Paramaribo, Suriname – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Suriname today launched the Introductory Certificate in Public Procurement, the second level of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) certification programme. The training, which began on Tuesday, May 19, brings together partner organizations and project personnel actively engaged in procurement processes.

This capacity-building initiative aims to equip participants with practical tools and strategic insights to enhance the effectiveness and resilience of procurement systems. The training focuses on improving understanding of procurement processes while raising awareness of how external factors, such as weather events and geopolitical developments, can impact procurement outcomes. Participants are also introduced to methods for identifying and mitigating procurement-related risks.

The training is led by Mr. Hugo Barillas, UNDP Regional Procurement Advisor, who emphasized that procurement involves the acquisition of goods and services within defined scope, timelines, and conditions to meet specific needs. He underscored the critical importance of proper planning to prevent unforeseen expenses, scope changes, and implementation challenges.

Mr. Barillas further guided participants through both tactical and operational aspects of procurement, highlighting common pitfalls and offering practical solutions to address them. He also introduced different procurement methods and strategies for improving efficiency and accountability.

A total of 25 participants are taking part in the training, representing a wide range of governmental and institutional stakeholders. These include the Ministries of Oil, Gas and Environment; Natural Resources; Land Policy and Forest Management; Regional Development, as well as the National Environmental Authority (NMA) and the Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control (SBB). Participants also include representatives from ongoing projects such as the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes (ASL) initiative, the Mangrove+ Project, and UNDP staff.

The training programme is part of UNDP’s ongoing commitment to strengthening institutional capacity in Suriname. By enhancing procurement knowledge and skills, UNDP aims to support more efficient, transparent, and resilient public sector operations.

The training will continue throughout the week and is scheduled to conclude on Friday, May 22, 2026.