The UN team and Government of Suriname Present the Annual Results Report 2024 and Discuss Shared Priorities for Sustainable Growth

In his opening remarks, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, Albert Ramdin, applauded the UN System in its structured approach of programming, citing the successful implementation of the Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework. As the Government of Suriname prepares to present its development progress report at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York later this summer, Minister Ramdin expressed the Government’s commitment to ensure that no one is left behind in achieving the SDGs. “We value the UN's continued engagement in keeping Suriname aligned with the global agenda.”

The UN Resident Coordinator Joanna Kazana, and members of the UN country team, Jan-Willem Wegdam of IOM, Judith Brielle of UNFPA, and Berdi Berdiyev of UNDP, spoke on behalf of all UN agencies, highlighting key achievements of 2024:

• The establishment of an agricultural Innovation Hub to support inclusive, sustainable growth in the pineapple sector;
• The finalization of Suriname’s National Social Protection Strategy and National Education Policy;
• Expansion of early childhood development programs and improvements in foundational literacy and multilingual education across the Eastern border;
• Progress towards malaria elimination and the launch of digital health platforms, including a national electronic death certification system;
• The development of the Green Development Strategy, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and social equity;
• Strengthened access to climate-resilient W.A.S.H. services and improved disaster risk management capacity in vulnerable communities.

The UN’s multi-agency support mobilized technical expertise, policy development, and over US$17.4 million in development programming.  reinforcing Suriname’s national efforts to leave no one behind. These efforts reached thousands across urban and rural communities, with particular emphasis on women, youth, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, and persons with disabilities.

The 2024 results reflect the collective work of sixteen (16) UN agencies, funds, and programmes operating under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, with contributions from resident and non-resident entities. Partnerships extended across the Government, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples’ organizations, youth networks, civil society, private sector actors, international financial institutions, and bilateral and multilateral development partners—demonstrating the breadth and depth of collaboration supporting Suriname’s sustainable development agenda.

UN Resident Coordinator Joanna Kazana highlighted the importance of partnerships and thanked all Government, civil society and private sector stakeholders as well as international institutions and donors for their continued cooperation and support. 

Furthermore, as the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary this year, UN Resident Coordinator Joanna Kazana underscored the UN80 initiative as a key step in the ongoing effort to modernize the UN system. This initiative, which builds on the broader UN Reform agenda, seeks to simplify procedures, decentralize decision-making, and enhance transparency — all with the goal of making the UN more efficient, effective, and responsive in delivering tangible results to those it serves.

With just five years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the United Nations remains a steadfast partner — working alongside the Government of Suriname to accelerate progress and foster a future where no one is left behind.