In keeping with the strong partnership between Jamaica and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Prime Minister Andrew Holness met with the UNDP Administrator and United Nations Under-Secretary-General Alexander De Croo to discuss how to continue building on this collaboration for the benefit of Jamaica.

Their discussions focused on supporting economic growth, strengthening climate resilience, and ensuring that development efforts create lasting impact for communities across the island.

Holness emphasised that Jamaica has long enjoyed a strong and productive partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, working together to advance sustainable development and improve opportunities for citizens.

“I welcome the continued partnership with the UNDP as we work together to deliver meaningful and sustainable development for Jamaica,” Holness said.

Jamaica and the United Nations Development Programme share a partnership of more than 50 years, and the UNDP has been a reliable partner in supporting development, particularly in citizen security, justice, and climate action.

“I also want to thank the UNDP for the quick support provided after Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Melissa, which assisted our recovery efforts. Following the hurricanes, we implemented a three-phase national response. We moved quickly through humanitarian relief and have now completed the recovery phase, restoring about 99 per cent of electricity, water, and other public utilities, with most schools back in operation,” the prime minister added

Holness declared that housing remains a major challenge, with over 90,000 homes affected, but highlighted that the government has already distributed more than five billion Jamaican dollars in support to impacted households, with additional assistance to follow.

“We are now entering the reconstruction phase, focusing on rebuilding and strengthening infrastructure to make Jamaica more resilient to future climate events. We look forward to continued cooperation with the UNDP in this effort, as well as in advancing our digital transformation and efforts to reduce violence and build lasting peace in our society,” Holness said.