PRIME MINISTER ENGAGES WITH UNDP ON MAJOR INITIATIVES FOR NATIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

[UNITED VOICE]

PRIME MINISTER ENGAGES WITH UNDP ON MAJOR INITIATIVES FOR NATIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

On Thursday 7 August 2025, the Prime Minister along with Ministers of Finance and Planning met with UNDP Resident Representative to T&T Mr Ugo Blanco, who outlined three key proposals:

Social High Impact Fund for Trinidad and Tobago (SHIFTT): A UNDP-managed initiative to channel private sector financing to NGOs, civil society organisations, and SMEs, targeting the mobilisation of USD 20 million over three years, in partnership with the Ministry of Planning.

Regional Launch of the 2025 Human Development Report: Hosting the Latin America and Caribbean regional launch in Trinidad and Tobago, positioning the country as a leader in regional development discourse.

Youth Forum: Establishment of a national platform to train, mentor, and empower youth from diverse backgrounds—particularly those from rural, vulnerable, and agricultural sectors—through co-leadership with a line ministry.

The UNDP emphasised that these initiatives are closely aligned with the Government’s vision for driving economic growth and sustainable development in Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean. 

These investments form part of the broader national effort to attract investment, create jobs, and deliver meaningful benefits for the people and the nation.

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