportunities; Indigenous and Tribal Peoples’ rights; Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC); grievance and redress mechanisms for the GCF project proposal and a national grievance registration mechanism being developed by the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment. Special attention was given to the importance of ensuring meaningful participation from women throughout the process.Together, we are working towards a process where all voices are heard and respected. #GranKrutu #REDDplus #FPIC #Suriname #Inclusion

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28 April 2026

Official commissioning of the guesthouse in Pokigron

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the official commissioning of the guesthouse in Pokigron took place. This guesthouse was built with funds from GEF-SGP project “Sustainable Land and Forest Management at Pokigron”. This project, developed and implemented by the “Stichting Wederopbouw en Ontwikkeling Pokigron” (STIWEPO), aims to preserve the surrounding forest of the maroon community of Pokigron and generating income by attracting tourists to view the fauna and flora there. A delegation consisting of representatives from UNDP Suriname, GEF-SGP Suriname and the National Steering Committee travelled to Pokigron to be part of this special event. In addition to the guesthouse, a boat with an outboard has been purchased and forest trails are being laid out. On this forest trail, information regarding certain trees and plants will be given through signs that will contain information about the tree or plant.Pokigron is a maroon village of the Samaaka tribal people situated at the Boven-Suriname river area.

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25 February 2026

Suriname builds resilience through early warning

The country is committed to align institutions, improving risk information, and expanding early warning so that alerts translate into early action to protect people, infrastructure, livelihoods and development gains.Suriname sets a practical starting point for this agenda: expanding access to disaster risk data and advancing a comprehensive multi-hazard early warning roadmap through the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. This direction brings institutions and partners around one shared pathway, strengthening what exists, identifying gaps, and defining the actions and resources required to deliver early warning for all.EW4All helps Suriname connect the full early warning chain, from understanding the risk to monitoring and forecasting to communication, preparedness and response, so communities receive timely information, understand it, and act upon it. The process yields a concrete outcome: a national gap analysis and a costed implementation plan that supports coordinated delivery and helps accelerate financing for inclusive, multi-hazard early warning.This nationally led effort will also strengthen how coordination works in practice. Disaster risk reduction responsibilities sit across ministries and agencies, and progress depends on collaboration that is steady and predictable. Suriname seeks to reinforce institutional arrangements that keep risk reduction integrated into policies, planning and investment decisions.Suriname will also advance toward stronger measurement and accountability by preparing to begin reporting to the Sendai Framework Monitor. This effort will support evidence-based decision-making and enhance the national picture of impacts and progress. Over time, strengthening how risk information is organized and used supports smarter planning and more risk-informed development choices.The country’s direction is reinforced through broad engagement across government, technical services and the private sector, bringing together perspectives that are essential to a whole-of-society approach. This multi-stakeholder approach helps to set an important and concrete agenda for 2026 to strengthen access to risk data and harness multi-sectoral support to advance early warning systems.“Disaster risk reduction is about building the systems that keep development safe, especially by connecting early warning to early action,” said Nahuel Arenas, Chief of UNDRR’s Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean. “When risk information, clear roles and preparedness work together, countries move from responding to hazards to managing risk in a way that saves lives and reduces losses.”“The United Nations system has been working closely with the Government of Suriname introducing innovations and new technologies to manage natural hazards and climate change. We are committed to supporting Suriname’s nationally led resilience agenda—strengthening institutions, advancing Early Warnings for All, and deepening regional cooperation so communities and development gains are protected across Suriname and the wider Caribbean,” said Joanna Kazana, UN Resident Coordinator for Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.As Suriname embarks in this pathway there are ample opportunities to deepen regional cooperation, share experience with neighboring countries, learn from peers, and shape collective solutions across the Caribbean and the wider Americas.

