Strengthening Bonds for a Brighter Future: UN and Suriname Sign New Cooperation Plan

This pivotal moment took place on June 20, 2024, during the annual meeting of the Joint National Steering Committee for the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF).

The review brought together key figures, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Albert Ramdin, and UN Resident Coordinator, Joanna Kazana, alongside representatives from various ministries and the UN country team including UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Berdi Berdiyev, UNICEF Head of Office, Javier Cordoba, UNFPA Liaison Officer, Judith Brielle, PAHO-WHO Representative, Dr. Yafflo Ouattara, IOM Head of Office, Jan-Willem Wegdam, and Representative of the UN Women Multi-Country Office, Ms. Tonni Brobder, and FAO Representative, Ms. Gillian Smith who joined virtually. The review was also attended by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation, Elizabeth Bradley who co-signed the 2024 – 2025 Country Implementation Plan on behalf of the Government of Suriname.

During the meeting, the UN presented its 2023 Annual Results Report underscoring the UN’s unwavering commitment to Suriname’s National Development Agenda.  In 2023, the UN helped Suriname implement international cooperation projects of a total value of US$ 10 million addressing the needs in Economic Transformation, Social Equality, Climate Change and Natural Resource Management, and Peace, Justice, and Rule of Law.

The new Country Implementation Plan will build on results achieved in 2023 and address policy and capacity gaps in line with national priorities.   Minister Albert Ramdin who spoke at the event emphasized the importance of the UN-Suriname development cooperation and relevance of the four priority areas of UN assistance.  He underlined Government efforts to lay solid foundation for development by undertaking structural reforms of the economy and strengthening cooperation with the IMF.  He also stressed importance of focusing on a long-term perspective, engaging citizens in a dialogue on the vision for Suriname’s development.

“Oil and gas money will change the country fundamentally.  We need to prepare for that, and a long-term vision belongs to the people,” said Ramdin.