Monday 26 January has been officially proclaimed ‘National UNDP Day’ by Governor General of Jamaica, His Excellency the Most Honourable Patrick Linton Allen, in honour of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi-Country Office and its legacy of service to Jamaica.

The National UNDP Day Proclamation also calls for the year 2026 to be set aside to raise awareness on challenges and opportunities for sustainable, inclusive and resilient pathways of development, to recognize the importance of cooperation in achieving results, and to promote partnerships for Jamaica's development.

Citizens are further encouraged throughout the year to unite in a spirit of reflection on Jamaica’s important achievements; to recommit to continue the path ahead, and to express appreciation for UNDP’s solidarity and partnership with Jamaica over the past 50 years.

“I call upon our Government, community groups, public and private institutions, and citizens across our great nation to mark this milestone through meaningful activities that foster sustainability, inclusion, and resilience,” the Governor-General’s Proclamation stated.

Proclaimed exclusively for 2026, the 50th anniversary year of UNDPs Multi-Country Office in Jamaica, National UNDP Day recognizes UNDP’s vital role in supporting Jamaica’s national vision for poverty reduction, climate change and disaster resilience; citizen safety and security; democratic governance and access to justice, biodiversity and livelihoods sustainability; and resilient recovery from crises and disasters.

UNDP Resident Representative Dr Kishan Khoday in welcoming the Governor-General’s Proclamation expressed appreciation to the Governor General for promoting citizen action and national recommitment to partnerships in pursuit of a sustainable, inclusive and resilient pathway to development. "From the onset of UNDPs activities in Jamaica, we have worked in partnership to build the foundations for sustainable and inclusive development and to create opportunities for the nation to thrive. Five decades of pioneering solution and local impact, and more to come," Dr Khoday said.

UNDP kicks off a yearlong commemoration of its 50th anniversary of service by its Multi-Country Office to Jamaica on 26 January.  In honour of this significant milestone, UNDP has curated a year of commemorative activities with national partners under the theme, “A Legacy of Resilience: 50 Years and Counting”.