Belize Becomes First to Sign Regional UN Development Framework
Belize has become the first country to sign a new United Nations framework for the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, committing to a five-year partnership to advance national development and improve the lives of vulnerable communities.
The Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) for 2027 to 2031 was signed during United Nations Week. Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca said the agreement builds on existing cooperation between Belize and the UN.
“Working alongside the United Nations and its agencies, Belize has advanced important initiatives in education, social protection, climate action and resilience, justice reform and health,” said Fonseca.
According to Fonseca, it reflects the government’s commitment to international cooperation, the partnership with the UN development system and building a more resilient Belize.
“The 2027-2031 framework must translate our commitments into action on the ground, strengthen national capacities and improve our ability to respond to today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s,” he said.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Raul Salazar said the framework covers 22 countries and territories and establishes shared priorities for the region.
According to Salazar, 15 UN agencies were implementing 171 programmes in Belize in 2026, covering a range of development priorities.
“The work that we have done includes food system and rural livelihoods, school feeding, education, decent work, child protection, social protection, climate resilience… the initiative of solar panels in schools, disaster preparedness, and also supporting justice sector reform.”
He said the new framework would help coordinate those efforts more closely, ensuring that UN agencies complement one another and align their support with the government’s development priorities.