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25 February 2026

Surinamese Nursing Educators Embark on Transformative Exchange in Belgium

Paramaribo. 25 February 2026 – In a landmark step for Suriname’s healthcare sector, a delegation of four nursing educators has journeyed to Belgium on Sunday 22 February to participate in a dynamic professional exchange, marking a new chapter in international collaboration and capacity building. This initiative, part of the Skills Mobility Partnership (SMP) between Suriname and Belgium, is facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in close partnership with the Ministry of Health of Suriname.Educators from Quality College Suriname (QCS) and Stichting UMA Trainings - en opleidingsinstituut (UTOS) are engaging with Belgian institutions Centrum voor Volwassenenonderwijs MIRAS (CVO MIRAS) and Hoger Instituut voor Verpleegkunde Sint-Elisabeth Turnhout (HIVSET), immersing themselves in a programme designed to strengthen nursing education and healthcare training back home. The Surinamese educators are accompanied by an officer from IOM Suriname and are being facilitated in Belgium by staff of the Belgium & Luxembourg office. Before their departure, IOM and the Ministry of Health hosted a brief meeting in with the participants, to clarify expectations and help prepare them for the enriching experience ahead, a milestone in Suriname’s commitment to advancing healthcare.During their visit, the educators will collaborate with Belgian peers to exchange expertise in curriculum development, clinical training methods, simulation techniques, and student supervision. The knowledge and skills gained will directly enhance the quality of nursing education in Suriname, empowering future healthcare professionals to deliver better care and meet evolving challenges.This activity, more than a mere training opportunity, demonstrates a shared vision for sustainable healthcare development. By investing in educators, the programme lays the foundation for long-term improvements in Suriname’s healthcare system, ensuring that the benefits ripple out to patients, families, and communities across the country.“This exchange is a testament to Suriname’s commitment to managing migration and advancing healthcare through international collaboration“, remarked IOM’s Head of Office (a.i.) Eraina Yaw. “By investing in our educators, expanding their experiences and knowledge, we are jointly laying the groundwork for lasting improvements in nursing education and patient care. The skills and inspiration gained in Belgium will empower our educators to shape a brighter future for Suriname’s health sector. IOM is proud to support this journey, fostering partnerships that strengthen institutions and transform lives.”The programme is generously supported by Belgian Immigration Office and the European Union. Their involvement underscores the strength of the partnership and the commitment to fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing between Surinamese and Belgian institutions.IOM remains dedicated to facilitating ethical, sustainable partnerships that strengthen institutions and create lasting impact in Suriname’s healthcare sector. As the educators return, they will bring with them not only new skills but renewed inspiration to shape the future of healthcare in Suriname.For more information on this programme and other activities of IOM Suriname, please contact Astrano JABINI at ajabini@iom.int

