In addition to the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Trinidad and Tobago Country Office also covers Suriname, Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten.  The UNDP focus is help these countries achieve solutions to the challenges of:

• Democratic Governance

• Poverty Reduction 

• Crisis Prevention and Recovery

• Energy and Environment

• HIV and AIDS

UNDP has been present in Trinidad and Tobago for over fifty (50) 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 Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten.  

The Country Programme Document (CPD) 2012 - 2015, outlines the proposed programme for UNDP's support to Trinidad and Tobago along with development objectives. This cycle aims to emphasise collaboration with the Government, the United Nations system, civil society organisations, and the private sector in order to achieve effective and sustainable programmes, with national ownership of the results, and capacity development as well as gender equity as the cross-cutting criteria of the programme. UNDP will continue to work with the Ministry of Planning as its main partner and with key line ministries.

Trinidad and Tobago Country Programme Document 2012-2015

UNDP's five areas of focus 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 by the Government’s 7 Pillars for Development.

Included in all UNDP support is the transfer of knowledge and skills to nationals to ensure that national capacity is developed to prevent a reversal of gains achieved on conclusion of a development programme.

Trinidad and Tobago’s rich natural resources and high per capita income have positioned the country as an economic powerhouse in the Caribbean region. The country's rapid economic development needs to be supported by sound policy and programme design to reduce inequality and ensure sustainable human development.

Trinidad and Tobago as Net Contributor Country (NCC)

Trinidad and Tobago has achieved NCC status. By decision 85/40 of the UNDP Executive Board, countries with a per capita Gross National Product (GNP) of USD 4,700 or higher are categorized as NCCs. Trinidad and Tobago became an NCC office on 1 January 2008, following a 3 year grace period (2005-2007). This achievement recognizes that such countries are financially capable of funding their development process.  Under this arrangement limited grant funding is available to countries for programming.

During the last five years, 2006 - 2011, UNDP has  implemented projects with a total value of approximately USD 16,376 million:

· 2011 – USD 1,025 million

· 2010 – USD 1,499 million

· 2009 - USD 2,286 million

· 2008 - USD 3,342 million

· 2007 - USD 3,882 million

· 2006 - USD 4,342 million