Blogs

June 3, 2024
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Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Paving the Way for Trinidad and Tobago's Future

Welcome to the digital age! Technology isn’t just a futuristic buzzword anymore—it's our everyday reality, influencing how we shop, learn, work, and even connect. But beyond the flashy apps and the constant scrolling through social media feeds lies another transformative movement that holds the key to redefining how nations operate: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
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Innovation Challenges: Lessons from the UNDP Accelerator Lab

This blog explores the experiences of the UNDP Accelerator Lab in Trinidad and Tobago in implementing various innovation challenges to promote development.
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Turning Dreams into Reality: My Five-Year Journey of Empowerment and Transformation

My transformative experience with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) began in 2019 with their first peace-building project, originally named the Positive Deviance Pilot Project and later renamed "UpFull Hustlers" by its participants. This project played a pivotal role in reshaping my trajectory.
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"Innovative Peacebuilding: How Art, Sports and Support are Changing Lives!”

The holistic approach of PASMP—combining art, sports, and psychosocial support—had a profound impact on the girls. Participants reported personal growth, increased self-awareness, and a reduction in self-harming behaviors. One girl shared, “I did [self-harm] once but didn’t do any more self-harm since being in UNDP,” while another noted, “The art made me feel calm.” The program fostered healthier relationships, better conflict management, and a more positive outlook on their futures.
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From Digitisation to Transformation: Understanding Digital Government Part 1

A leading example of Digital Government Transformation is e-Estonia, where Estonia has harnessed digital technology to transform its government, economy, and society. Through the X-Road platform, a secure and decentralized data exchange system, nearly all government services are accessible online, allowing residents to vote, sign legal documents, pay taxes, and even establish and manage businesses remotely.
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"Floods, Droughts and Hurricanes: The New Climate Reality”

Hurricane Beryl has already left a trail of destruction from deaths to damage in a number of Caribbean islands such as Jamaica and Grenada, and led to flooding and coastal disruptions right here in Trinidad and Tobago.
“Turning Tides: Harnessing Multilateralism to Overcome Local and Global Challenges"

The recent 2023/24 Human Development Report by UNDP emphasizes the critical need for multilateralism to overcome the dangerous gridlock caused by political polarization, inequality, and fragmented global interdependence.
Harnessing the Sun and Paving a Green Energy Pathway for Trinidad and Tobago

As a Small Island Developing State, T&T is not a major emitter of greenhouse gases compared to larger more developed countries. However, like our Caribbean neighbours, we face some of the most devastating impacts of climate change. Previous generations have set us on a path of environmental destruction, and now it is our responsibility to heal the planet. Addressing climate change is crucial for limiting global temperature rise, protecting ecosystems, safeguarding human well-being, enhancing social equity, and promoting long-term sustainability.
How CariSECURE 2.0 Boosted Trinidad and Tobago's TIP Report Ranking

Trinidad and Tobago recently achieved a critical improvement in its ranking in the U.S. Department of State's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for 2024. This notable advancement is a testament to the country’s intensified efforts toward combating human trafficking. Among the pivotal contributors to this success is the CariSECURE 2.0 project, which has played a crucial role in enhancing the nation’s citizen security and strategic anti-trafficking measures.

Redefining Aquatic Waste within a Blue Circular Economy: The HALOS Project

Trinidad and Tobago, particularly Tobago, is famous for its stunning coral reefs, but sadly, they’re not immune to degradation. That’s why the Trinidad and Tobago Accelerator Lab embarked on an innovative project to help turn the tide: the “Habitats for Aquatic Life and Ocean Systems (HALOS) Project,” a collaborative effort with the UNDP Accelerator Lab and the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA).

Aruba: The Happy Island Committed to the Global Agenda for Sustainable Development

The successful renovation of the historic building at the University of Aruba that will house the SISSTEM faculty (Sustainable Island Solutions through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is a testament to the collaborative efforts between international partners and local stakeholders. This project, generously funded by the European Union, not only preserves Aruba’s cultural heritage but also enhances educational infrastructure, with the aim of empowering the next generation of scientists and professional in sustainable development. The strong ownership and satisfaction expressed by all partners underscore the importance of such collaborative initiatives in driving sustainable growth.
A Digital Leap for Caribbean Islands

The Digital Pathways for SIDS 2.0 conference is a springboard for the upcoming "Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States". By presenting a unified Caribbean vision on digitalization, we can ensure our voices are heard and our specific needs are addressed.
YOUTH PEACE AMBASSADORS PROGRAMME- FIELD TRIP TO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO COAST GUARD BASE

It is an honor to be a participant in the Youth Peace Ambassadors Programme. The UNDP continues to provide us with various life skills, techniques and encounters that help to change our mind-sets. This character development and capacity-building programme has allowed us to grow and has spurred us to excel in our individual fields of study and desired professions.

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