Mauritius reviews progress under UN Development Cooperation Framework

Progress in advancing Mauritius’ development priorities through the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024–2028, was reviewed today during the second meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC 2), held at The Maritim Resort and Spa, Balaclava.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade and the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator’s Office, the meeting focused on reviewing implementation, strengthening coordination and ensuring that UN-supported initiatives remain aligned with national priorities.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Dhananjay Ramful, and the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh. The Minister of Education and Human Resource, Dr Mahend Gungapersad, and the Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Hambyrajen Narsinghen, were also present, along with other personalities.

In his keynote address, Minister Ramful highlighted that the UNSDCF is structured around three pillars — People, Planet and Prosperity — covering human development, environmental sustainability and economic development. While progress has been made under the People and Prosperity pillars, he pointed to the need for greater efforts under the Planet pillar, particularly in view of Mauritius’ vulnerability to climate change.

Referring to the need for increased focus on climate change, resilience and adaptation projects, the Minister cited the World Bank’s Country Climate and Development Report, which estimates that some US$5.6 billion in additional investment will be required over the next 25 years to support Mauritius’ resilient and sustainable development. He therefore emphasised the importance of mobilising the necessary financial resources, with the support of the UN and other development partners, to advance the country’s resilience and adaptation objectives.

Minister Ramful also called for projects implemented under the Framework to remain aligned with national priorities, citing water and the fight against drugs among areas requiring continued attention and coordinated action. He urged UN agencies and other partners to support the development of appropriate policies and initiatives in these areas. He moreover highlighted the role of representatives of participating Ministries in monitoring progress in their respective sectors and ensuring that implementation of the UNSDCF remains responsive to Government priorities.

For her part, Ms Singh described the JSC as an annual platform for the Government and the UN Country Team to review progress and make adjustments where necessary. She stated that more than 24 UN agencies were working in Mauritius under the UNSDCF, with around Rs 3.3 billion of the Rs 3.6 billion funding framework already mobilised through grants. She referred to UN-supported initiatives in areas including climate and economic resilience, youth, drugs and digital transformation, including the development of the National Drug Master Plan, AI Blueprint and Digital Roadmap.

01 October 2026

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Topics: Foreign Affairs, Bilateral cooperation