BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Barbados has become the first country in the Caribbean to launch the first electric United Nations sustainable development goals (SDG)-branded bus, allowing citizens to learn more about the UN initiative.
The SDG bus, a joint effort between the United Nations, the private sector, and the Barbados government, was launched at the UN House as part of a global #ACT Now Campaign to inspire people everywhere to act for the SDGs. Efforts are underway to attract further private-sector investment to expand the initiative to other buses.
The branded electric bus, which features the vibrant colors of the 17 SDGs wrapped on both sides, and messaging promoting the importance of the global goals, was launched in partnership with the primary sponsor CG United Insurance Limited, the Barbados Transport Board, and the Office of the Prime Minister. It is part of the Barbados Transport Board’s fleet of 59 electric buses.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, with responsibility for the SDGs, Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, described the initiative as an exemplar, particularly for SDG17, which is about the partnership, noting that it was in keeping with Barbados’ goal of becoming the first SIDS with 100 percent renewable and carbon neutral by 2030, with Barbados having the highest penetration of Transport Board electric vehicles.
“The spirit of SDG 17 recognizes that we cannot as a nation, as people, achieve the SDGs on our own, but that we need collaboration at different levels to be able to do so. SDG 17 calls on governments, the private sector, the UN, and other development agencies to be able to put our hands to the toil to lift this humongous task that we have for our society and our people.
“It requires us to step back from ourselves sometimes and see the bigger picture – the fate of humanity that we have, and the challenges that we face, and agree together that we will work to be able to address those challenges,” she said.
Chief executive officer of United Insurance Limited, Randy Graham, said his company was happy to be one of the first in the private sector to answer the call to support this effort, being aware of the impact that individual behaviors can have on the environment, our people, and our businesses.
“As a member of the United Nations Global Compact, we know our Company’s role in our region’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Being a responsible corporate citizen, we have begun our journey to align our practices to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for the people of Barbados and the regional markets in which we live and operate,” he said.
Chief Operations Officer of the Barbados Transport Board, Lynda Holder, described the launch as a ‘significant step towards a brighter future.’
“The SDGs outlined by the UN are meant to serve as a compass for global efforts to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, and as responsible corporate citizens, we recognize the importance of aligning our operations with those global goals to create a positive impact.”
and then 