GORTT and UN – Priority on People and Planet
On Thursday 4th September, 2025 Dr. Ava Maxam, Director of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), joined Mr. Sanjay Singh and Ms. Arti Bedassie-Maharaj, both Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (MPEAD), in attending the United Nations – Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s (GORTT) Joint National Steering Committee (JNSC) Meeting. The Meeting, co-hosted by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (MPEAD) along with the United Nations Trinidad and Tobago, was convened to review the twin-island state’s progress on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF). In July 2025, the GORTT signed off on a UN Development Framework to fulfil the 2030 Agenda through efforts in enhancing climate change and economic resilience, peace, shared prosperity and equality. The Meeting was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain.
With five years left in attaining the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the 2030 deadline, accelerating progress for Trinidad and Tobago is critical. Hence, the high-level Meeting brought together several Government Ministers and Permanent Secretaries, who outlined a national strategic vision over the next five years, inclusive of Heads of UN agencies who reviewed development outcomes achieved and identified strategies to advance progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN is collaborating with the GORTT under the UNMSDCF 2022-2026, to ensure that the SDGs are attained, ensuring prosperity for both People and Planet.
Climate change, sustainable food production, prevention of violence, enhanced safety and security and the transition to renewable energy, inter alia, emerged as priorities identified in the next phase of the Development Cooperation between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the UN.
The JNSC, which comprises representatives from Government ministries and public sector entities, alongside the UN Resident Coordinator and Representatives of UN entities working in Trinidad and Tobago, meet annually to review progress on the implementation of the UN’s development cooperation with the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago under the United UNMSDCF 2022-2026.
Dr. Maxam supported the strategies presented and agreed that attaining the 17 UN SDGs under the UNMSDCF is crucial for a balanced and sustainable future. The IMA Director underscored that the UNMSDCF serves as a national-level blueprint, translating the global SDGs into country-specific strategies to address local challenges and integrate economic, social, and environmental needs to achieve inclusive development.