This significant event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and its impact on child health and development. The program brought together representatives from various organizations and government officials to share valuable insights, experiences, and recommendations regarding breastfeeding practices.

The event commenced with a warm welcome, accompanied by the Surinamese National Anthem, setting the tone for the proceedings. The Deputy Director of Administrative Services  of Public Health, Mrs. Saridjan-Tjokro delivered the opening speech, emphasizing the significance of breastfeeding for the well-being of children. Following this, the head midwife at Diakonessenhuis Hospital addressed the audience, highlighting the institution's commitment to supporting breastfeeding initiatives. "I think it's a fantastic initiative; we are actively working to make our hospital baby-friendly and obtain the proper certification. Every day, I experience that parents have a good understanding of breastfeeding, but the challenge arises when they have to return to their workplaces. Making workplaces more mother-friendly through designated lactation rooms is crucial. In the health sector, we are preparing mothers for breastfeeding, but the disappointment arises when a mother has to stop due to the lack of facilities and support at her workplace." - Griselda van der Leeuw, head midwife Diakonessenhuis Hospital Aligned with this year’s theme, Let’s make breastfeeding and work, work! Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V., showcased best practices in promoting and supporting breastfeeding in the workplace. This presentation aimed to encourage more companies and institutions to create conducive environments for nursing mothers, enabling them to continue to pump their breastmilk and store it at a safe temperature to take home after work for their baby. The opening of World Breastfeeding week in Suriname further included testimonials from two working nursing mothers, who shared their experiences of successfully balancing work and breastfeeding. Their stories highlighted the importance of supportive workplaces and emphasized how breastfeeding positively impacted both their children's health and their own well-being.   Dr. Noreen Jack, the representative from PAHO/WHO, delivered an insightful speech, shedding light on the global importance of breastfeeding and the initiatives taken by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to promote breastfeeding as an essential element of child health and development. As we commemorate World Breastfeeding Week 2023 with the theme 'Let's make breastfeeding and work, work!' I want to emphasize that women should never have to choose between breastfeeding and their careers. Supportive workplaces are essential, and together, we can build a healthier future for all." – Dr. Noreen Jack, PAHO/WHO Representative Suriname Mr. Nicolas Pron, the UNICEF representative for Guyana & Suriname, also shared valuable information on the organization's efforts to support breastfeeding programs worldwide.

Director of Health, Ministry of Health Dr. Rakesh Gajadhar Sukul, delivered a key address, reaffirming the government's commitment to promoting breastfeeding. Acknowledging the valuable contributions of healthcare workers, Dr. Sukul praised their dedication and hard work in educating expectant and new mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding.

The program also underscored the significance of breastfeeding in improving child health and nutrition. Some key facts presented during the event included: Malnutrition accounts for 45% of child mortality cases globally. In 2020, approximately 149 million children under the age of 5 were stunted, 45 million were wasted, and 38.9 million were overweight or obese. Only 44% of infants aged 0-6 months are exclusively breastfed. Few children receive nutritious and safe complementary feeding, with less than a quarter of infants aged 6-23 months meeting the appropriate criteria for feeding diversity and frequency. Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits to both infants and mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months provides protection against gastrointestinal infections and reduces newborn mortality. Breastfeeding supplies energy and nutrients to children aged 6-23 months, contributing to their healthy growth and development. Additionally, breastfeeding benefits mothers by improving their health and well-being. To support optimal breastfeeding, policymakers, marketing regulations, and community support play vital roles in promoting breastfeeding as a fundamental right for children.

Breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of a child's early development, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that contribute to their overall health and well-being. Moreover, it fosters a strong emotional bond between the child and the mother, enhancing their attachment and emotional connection. “For mothers, breastfeeding offers various benefits too. Not only does it provide a cost-effective way to nourish the child, but it also reduces the risk of certain cancers in mothers. Additionally, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces enable mothers to continue breastfeeding even when they return to work, ensuring the child's well-being.” – Dr. Demidof, Family Community Health at Public Health In conclusion, the opening of World Breastfeeding Week 2023 in Suriname, with theme Let’s make breastfeeding and work, work! at Diakonessenhuis Hospital marked a crucial step towards creating awareness about the significance of breastfeeding for child health and development. By promoting optimal breastfeeding practices and implementing supportive policies, Suriname aims to improve child nutrition, reduce child mortality, and contribute to the overall well-being of mothers and their infants.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) of Suriname, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and convened over 70 stakeholders, including government representatives, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and development partners. Supported by the SDG Joint Fund funded "Agrifood System Transformation Accelerator" (ASTA) Joint Programme and the EU-funded Suriname Agriculture Market Access Project (SAMAP), the discussion aimed to foster collaboration and explore opportunities for the growth and development of Suriname's pineapple industry. Aligned with FAO's Global Action on Green Development of Special Agricultural Products, Suriname's focus is on promoting a sustainable and green pineapple value chain. The objective is to support small and family farmers, facilitate their entry into the global market, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During the event, participants engaged in discussions to enhance the competitiveness of Suriname's pineapple sector through collaboration and cooperation. Key objectives included raising awareness about the sector's potential, analyzing market demand and supply, exploring opportunities for agro-cooperatives, farmers, and buyers (including processing companies, traders, and exporters), and discussing potential finance and investment avenues. The Multi-Stakeholder Discussion provided an invaluable platform for stakeholders to forge partnerships and work collaboratively towards the growth and advancement of the pineapple sector. By bringing together government representatives, farmers, cooperatives, buyers, financial institutions, and other relevant stakeholders, the event facilitated knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and the identification of actionable steps for sustainable pineapple sector development in Suriname. In his opening speech, Mr. Parmanand Sewdien, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries of Suriname, emphasized the vital significance of the pineapple sector in Suriname's agricultural landscape. He highlighted the government's commitment to fostering its growth and development, recognizing its potential for driving economic prosperity, creating opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that enhance livelihoods. Ms. Elizabeth Bradley, acting Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BIBIS), stressed the crucial role of international cooperation and collaboration in advancing Suriname's pineapple industry. She emphasized her Ministry's role in facilitating collaboration with international companies, exploring opportunities for exporting fruits and vegetables to the Caribbean, EU, and US markets, and attracting foreign direct investment to support sector growth and create mutually beneficial opportunities for all stakeholders. Erick Zeballos, SAMAP FAO’s Chief Technical Advisor, highlighted: "We are delighted to contribute to the advancement of Suriname's pineapple sector. SAMAP’s aim is to facilitate market access and enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural value chain. With Suriname's rich potential for pineapple production, we believe in the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. By working together, we can create favorable conditions for farmers, cooperatives, buyers, and other actors in the pineapple industry, driving economic growth and sustainable development in the country. Today's collaboration between ASTA and SAMAP exemplifies the One UN approach for driving positive change in the sector and for achieving the sustainable Development Goals" Mr. Davronjon Okhunjonov, the International Business Manager for the ASTA Joint Programme in Suriname, expressed the program's commitment to initiating sustainable changes in the pineapple value chain through the establishment of a Cooperative and Innovation Hub. The objectives of this initiative encompass multiple facets, including improving farmers' incomes, encouraging investments in modern processing techniques, creating employment opportunities, reducing environmental impact, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. By leveraging strategic partnerships, investments, and an efficient platform, the ultimate aim is to realize tangible and measurable outcomes that contribute to the long-term growth and development of the pineapple sector. Mr. Joseph Moestadjap, representative of the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Suriname, emphasized the need for collaboration with all stakeholders to develop a sustainable pineapple value chain. He stated, "We will integrate the principles of decent work, promote enterprise development, empower farmers and workers, with a special consideration for women and youth through cooperatives and improved governance practices." The discussions during the event covered various aspects of pineapple production in Suriname. Mr. Swami Girdhari, a representative from UNIDO, part of ASTA Joint Programme presented on the pineapple business, supply-demand dynamics, the current market situation in Suriname and the role of cooperatives and The Hub in promoting growth and competitiveness. Local pineapple farmers, Mr. Jerry Birambie and Mr. Vares Tempo, shared their first-hand experiences, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities within the sector. Mr. Cyrano Asoiti, Director of the Cooperative Agro-platform for development of Marowijne, shared his experience about agro-cooperatives, creating volume and improving the quality of pineapple, establishing contractual relations with buyers. Mr. Glenn Chin A Foeng, Director of the processing company Michi, showcased his company’s operations and shared information on the requirements for pineapple which Michi purchases and expressed interest in working with agro-cooperatives for the purchase of other fruits and vegetables. Ms. Anushka Ramdjielal representative of Trust Bank Amanah, provided information on the Bank’s financial products and goals in supporting the growth of the agribusiness in Suriname.   The interactive discussion session, facilitated by Mr. Girdhari, encouraged participants to ask questions, explore collaboration opportunities, and discuss supply contracts, loans, and the guarantee fund within the pineapple value chain. Stakeholders shared perspectives, exchanged ideas, and identified potential areas for joint action and partnerships. The event included an exhibition, networking opportunities, and business-to-business meetings, enabling participants to explore pineapple products and engage in meaningful conversations to establish valuable connections and unlock new opportunities within the pineapple industry. The Multi-Stakeholder Discussion concluded with an interaction with the media to disseminate valuable insights and discussions. The organizers expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their active involvement and contribution to the success of the event. They reiterated their commitment to continuing collaborative efforts to drive the sustainable growth and advancement of the pineapple sector in Suriname.  

