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 UNDP programme in Trinidad and Tobago, presented in the  Country Programme Document 2008 - 2011, identifies Democratic Governance and Poverty Reduction as the overarching themes for UNDP support to Trinidad and Tobago.

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 USD4,700 or higher are categorized as NCC and grant funding is no longer available.  As at 31 December 2007, all costs for delivery of technical assistance to Trinidad and Tobago have been borne by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.  

During the last four years, 2006 - 2010, UNDP has implemented and or approved projects with a total value of approximately USD 15,570 million:

·        2010 – USD  1,738 million

·        2009  - USD 2,266 million

·        2008  - USD 3,342 million

·        2007  - USD 3,882 million

·        2006  - USD 4,342 million