I am honored to have the opportunity to address you this morning. I am doing so in two capacities. Firstly, on my own behalf as the United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Brazil, and secondly, on behalf of my colleague, the UN Resident Coordinator for Suriname, Mr. Richard Blewitt, who, for reasons beyond his control, could not be here with us today. Richard Blewitt, is however represented by his UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Mr. Armstrong Alexis, who has traveled to Brasilia with the visiting Delegation from Suriname.

Madam Minister of Suriname, distinguished Ambassadors,

UNDP has been a trusted partner supporting development efforts in Suriname since April 1978. Our Country Office in Paramaribo has over the years engendered a strong partnership and valuable working relationship with the government and people of Suriname, and we are honored to be amongst your most trusted partners for development and advancement of your country and its citizens.

One little known fact is that Brasilia serves as a diplomatic hub for Suriname. There are 33 embassies that are accredited to Suriname, many of whom are represented here this morning. While I am certain Minister Yldiz Pollack-Beighle will offer her own gratitude to you for being here, I wish to thank you, on behalf of UNDP for taking the time to participate in this Round Table discussion that is focused on priority development opportunities for Suriname. It is my hope, that by the end of today’s meeting, we will gain a better understanding of the development priorities for Suriname and perhaps receive some initial reactions from you about how you, as accredited bilateral partners, may be able to support the efforts of the Government of Suriname.

Today’s event is the result of a joint effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Suriname and UNDP Suriname Country Office. The idea emerged out of ongoing dialogue about how best to engage the international community, friendly governments, and the multilateral system in efforts to strengthen partnerships and contribute to national development. Now that the government of Suriname has endorsed its 2017-2021 National Development Plan, and UNDP has formulated its Country Programme Document covering the same period, the priorities for development are well defined. And the contribution of all partners will be both necessary and critical, to ensure that the plans and priorities are translated into meaningful, tangible, measurable, and beneficial outcomes.

It is worth mentioning that cooperation between Brazil, donor countries and Suriname already exists. In fact, according to ABC, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency, there are 15 ongoing south-south cooperation projects. For example, there is a project to support the improvement of Suriname´s upland rice cultivation. The project is managed by UNDP and equally financed by Brazil and the Government of New Zealand. It is foreseen that the project will have a strong impact in public policies with an important increase in the productivity of rice production. I am sure many more opportunities could be explored in other priority areas.

I welcome the commitment of the Government of Suriname to embrace the 2030 development agenda, and your efforts to leave no one behind. As you translate the SDGs into meaningful action, you can count on the UN System in Suriname, to be a partner, a champion, and an advocate for equal opportunity for all. We understand that the needs of Suriname are plenty, and we wish your Government well as you strive to overcome the challenges associated with the 2015/2016 financial and economic crisis. We recognize that the support of the international community will continue to have great relevance, and despite Suriname’s current categorization as a middle-income country; we are very aware of the challenges you face to fulfill all the development demands of your citizens.

UNDP is with you on this journey, and I urge my colleagues of the international community, the accredited embassies, and the multilateral system, to join UNDP in identifying areas of interest where we can all contribute.

During today’s discussion, you will be exposed to many areas of priority. I hope that such exposure will set the ball rolling for a deeper conversation about how, we as an international community, can help Suriname achieve results across the various facets of its development plan.

Finally, I want to reiterate, UNDP’s pledge to work closely with the Government and the international community to achieve meaningful development gains by 2030. Our 2017-2021 Country Programme Document for Suriname, emphasizes Development with the People as the underpinning for all the inter-related interventions we undertake in the country. I invite you to explore further with us, how you may be able to partner with UNDP Suriname, to deliver on its commitment to the government and people of Suriname.

While this dialogue is a half day event, Mr. Armstrong Alexis will remain behind for one additional day to hold bilateral discussion with you. I encourage you to reach out to him to discuss ways of increasing your footprint in Suriname.

Inclosing, I wish Minister Pollack-Beighle and her team, much success while in Brasilia. I understand this is the first time that such a dialogue is being undertaken and I wish everyone success. UNDP values the partnership we have with the Government of Suriname and we look forward to expanding our relations with you, the ambassadors in Brasilia. I look forward to the successful outcome of todays engagement.

Thank you. Muito obrigado. Muchas gracias.