President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, Vice President Gregorey Rusland and Ministers | Photo: UNDP Suriname/Rafael Jantz

Paramaribo, Suriname. 3 August 2026 – As Suriname stands on the threshold of significant economic transformation, leaders from government, business, academia, civil society and the international community have come together to answer a critical question: how can the country's emerging opportunities be translated into sustainable development and prosperity for current and future generations?

The process began today with the launch of the National Development Summit (NDS), a national dialogue designed to help shape Suriname's long-term development vision and identify the priorities required to build a more resilient, diversified and inclusive economy. It comes at a critical juncture, as Suriname seeks to leverage emerging opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Summit provides a platform for stakeholders to contribute to a shared roadmap for the country's future, strengthening long-term planning and supporting inclusive development pathways. 

Representatives from the UNDP Country Office Suriname | Photo: UNDP Suriname/Rafael Jantz

President H.E. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons highlighted key priorities for Suriname’s development, including strengthening local content, enhancing national financing mechanisms and supporting productive industries such as agriculture. President Geerlings-Simons underscored the importance of creating the conditions needed for sustainable growth and fostering stronger and more resilient economic sectors.

Vice President H.E. Gregory Rusland emphasised that revenues from Suriname's emerging oil and gas sector should be used to support long-term structural transformation, including economic diversification, environmental sustainability and national resilience.

Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment, H.E. Patrick Brunings, stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are broadly shared across society. He called for coordinated action to strengthen local skills, services and enabling policies while emphasising the importance of engaging Indigenous and Tribal Peoples (ITPs) in shaping Suriname's development trajectory.

To support evidence-based planning, participants also heard from Devin Diran, Energy Transition and Digitalisation Scientist at TNO, who explored global trends likely to shape development over the coming decades. From climate change and technological innovation to demographic shifts and evolving geopolitical realities, his presentation highlighted the importance of taking a forward-looking approach to policymaking in an increasingly complex world.

Addressing one of the priority issues identified through the national survey, Minister of Internal Affairs, Marinus Bee, presented ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector. He highlighted measures to improve the management of public service records and enhance administrative processes across government institutions, underscoring the government's commitment to building a more responsive and accountable public administration.

Building on these efforts, Chair of the National Development Platform, Karel Eckhorst, outlined the Platform's vision for translating dialogue into action. He emphasised that investments in human capital, institutional strengthening, entrepreneurship, and good governance will be essential to achieving long-term national development goals.

UNDP Suriname Resident Representative, Katy Thompson, talking to Economist Karl Eckhorst | Photo: UNDP Suriname/Rafael Jantz

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, UNDP Suriname Resident Representative Katy Thompson underscored the importance of long-term planning and inclusive dialogue in shaping Suriname’s future. "Planning today is how we build the future we want tomorrow,” she said. The Resident Representative noted that bringing together diverse perspectives, experiences and expertise can support the development of a shared vision for Suriname’s future, and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting the country’s long-term development ambitions. 

The launch marks the beginning of a broader process that will continue through thematic Summit sessions on 10 and 11 August and a third session in October. Together, these consultations will contribute to the identification of strategic priorities and development pathways to guide Suriname's vision for 2050.