Good morning to all.

I am delighted to be here with you to deliver remarks on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme Multi Country Office in Jamaica at this important consultation on water security for all within the context of building resilience through human security.

In 1994, the concept of human security was first brought to life in UNDP’s Human Development Report as an approach that emphasizes freedom to live without want, fear and in dignity.  The human security paradigm ushered in a greater concern for people’ daily existence, how freely they are able to exercise choices, the access they have to economic and social opportunities, and whether they live in peace or conflict.  Standing in the way of these freedoms are often underlying insecurities that once properly identified, can be strategically and holistically addressed. In Jamaica, many communities are vulnerable and lacking resilience in crisis, precisely because of multiple human insecurities including water, climate change, unemployment, unemployability to name a few.  Recognizing that the complexity and interconnectedness of the human insecurities require a multi-sectoral, multi-dimensional and multi-level approach that is prevention-oriented, people-centered and partnership driven, the Government of Jamaica  has partnered with the United Nations Jamaica Joint Team with funding from the UN HUman Security Trust Fund, UN and Government to address these diverse challenges in a comprehensive and holistic manner. This partnership has been actualized through the “Strengthening human resilience in Northern Clarendon & West Kingston” Programme, which is a three-year initiative implemented under the “Delivering as One” approach.

A key component of the Programme is to support improvement in the policy and regulatory framework governing water resources management. Water is a precious resource that is vital to all areas of life, driving economic and social development. This resource must be managed adequately to ensure equitable access to all citizens and to prevent water scarcity. Today’s workshop marks an important landmark in  efforts to align the nation’s water resource management and corresponding legislation to international standards. Your presence today signals the intent, on the part of the government, to champion a participatory and coordinated approach to ensuring efficient, equitable and sustainable development and management of the nation’s limited water resources. and for coping with conflicting demands.

The discussions emanating from today’s consultation will be integral to finalizing the Integrated Water Resource Management approach and supporting the implementation of the recently developed National Water Sector Policy. It will facilitate the achievement of the programme goals, specifically Output 3: Improved environmental health and water security at the community, local and national levels. Notably this will also put Jamaica on track to secure Sustainable Development Goal number 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation and on SDG 16, for the promotionio of peaceful and inclusive societies, while leaving no one behind. We wish to commend the lead consultant, Mr. Rommel St. Hill, for his contribution to the process and the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation for their guidance and oversight in the management of the consultancy.

We reiterate our commitment to strengthening our existing partnership with local Civil Society Organizations as well as our Government partners in designing  flexible and impactful interventions to ease the challenges faced by the most vulnerable.

We look forward to fruitful discussions and enhanced collaboration as we work towards developing solutions that are beneficial, relevant and respectful to all.  

Thank you.