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Press Release

09 October 2025

Suriname launches Collateral Support Facility to empower pineapple farmers

Developed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Government of Suriname, the UN Joint SDG Fund, and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Facility builds on the Horticulture Innovation Hub, created in 2024 as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration across Suriname’s horticultural value chains.By linking the Hub with private-sector financial institutions, the Facility bridges the gap between farmers and banks, creating new opportunities for inclusive agricultural growth in Suriname.Empowering Farmers with Inclusive FinanceAt the launch event in Paramaribo, the first six farmers formally applied for loans, an immediate demonstration of the Facility’s potential to transform Suriname’s pineapple sector.Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Mike Noersalim emphasized: “One of the biggest challenges for farmers is financing investments to expand and modernize production. For Indigenous producers in particular, accessing loans is difficult because communal lands cannot be used as collateral. This Facility, made possible through the joint efforts of our partners, is a true breakthrough.”Maureen Badjoeri, CEO of Trustbank Amanah, selected as the partner bank following a market engagement exercise, added: “The Facility paves the way for modernization and growth in the agricultural sector, with a special focus on pineapple cultivation. We are proud to support farmers in seizing these new opportunities.”Building Strong PartnershipsThe Facility was developed under the Joint Programme (JP) “Sustainable pineapple value chain development in Suriname”, funded by the UN Joint SDG Fund with additional support from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The Programme is implemented by UNIDO, FAO, ILO, and UNFPA as part of the broader Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA).Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Melvin Bouva underlined the sector’s evolution: “The story of the Surinamese pineapple is a story of transformation. Not long ago, our pineapple sector was small, fragmented, and limited to local consumption. Today, thanks to the ASTA programme, we are taking the step from survival to sustainability; from traditional practices with limited markets to an organized, innovative, and – hopefully in the near future – export-oriented value chain.”On behalf of the UN agencies, Dejene Tezera, Director of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development at UNIDO, highlighted the broader vision: “This is not only about pineapples. It is about inclusive agribusiness and financial freedom—empowering Indigenous groups, tribal people, and farmers with the skills and independence to thrive. Looking ahead, we must focus on value addition, agribusiness development, and expanded market access so Suriname’s pineapple sector can evolve from a national success into a competitive regional and global brand.” Scaling Up for the FutureLooking ahead, the focus is on scaling up the transformation, ensuring that the programme is reinforced by sustainable investment. The UN Joint SDG Fund, which funds the programme, transcends traditional project-based approaches, instead catalyzing systems transformation for key SDG priorities.As of 2025, the Fund has mobilized a total of US $430 million from 17 Member States since 2019, unlocking $6 billion for SDG financing, impacting over 200 million people across 125 countries, including Suriname.In a recorded message, Lisa Kurbiel, Head of the UN Joint SDG Fund, underscored the importance of further investment: “The Joint SDG Fund is proud to have taken the first step by financing this project. But this is only the beginning. We thank the Islamic Development Bank and call on other donors and international financial institutions to join us in scaling up—focusing on value addition, market access, and cross-cutting priorities such as women’s empowerment and labor rights.”Salah Jelassi, IsDB Director of Operations for the GCC, Yemen and South America, echoed this commitment: “The Islamic Development Bank is proud to contribute to Suriname’s agricultural transformation. By supporting the Collateral Facility, we are helping farmers access finance, build resilience, and secure a sustainable future.”A Milestone for Suriname’s Agricultural TransformationThe launch of ASTA Suriname’s Collateral Support Facility, developed under UNIDO’s technical leadership and jointly implemented with FAO, ILO, and UNFPA, in partnership with the Government of Suriname, the UN Joint SDG Fund, and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), is a testament to Suriname’s efforts to transform its agrifood systems. By fostering partnerships across government, international organizations, academia, financial institutions, and farmers, the initiative lays the foundation for a dynamic, sustainable, and gender-inclusive pineapple sector with regional and global potential.

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Press Release

03 September 2025

United Nations Resident Coordinator and President of Suriname Reaffirm Partnership for Sustainable Development

Discussions centered on joint priorities, including institutional strengthening, education, digitalization, and expanding access to health services across the hinterland and coastal areas. President Simons shared her vision for strong and inclusive institutions, with particular emphasis on decentralization, strengthening of institutions and advancing health system reforms. UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Kazana outlined the UN system capacities and specialized UN agency contributions, under the Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2022 - 2026, both in Suriname and across the Caribbean. The meeting also addressed Suriname’s global leadership on climate change. As one of the world’s few carbon-negative countries, Suriname plays a unique role in advancing global climate action. President Simons and Ms. Kazana discussed the importance of safeguarding Suriname’s vast forests and coastal ecosystems. Both parties emphasized that preserving biodiversity, investing in nature-based solutions, and supporting the livelihoods of communities are essential to long-term resilience. The President also shared her perspective and vision for the engagement of the Indigenous and Tribal People of Suriname. The UN Resident Coordinator underlined the importance of the land rights of the ITPs which is an issue always coming up prominently in the human rights fora. The discussions also looked ahead to Suriname’s active participation in the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September. President Geerlings-Simons will address the Assembly on 23 September during the opening of the General Debate, and take part in a series of high-level thematic meetings, further amplifying Suriname’s voice on the global stage and contributing to multilateral cooperation and solutions that work for Small Island Developing States. One of key issues that will be discussed in New York is the need to rapidly advance the reform of International Financial Institutions and deliver on the promise of the ABAS commitments in 2024 and the Financing for Development discussions in Sevilla in 2025. In addition to the meeting with the President, the UN Resident Coordinator met also with H.E. Vice President Gregory Rusland and H.E. Melvin Bouva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation. She also held sectoral discussions with the Ministers of Education, Science and Culture; Health, Welfare and Labour; Land Policy and Forest Management; and Social Affairs and Housing. These engagements underscored the UN’s close collaboration with Suriname’s leadership across multiple sectors.Building on this week of constructive dialogue, the United Nations in Suriname will continue working hand-in-hand with the Government and people of Suriname to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that no one is left behind.

