United Nations Resident Coordinator Meets with Suriname's President on Sustainable Development

During the meeting, Ms. Kazana extended her gratitude for the robust partnership between Suriname and the UN development system. This relationship is highlighted by Suriname’s active membership in the UN Economic and Social Council, its contributions to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, and its committed efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals under Agenda 2030.

Ms. Kazana emphasized the significant roles of the National SDG Commission and SDG Platform, established by Minister Albert Ramdin of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation, who was present at the meeting. She further noted the instrumental role of the Joint National Steering Committee for cooperation with the United Nations system in Suriname. The importance of effective donor coordination and alignment of cooperation around national priorities was underscored by President Santokhi as essential for fruitful partnerships.

The discussions also covered a wide spectrum of initiatives undertaken by UN agencies in Suriname, all steered by the National Development Plan and the Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) for the period 2022–2026. Among the key topics was the advancement of programmes with potential to bolster Suriname’s economic landscape, including collaborative efforts to advance value chain systems in the pineapple industry. 

Lastly, the importance of the outcomes of the upcoming fourth Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), to be hosted by Antigua & Barbuda, was addressed. The President confirmed Suriname’s participation in this significant event scheduled later this month, which underscores the nation's commitment to global sustainable development dialogues.

Ms. Joanna Kazana was appointed in June 2023 by the United Nations Secretary General as his designated representative and coordinator of the UN’s operational activities for development in Suriname.  She presented her credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation in their first meeting on 14 July 2023.  Ms. Kazana currently resides in Trinidad and Tobago and regularly spends time in Suriname, providing leadership to the United Nations country team which consists of fifteen (15) resident and non-resident agencies working in the country. The United Nations Office of the Resident Coordinator serves as a coordination hub and facilitator of the UN’s collective efforts in programming and partnerships development for the achievement of the SDGs.

For more information, please contact Jessica Chandnani, Head of the UN Office of the Resident Coordinator at jessica.chandnani@un.org.