– Guyana’s commitment to social justice, inclusive policies highlighted

IN a compelling address at the 62nd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD62) being held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, urged nations worldwide to prioritise social development and increase investments in vulnerable communities.

Minister Persaud commended the global community for sharing innovative frameworks to combat poverty, while underscoring Guyana’s proactive stance in addressing social challenges. She highlighted several significant initiatives and measures undertaken by the Guyanese government aimed at promoting social justice, employment opportunities, gender equality, and human rights protection.

“Our policies are aimed at increasing social justice, creating employment opportunities, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, good governance, respect for human rights, protection of the most vulnerable, and access to quality education and health services,” Minister Persaud emphasised.

She further revealed that Guyana has substantially increased its education budget, with a focus on providing free training programmes, particularly targetting individuals in rural and hinterland areas. With the achievement of universal primary education, the country is now on track to achieving universal access to secondary and free university education by 2025.

Moreover, Minister Persaud stressed the government’s commitment to women’s development, inclusion, and participation at all levels. She highlighted initiatives such as the Women’s Innovative and Investment Network (WIIN), which offers free training and empowers thousands of women in Guyana towards economic independence.

The minister also underscored the government’s dedication to persons with disabilities, emphasising budgetary allocations for financial assistance, vocational training, and access to support aids and microfinance for entrepreneurial ventures.

Additionally, Minister Persaud outlined comprehensive social and developmental programmes targetting family well-being, including parental training and support for children through the ‘Every Child Safe’ campaign. She emphasised the construction of day and night care facilities to support working parents, particularly single parents.

Minister Persaud concluded by emphasising the importance of international collaboration in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in financing social development efforts, especially in developing countries.

The ongoing dialogue on social development at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, themed ‘Fostering social development and social justice through social policies to accelerate progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve the overarching goal of poverty eradication,’ will continue until February 14.