United Nations Jamaica 76th Anniversary

Cooperation and coordination based on universal values The European Union (EU) joins in celebrating the 76 th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) and its founding Charter. The EU and the UN have been and continue to be natural partners here in Jamaica and across the globe. It is becoming increasingly evident that individual nation states acting alone lack the capacity to effectively address new and ongoing crises and threats across the globe. Cooperation and coordination based on universal values and rules are needed to navigate the emerging risks and opportunities. That is why the EU has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, with a strong UN system as the cornerstone. Here in Jamaica, the EU and UN share a steady partnership. The ‘One UN’ approach in the implementation of programmes and projects by UN agencies speaks to complementarity, efficient use of resources as well as a keen focus on inclusivity and impact over the long term. The EU is currently working in partnership with UN agencies, the Government of Jamaica and civil society groups through the Spotlight Initiative to eliminate family violence in key parishes. We have earmarked 8 million euros or approximately 1.3 billion Jamaican dollars to tackle gender-based violence in a more systematic and sustainable way. We are pleased that thus far, a State-run shelter to accommodate women and children who are victims of gender-based violence is now operational. Additionally, Domestic Violence Intervention Centres have been established by the Spotlight Initiative through the Jamaica Constabulary Force. The recent passage of the Sexual Harassment Bill in the Houses of Parliament is a step in the right direction for Jamaica’s development. We are pleased that submissions from the United Nations Development Programme, under Spotlight, helped to shape this important piece of legislation. The EU looks forward to full implementation in due course. At the same time, the move to create a safer Jamaica for women and girls continues. The 2021 Spotlight Initiative Work Plan aims to support the establishment of more national shelters for survivors of abuse and improve how healthcare workers, police officers, justice system personnel think about and respond to gender- based violence. Another EU-UN partnership relates to a major food systems assessment that is taking shape in Jamaica, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. A consultation workshop with relevant players was held in early September to think through the major challenges and opportunities for Jamaica’s food system and cultivate a roadmap for what a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system should look like. The EU and its Member States will continue to promote the value of and need for effective multilateralism, in a push to build a safer and more stable world. The COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to redefine what partnership means, especially within the Jamaican context, as we strive for inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and work relentlessly towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Her Excellency Marianne Van Steen Ambassador of the European Union to Jamaica MESSAGES 13 THE 76TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN JAMAICA