BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women have embarked on a collaborative approach, combining technical expertise and lessons learned over their many years of development work in the Region.

In a time of shrinking resources, the agencies are partnering to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Caribbean.

CDB, UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women on Friday signed agreements that allow CDB to utilise expertise from the agencies in the execution of specific projects, which the Bank is funding, so that the most effective outcomes for the Bank’s 19 Borrowing Member Countries are achieved. The signing took place at CDB’s headquarters.

Acting Vice-President (Operations) at CDB, Monica La Bennett, who signed on behalf of the Bank said the signing strengthened the ongoing spirit of collaboration between the two development partners.

“The signing of these agreements underscores the value of partnerships in helping Caribbean countries achieve their goals and targets under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We welcome this strengthened cooperation between CDB, UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women and look forward to working together towards the ultimate goal of no poverty,” La Bennett said.

Under the agreement, UNICEF, UNFPA or UN Women may be called upon to execute projects financed by CDB to reduce poverty and accelerate the achievement of SDGs in the Caribbean Region, where external support is needed.

There is also expected to be an exchange of knowledge and information relating to the achievement of the SDGs.

According to UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director, Fatoumata Ndiay – A strong foundation for partnership has long existed between UNICEF and CDB in the Caribbean.

“This Agreement will open the window ever wider so that we strengthen our own sub-regional approach through the strong outreach of CDB’s networks and convening powers,” she said.

The UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Team has long been emphasising the importance of the relationship and strong partnership with the CDB.  We at headquarters equally recognise that importance. We will go from strength to strength to build an even more beautiful partnership for the children and young people of the Caribbean,” she added.