UNDP
is the UN's global development network, advocating for change
and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources
to help people build a better life. We are established in 166
countries, working with them on their own solutions to global
and national development challenges. As they develop local
capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of
partners. Besides from Trinidad and Tobago, this country office
also covers
Suriname,
Netherlands Antilles
and Aruba.
UNDP's network links and coordinates global and
national efforts to reach these Goals. Our focus is helping countries
build and share solutions to the challenges of:
UNDP has been present in Trinidad and Tobago for over forty (40)
years and is governed by a
Standard Basic Assistance Agreement of 1976.
While a Standard Basic Assistance Agreement has also been signed for
Suriname, there is none for the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.
The UNDP programme in Trinidad and Tobago is articulated in the
Country Programme Document 2008 - 2011, which identifies Democratic
Governance and Poverty Reduction as the overarching themes for UNDP
support to Trinidad and Tobago.
UNDP's
five focus areas provide specific entry points to support
Trinidad and Tobago’s development agenda. Concentration of efforts in
these areas has been mandated by the
United Nations Development Assistance Framework
2008-2011 for Trinidad
and Tobago and is consistent with the national development priorities as
outlined in the
National Strategic Plan, Vision 2020.
Included in all UNDP
support is the transfer of knowledge and skills to nationals toensure
that on conclusion of a programme of development, national capacity is
developed to prevent a reversal of gains achieved.
Trinidad and
Tobago’s rich natural resources and high per capita income have
positioned the country as a regional economic powerhouse in the
Caribbean region and one which is committed to achieve developed country
status by the year 2020. The country's rapid economic development
needs to be supported by sound policy and programme design to reduce
inequality and ensure sustainable human development.
