GUYANA has endorsed UNICEF’s new Multi-Country Programme Document (MCPD) for 2027–2031, highlighting its alignment with national priorities aimed at improving the well-being and development of children.
Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Trishala Persaud, made the position known on Wednesday during the Second Session of the Executive Board of UNICEF, while welcoming the organisation’s continued support and collaboration with Guyana.
Persaud, in brief remarks, indicated that Guyana welcomed the strategic shift in UNICEF’s approach from project-based implementation to evidence-based solutions grounded in reliable data.
She noted that the programme document reflects many of the realities confronting the Caribbean, particularly the region’s high exposure to climate-related shocks and socio-economic pressures.
According to Persaud, the emphasis on strengthening data systems and regional co-operation through CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) would help ensure investments reach children who are disproportionately affected by these challenges.
Guyana, she said, supports the three programme outcomes outlined in the MCPD, which Persaud said closely align with the country’s national priorities.
She identified child-poverty reduction as a key priority, pointing to the government’s investments in education, health and social protection and saying that sustained and targetted efforts were yielding positive results for children.
Persaud also highlighted UNICEF’s focus on mental health, malnutrition and learning, noting that these areas complement several initiatives already being advanced in Guyana.
Among them are the expanded school-feeding programme, strengthened maternal and child-health services and efforts to advance early-childhood development through parenting programmes.
She also welcomed the programme’s emphasis on integrating mental health and psychosocial support into primary healthcare, saying this would complement Guyana’s efforts to expand school-based counselling and community mental health outreach.
On child protection, Persaud said UNICEF’s focus on digitally enabled child-protection systems, survivor-centred services and scholastic violence prevention was critical.
She added that UNICEF’s support for child-centred disaster risk reduction would strengthen Guyana’s ability to protect children, including those in hinterland and Indigenous communities, and those affected by migration pressures.
Persaud further encouraged UNICEF to continue mobilising predictable and flexible financing to support the MCPD’s objectives.
She said Guyana looks forward to working with UNICEF and regional partners to ensure that children across Guyana and the Caribbean can enjoy their rights and realise their full potential.