KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, Jun. 11, CMC— The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the United Nations have brought together international development partners to support the country’s recovery efforts and strengthen its long-term resilience following a series of major challenges in recent years.
The two-day Development Partners Roundtable, held June 9-10 under the theme “From Recovery to Transformation and Resilience,” focused on rebuilding communities, strengthening the economy, and preparing the country for future climate and economic shocks.
Prime Minister Godwin Friday, government officials, UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springett, and representatives from development agencies participated in the discussions.
The meeting comes as St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the La Soufrière volcanic eruptions, and Hurricane Beryl, while pursuing a development agenda centered on resilience, economic growth, and stability.
Speaking at the opening session, Springett praised the country’s ability to overcome multiple crises and called for stronger cooperation among governments, international partners, and development agencies.
He highlighted the need for greater collaboration in three key areas: building resilience to climate, social, and economic risks; improving access to financing for development projects; and ensuring better coordination among partners to maximize results.
Springett also emphasized the importance of addressing crime and violence, particularly among young people, as part of the country’s broader development strategy.
Prime Minister Friday said the country is determined to move beyond simply recovering from disasters and instead focus on transforming its economy and society.
“ We refuse to be defined by our vulnerabilities,” Friday said, noting that the country has faced a pandemic, natural disasters, and rising global economic pressures in recent years.
He stressed that building resilience will require investment in renewable energy, workforce development, particularly for youth and women, and maintaining sound economic management.
Friday also noted that small island states cannot face these challenges alone, saying international partnerships remain critical because a single major storm can erase years of development progress.
Discussions during the roundtable focused on the government’s development priorities for 2026 to 2030, including post-Hurricane Beryl recovery projects, climate resilience initiatives, economic development, youth empowerment, and social programs.
Participants also explored ways to improve financing, strengthen cooperation among development partners, and align support with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Officials expect the forum to produce stronger partnerships, clearer development priorities, and new opportunities for investment as St. Vincent and the Grenadines works toward a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
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