UNITED FOR CHANGE: The UN's Regional Initiatives / S8E25

In this episode, Jerome Sawyer interviews three distinguished guests from the United Nations who play pivotal roles in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. Dr. Dennis Zulu, the UN Resident Coordinator, explains the coordination of UN agencies to ensure cohesive implementation of programs in the Bahamas. Mr. Kanan Koda from the UNDP highlights efforts to build local capacities for social inclusion, climate resilience, and governance. Mr. Chrisen Hall from UNHCR discusses his role in providing protection for refugees and asylum seekers, emphasizing the Bahamas' adherence to international standards and the importance of aligning national policies with global protocols.

The discussion delves into the UN's support for economic development, healthcare, education, and disaster recovery in the Bahamas. The panel addresses the challenges of connecting local activities with broader regional agendas, such as the SIDS 4 conference's action plan for small island developing states. They emphasize the importance of technical assistance, capacity building, and collaborative efforts to address issues like migration, biodiversity, and reef resilience. The episode concludes with a look at future UN initiatives, including the establishment of a regional human rights office in the Bahamas and preparations for the Summit for the Future, aimed at planning for post-2030 sustainable development goals.