CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC—The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has signed a partnership agreement with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) that will directly impact the lives of children and young people across the nine-member subregional grouping.
The agreement supports the OECS Human and Social Development Strategy, focusing on key areas aligned with UNICEF and OECS missions. These areas include child protection, social protection, inclusive education, youth engagement, and climate and resilience.
“UNICEF represents one of the finest examples of collaboration and partnership between the OECS and a UN Agency,” said OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules.
“This partnership is distinct, with active discussions and engagement on concepts, ideas, and experiences that enrich both organizations,” he said, noting that the new OECS-UNICEF partnership extends to include British Overseas Territories as Associated Members.
Jules commended UNICEF’s continuous support in strengthening integration within the OECS.
UNICEF representative for the Eastern Caribbean, Pieter Bult, underscored the importance of the close relationship with the OECS, saying, “Our partnership with the OECS is invaluable.
“We aim to make the OECS more effective, especially in areas of joint interest, and for our teams to work closer together on planning and implementing projects,” Bult said, emphasizing the unique challenges facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the OECS as another area priority.
“Children’s lives cannot be addressed through a sectoral lens. We need to see the collective impact of our interventions to achieve real progress. There is still much work to do, especially with increasing child poverty post-COVID and the need to focus on Early childhood education. With the OECS’s help, we hope to make a significant difference,” Bult added.
The OECS said it plans to increase the visibility of UNICEF-funded programs, including beneficiary testimonials and a documentary highlighting key milestones and successes of the long-standing partnership.
“In all our partnerships, our partners’ flag will fly equally high beside ours,” Jules said.
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