Trinidad & Tobago

Millennium Development Goals

UNDP, as the UN's global development network, links and coordinates global and national efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals. UNDP's support in Trinidad and Tobago is to encourage the government to establish a mechanism to facilitate regular and up to date national reports on progress towards the MDGs.  In 2008, efforts were initiated to develop a joint UN project which would project what it would cost the government to achieve one or two of the goals.

Democratic Governance

More countries than ever before are working to build democratic governance. UNDP brings people together within nations and around the world, building partnerships and sharing ways to promote participation, accountability and effectiveness at all levels.   UNDP is supporting the Ministry of Local Government with a comprehensive decentralization programme which will encourage more efficient delivery of services to its clients.   By June 2009, approximately two hundred staff members of this Ministry will be trained in up to date project management methodologies.  As at December 2008, over 60 percent (42) of those taking the project management exams (PRoject IN Controlled Environment) had become Prince 2 certified. 

Poverty Reduction

Developing countries are working to create their own national poverty eradication strategies based on local needs and priorities. UNDP helps to make them effective through ensuring a greater voice for poor people, expanding access to productive assets and economic opportunities, and linking poverty programmes with countries’ international economic and financial policies.  The Micro Credit programme, initiated in 2000 has been expanded to eighteen communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago  and improving the quality of life of the poorest in very rural areas

Crisis Prevention & Recovery

In Trinidad and Tobago, this focus area addresses the vulnerabilities of the country as a SIDS to the stresses of annual intense hurricane season.   Work has therefore been on-going with the Ministry of National Security, through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management, to develop strategies and programmes to be implemented nationally.

Energy & Environment

Energy and environment are essential for sustainable development. The poor are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and lack of access to clean, affordable energy services.  UNDP has been successful in piloting the use of solar energy with water heaters in selected host homes - five (5) in Trinidad and five (5) in Tobago.  The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries has indicated that it will use the lessons learnt from this project to develop a more comprehensive programme for Trinidad and Tobago.