The two-year Joint SDG Fund programme enabled policymakers to create evidence-based policies and programmes to support the most vulnerable populations in Barbados and Montserrat.
The Governments of Barbados and Montserrat are now better equipped to collect and analyze data, fostering gender equality and advancing inclusive health and social development policies. This marks a significant step forward in sustainable development for both countries.
The programme was implemented under the leadership of UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) in collaboration with UN Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women) and in partnership with government stakeholders and civil society. Focusing on improving access to real-time, disaggregated demographic data, the programme aimed to help policymakers create evidence-based policies for the most vulnerable populations. It addressed key priorities under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 5 (Gender Equality).
At the hybrid Strategic Dialogue and Close-Out Meeting held at UN House in Barbados, Jenny Karlsen, Deputy Director of the UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, pledged continued support to the Governments of Barbados and Montserrat in building on the programme’s achievements. She commended national partners for their leadership, stating:
“This programme stands as a testament to your vision and commitment to your national priorities, and what can be achieved when we work together with a shared purpose.”
In Montserrat, significant strides were made in advancing sexual and reproductive health, population policy, and data systems. A draft Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy, supported by UNFPA, is awaiting Cabinet submission. A Population Situation Analysis and National Population Policy are under public review, while a National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) System Study and Action Plan is poised for Cabinet review. The Montserrat Statistics Department received technical guidance and training on measuring SDG 5 indicators, which was successfully integrated into the national census, concluded in November 2023. The census also included analysis of unpaid domestic and care work. National data systems were further strengthened through improved disaggregation by sex, age, and disability, integration of GIS tools, and targeted training to monitor SDG indicators related to Goals 3 and 5.
In Barbados, UNFPA supported the completion of a Baseline Study on Priority SDG Indicators and provided capacity building in the National Transfer Accounts Model to assess the economic impacts of demographic shifts. For the first time, Barbados now has national measurements of the time women and men spend on unpaid domestic and care work. UN Women supported the Barbados Statistical Service in capturing and analyzing data on unpaid care work by providing computer tablets, engaging field officers, and preparing the final report.
Isiuwa Iyahen, Deputy Representative of UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) for the Caribbean, emphasized the importance of aligning population dynamics with the care economy. She highlighted the need for policy solutions that encourage family formation while respecting sexual and reproductive rights: “Let’s look at the mix of policy solutions that will encourage you to participate in the paid care economy but meet your obligations to your families.”
Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, reflected on the programme as a steppingstone for building more resilient, prosperous, and equitable societies:
“We must sustain this momentum and continue to prioritize data-driven solutions, gender-sensitive policies, and inclusive approaches to development.”
The programme also received high praise from national partners during the close-out meeting. Patrick McCaskie, Permanent Secretary in Barbados’ Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment, stressed the importance of celebrating the programme’s successes while addressing challenges and lessons learned. “The Government of Barbados is fully committed to pursuing inclusive, people-centered, and resilient development that leaves no one behind,” he stated.
Teresena Fergus, Director of Social Services in Montserrat, highlighted the programme’s role in advancing rights-based population policies and enhancing data-driven decision-making. “Let us celebrate our progress, examine the challenges, and set a robust course for sustaining the strides we have made together,” she encouraged.
The frameworks and tools developed under the programme promise continued impact, driving inclusive growth and equitable development toward 2030. Supported by the 2022–2026 Strategic Plans of UNFPA and UN Women and the ongoing partnership of the UN Development System, the results achieved serve as a model for sustainable development strategies across the region.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
