Dominica has become the latest Caribbean country to sign the Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework (MSDCF).
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Roosevelt Skerrit signed on behalf of the Dominica Government and United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq signed on behalf of the UN.
According to Skerrit, the agreement proposes to help our small territories confront the trials of our time and achieve economic resilience and prosperity and it is “cause for optimism as we devise ways to tackle our common problems together”.
He stated that a country-specific work plan will be developed to help Dominica build resilience to climate change and shock, maintain equality among our peoples and promote the wellbeing of all citizens.
“The proposed interventions include development financing; health; climate change mitigation and adaptation mechanisms; disaster preparedness and response; and cross-border issues including migration, trade, transnational crime and trafficking, implementation of human rights and gender equality standards, transport, and ocean governance,” he said.
“Dominica welcomes the opportunity to collaborate on these pressing development issues and pledges to facilitate the planned interventions for the greatest positive impact. As Prime Minister, I am always focused on the development of programmes and systems, which will result in the greatest good for the people of Dominica. I believe the agreements we sign, the plans we formulate and the interventions we make must always be about the wellbeing of people. This Government is about creating opportunities for people to live better, more fulfilling lives right here in Dominica.”
He stated that he looked forward to the outcome of this framework and to its practical implementation for the benefit of every Dominican citizen.
Skerrit also took the time to express “gratefulness” to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his leadership and his sincere advocacy on behalf of small-island developing states like Dominica, especially in these very difficult times. “So please convey to H.E our dear Secretary-General, Dominica’s profound gratitude for his leadership, his advocacy, and his always welcome advice on how we can work together as small states to overcome the challenges that we face,” PM Skerrit posited.
He remarked further, that he believed that part of the reason why the Secretary-General is so expressive in his concern for Small Island Developing States and the challenges we face, has to do with his practical experience as having led a country himself as Prime Minister.
“And, I will say further, that I am seeing that level of conscientious leadership and concern transcending and getting down to the other levels of the UN; in yourself Didier and the kind of concern you have shown for Dominica. And all of the other agencies, UNICEF, UNEP, ITP…you name it; they have all been very responsive. And in Dominica, we are very grateful for the support. Rest assured this is a partnership. It is not the UN and Dominica; it is us working together for the greater good of humanity.”
“This is why we are here as leaders to improve people’s lives and ensure that the downtrodden have the opportunity and hope for a better tomorrow…we have never made a request of the UN system and they have said no. You have always gone out and fetched opportunities and raised resources to respond to our requests,” he said.
He stated also that Dominica is today in a better place in terms of its response to Hurricane Maria, Tropical Storm Erika, and the COVID pandemic, largely because of the support they have received from the UN system.
“The technical support, the advice, and very importantly the mobilization of resources and supplies help us to respond to the shocks- huge shocks for a small country. I want to assure you we are a determined people who have given ourselves the firm commitment to build a resilient nation because we accept the science where climate change is concerned and we have lived the consequences and impact of climate change. So, we are very grateful to all of you for your partnership,” Skerrit stated.
“Of course, we are at the disposal of the UN. Whatever we can do as Prime Minister, and of course the entire government to facilitate the work of the UN not only in Dominica but the rest of the world, we are at your disposal.” Also addressing the function was UN Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq and Dr. Vince Henderson Minister of Planning, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, Sustainable Development, and Renewable Energy.
