On Monday, August 4, Katy Thompson, the new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Guyana and Suriname, formally presented her credentials to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva. This meeting marked the official start of her tenure in Suriname and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting the country’s national development priorities.

Ms. Thompson expressed her gratitude for the Ministry’s continued partnership and support in UNDP implementing the development programme in Suriname.

UNDP commends Suriname’s achievement in preparing and submitting its second Voluntary National Review (VNR), which reported on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that no one is left behind. This builds on the first VNR from 2022, which focused on SDGs 4, 8, 13, and 17. UNDP is proud to have contributed to both reviews.

Under the 2022–2026 Country Programme Document (CPD), signed in 2022, UNDP has actively supported Suriname across multiple sectors. These include post-pandemic recovery, conservation of the Amazon rainforest to maintain 90% forest cover, and social support for Indigenous and Tribal Peoples through the SDG Fund Joint Programme. UNDP has also contributed to initiatives targeting artisanal and small-scale gold mining, sustainable forest management through the Amazon Sustainable Landscape Projects, and the national digital strategy.

Furthermore, UNDP supports Suriname in the development of the National Digital Strategy 2023-2030. The strategy is designed to support Suriname’s transition into a digitally inclusive society by laying the foundation for accessible, secure, and citizen-centric digital services. It aims to harness technology as a catalyst for national growth, innovation, and improved public service delivery. The strategy is based on six strategic priorities, each addressing key areas crucial to digital transformation: Strengthening digital infrastructure, providing accessible and affordable internet, delivering digital identity, improving access to government services ensuring hybrid and remote education, increasing awareness, and creating a mindset shift.

In the area of electoral support, UNDP assisted with the procurement of electoral equipment and the capacity strengthening of electoral bodies, reinforcing democratic processes in the country.

UNDP looks forward to continued collaboration with the Ministry and the Government of Suriname to advance sustainable development and inclusive growth under the current CPD and the next programme period 2027–2031 including scaled-up cooperation and support in sourcing expert technical assistance.