United Nations Day will be celebrated worldwide on Wednesday, October 24. Today, we present the first in a series of articles highlighting the work of the UN's agencies in Jamaica.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nation's development network; advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experiences and resources.

UNDP works in 166 countries helping them meet national and millennium development goals. The UNDP office in Jamaica covers Jamaica, The Bahamas, The Turks and Caicos Islands, The Cayman Islands and Bermuda. We help these islands by technical assistance, building partnerships and providing advice and expertise. Our focus is mainly on crisis prevention and management, and energy and environmental security.

Security Strategy

UNDP is assisting the Ministry of National Security and the Cabinet Office to implement the National Security Strategy, and the Ministry of Justice to develop a policy framework for restorative justice. Additionally, UNDP is supporting the University of the West Indies to establish a Centre of Excellence on Criminal Justice and Security, and a Regional Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction. Work is also being done with the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica to improve energy efficiency in schools and hospitals.

UNDP is helping Government to control small arms and reduce crime. We also work with communities to help them find ways to reduce violence and build sustainable livelihoods for youth. UNDP supports local Government, developing initiatives to empower women as decision makers and agents of change in crime-affected communities. Communities also receive disaster-preparedness training.

UNDP also supports post-event recovery and relief activities. Most recently, after Hurricane Dean, assistance was provided to carry out initial damage assessment and to assist with recovery activities to replace damaged school roofs.

energy efficiency

Over the next five years, UNDP will continue to work on energy and environmental security and crisis prevention and management. There will be a focus on energy efficiency and developing clean and renewable sources of energy, especially for the poor, as well as adapting to climate change, conserving biodiversity and reducing land degradation. UNDP will address security, peace and justice issues, conflict prevention and peace building, job creation, national disaster risk reduction and HIV/AIDS.

UNDP is also, through the resident representative/resident coordinator, in charge of the overall coordination of the UN Operational Activities for Development in Jamaica.