The training was officially opened by the PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Lilian Reneau-Vernon and the Deputy Director of the Medical Mission Dr. Maureen Wijngaarde-van Dijk.

Representatives from crucial agencies involved in public health and safety, including the Medical Mission, Regional Health Department, Public Health Bureau, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Natural Resources, Red Cross Suriname, Malaria Program and the Directorate of National Security, participated in this one-day training session.

The training session focused on several critical learning objectives that would empower participants to effectively communicate risk-related information and ensure that accurate and timely messages reach the public. Participants were guided through various topics, including understanding risk communication, recognizing cognitive biases and risk perception, setting clear communication objectives, identifying target audiences, crafting evidence-based key messages, and strategies to combat misinformation and disinformation.

The participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the importance of risk communication and its role in safeguarding public health and safety. They explored the various methods and techniques to address cognitive biases that can hinder effective communication. By addressing these biases, participants learned how to deliver information clearly and concisely, ensuring that messages resonate with the public.

One of the key takeaways from the training session was the importance of setting a Single Overarching Communication Outcome (SOCO). Participants were encouraged to define a primary communication outcome aligned with their organizational goals, enabling them to focus their communication efforts and maximize their impact. This approach ensures that the messages are purposeful and directed towards achieving the desired outcomes.

Dr. Maureen Wijngaarde-van Dijk, Deputy Director of the Medical Mission, shared her positive assessment of the training. I truly believe that the training was of immense value to all participants. We created a safe and inclusive environment that encouraged active engagement, critical thinking, and even challenging the trainer's perspectives. The trainer's presentation style was in perfect alignment with the risk communication guidelines that the Medical Mission envisions developing for Suriname. Despite the vast amount of information covered within a relatively short timeframe, the training served as an excellent test to evaluate the assimilation and practical application of this knowledge by non-medical civil servants that were also present here today." - Dr. Maureen Wijngaarde-van Dijk, Deputy Director of the Medical Mission Recognizing the diversity of stakeholder groups, participants also learned how to identify and analyze their target audiences. By tailoring messages and strategies to the specific needs and characteristics of different segments of the population, they can effectively engage and inform the public. Moreover, the training emphasized the development of evidence-based key messages. Participants were guided on how to communicate complex information in a manner that is accessible, understandable, and trustworthy to the public. This approach builds credibility and fosters public trust, enabling individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health and safety.

In an era marked by the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, participants also learned strategies to combat false information effectively. Armed with these skills, they can debunk false information and address public concerns, ensuring that accurate and reliable information prevails.