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Press Release

27 May 2025

President Santokhi Endorses ASTA Pineapple Project as Model for Sustainable Rural Development in Suriname Matta, Suriname

A Collaborative Vision for the Future of Pineapple CultivationThe President was welcomed by the ASTA and the Horticulture Innovation Hub’s team as well as the Basja Cyrell Sabajo, local leader and trial farmer, and attended an official ceremony alongside key stakeholders. The Horticulture Innovation Hub’s Director Mr. Swami Girdhari presented the project’s objectives and progress, followed by remarks from Ms. Maitrie Jagroep, Chair of the Hub Board; Ms. Elizabeth Bradley, Director of BIBIS; and Minister of Agriculture Mr. Parmanand Sewdien.In his keynote address, President Santokhi praised the project’s integrated approach, which unites local communities, government institutions, and international partners in a common mission.“With this project, you can earn more. Your village and children will progress,” he stated, underscoring the initiative’s potential to drive income generation, food security, and rural opportunity.The visit included a guided tour of the trial field, where the ASTA and the Horticulture Innovation Hub’s Agronomist Ms. Hemwatie Goeptar explained the project's key innovations: a new agronomic model, results from the AFI (Artificial Flower Induction) trials, and the bio-factory model for organic input production. These tools form the backbone of a sustainable production system tailored to the Surinamese context, offering farmers a low-cost, climate-resilient model for high-quality pineapple cultivation.Minister Sewdien reinforced the urgency of developing crops such as pineapple which are affordable, climate-smart, and scalable, noting the project's alignment with national food security goals and rural development strategies.A Project Already Delivering ResultsThe Presidential visit also highlighted the tangible outcomes already emerging from ASTA’s early implementation. After the formal proceedings, stakeholders had the opportunity to observe the field model in action and interact with local farmers. Trial farmer Mr. Cyrell Sabajo sold his organically grown AFI pineapples during the event, sparking interest from a diverse range of visitors — including representatives from Indigenous communities, input suppliers, hospitality buyers, and agri-processors.Their engagement showcased the project’s commercial potential and its role in connecting smallholder producers to higher-value markets, while remaining rooted in local leadership and traditional knowledge.High-Level Attention Underscores Strategic ImportanceThis visit follows a recent high-level field mission on March 21, 2025, by UN Resident Coordinator Joanna Kazana and Ambassador Cristina Pérez of Spain, the latter representing the largest donor to the Joint SDG Fund. Their joint visit to Matta reinforced the global relevance of the project and Spain’s interest in further supporting its expansion. Both visits reflect the growing recognition of ASTA not only as a local innovation, but also as a replicable model for inclusive, climate-resilient agriculture in the region.About the ASTA Pineapple ProjectThe Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator, a global joint initiative of FAO and UNIDO, is implementing the ASTA Pineapple Project in Suriname, together with ILO and UNFPA, as multi-stakeholder initiative co-funded by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented in close collaboration with Indigenous communities, governmental authorities, private actors, and technical experts. It focuses on creating sustainable supply chains through improved agronomic practices, farmer-owned input and marketing systems, enhanced value addition through processing and product diversification, and a dedicated Horticulture Innovation Hub to coordinate services and amplify scale beyond the project’s scope. By supporting traditional farmers to innovate without losing their cultural and ecological roots, ASTA is paving the way for a new generation of agricultural development in Suriname — one that is equitable, resilient, and community-led.

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