Belmopan, Belize, 4 December 2024 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize, in collaboration with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, has launched a transformative initiative aimed at improving the lives of rural communities in Southern Belize. Supported by the Joint SDG Fund, this joint programme aligns with Belize’s commitment to sustainable development and universal access to essential services.
The initiative, Driving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Progress through Solar Energy and WASH Innovations, is backed by a $250,000 grant from the Joint SDG Fund and will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF. It focuses on integrating renewable energy with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions to address the needs of vulnerable populations in rural areas. By enhancing access to these essential services, the programme aims to improve the well-being of at-risk communities while advancing Belize’s progress toward its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
This initiative represents Belize’s dedication to a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development path. A strong emphasis is placed on engaging youth and women in the planning and implementation stages to ensure all stakeholders have a voice in shaping its outcomes.
The official launch of this joint programme took place on December 4 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Conference Room, highlighting Belize’s progress in achieving its national development goals. This event reflects the enduring partnership between Belize and the United Nations, showcasing their shared commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive future.
Visit this link for the original publication by the Government of Belize Press Office.
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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.