A key takeaway from the risk communication training in Suriname was the formula for successful risk communication. During the training, participants learned that accuracy and timeliness are essential elements in risk communication. In addition to accuracy and timeliness, the training emphasized the importance of empathy and transparency in risk communication. Empathy involves understanding the concerns, fears, and emotions of the audience. The combination of empathy and transparency creates an environment where individuals feel heard, understood, and respected. It encourages open dialogue, allowing for the exchange of information and concerns. This trust-building process is crucial for risk communication, as it establishes a foundation of credibility and confidence in the messages being conveyed.

The trainer and Communication Officer of the PAHO/WHO country office in Brazil, Luís Felipe Sardenberg expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with Suriname and the participants. "I have been truly impressed by the remarkable commitment Suriname possesses in strengthening its capacities in the area of risk communication. I am grateful for the chance to work alongside the participants, exchanging experiences and knowledge and the opportunity to collaborate and learn from the participants has been invaluable. Together, we aim to empower individuals with lifesaving information to better protect themselves and their communities." - Luís Felipe Sardenberg PAHO/WHO commends the commitment and dedication of all participating local agencies. By actively engaging in this training initiative, Suriname is taking proactive measures to strengthen risk communication efforts and safeguard public health and safety. PAHO/WHO recognizes the importance of equipping key stakeholders with the necessary tools to effectively communicate risk-related information and encourages continued collaboration and implementation of the strategies learned during the training.

By enhancing risk communication capabilities, Suriname is poised to face future challenges with resilience, ensuring that the public remains well-informed and protected.

The Environment week started off with a two-day Seminar with the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution. The United Nations Development Programme supported the Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment (ROM) that brought together diverse stakeholders to address a critical global concern: plastic pollution. The week-long activities held during this Environment week aim to raise awareness and inspire collective action towards a sustainable future. Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Every year, an astonishing 300 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, with approximately 11 million tons ending up in our lakes, rivers, and oceans. Unless immediate action is taken, these figures are projected to triple within the next two decades. Suriname, like many other countries, faces the consequences of plastic pollution, generating a significant 20,309 tons of plastic waste in 2020 alone. Recognizing the urgency of the issue, the Ministry of ROM initiated the Koni Doti project, which focuses on waste separation at the source to combat plastic pollution. However, the scale of the problem necessitates a collective effort involving governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals. Environment Week 2023 highlights the shared responsibility we all bear in addressing plastic pollution. Ms. Margaret Jones Williams, Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP, highlighted during her remarks that sound environmental management will move Suriname strongly towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as almost all the SDGs are related to the environment. She also emphasized SDG 17: Partnerships to achieve the goals, which is critical in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. Vincent Sweeney, Head of the Caribbean Sub-Regional Office for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), highlighted the recently launched "Zero Waste in the Caribbean: New ways, new waves" project during his remarks. The project aims to strengthen the partnership between the Caribbean and the European Union to improve resource management of the Caribbean in support of solid waste management. The importance of partnerships and collaboration was also emphasized by the Minister of ROM, Marciano Dasai, as he urged everyone to actively participate in this Environmental Week and support the efforts of ROM. He stated, "Together, we can make a difference. Let's strive for a world where we live in harmony with nature, where our air is clean, our oceans healthy, and our ecosystems resilient." At the core of the event is the need to raise awareness and promote sustainable alternatives. By reevaluating our consumption habits and opting for reusable alternatives, everyone can make a meaningful impact. Similarly, businesses must prioritize sustainable packaging options and invest in recycling infrastructure to mitigate the plastic waste crisis. Education plays a vital role in effecting lasting change, and Environment Week 2023 aims to empower the youth with knowledge about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution, fostering a culture of sustainability for future generations. An array of events, workshops, and lectures have been organized to take place during Environment Week, focusing on education, innovation, and awareness. This will equip participants with knowledge and inspiration to make positive changes in their daily lives. The success of Environment Week 2023 relied on the active participation and support of individuals, communities, donors, sponsors, and dedicated organizations. By harnessing the power of collective action, we can create a world where nature thrives, the air is clean, oceans remain healthy, and ecosystems become more resilient. Environment Week 2023 serves as a turning point in Suriname's journey towards sustainability. It highlights the importance of collaboration and underscores the role each one of us plays in protecting the environment. Let us carry the momentum forward, continuing to actively participate, support the cause, and work together to forge a path towards a brighter, greener future.