In order to achieve its outcomes, the programme will strengthen the capacity of national partners in their ability to design and implement social protection programs, specifically those which are integrated with other public policies. In an effort to address the core issues of service deprivation and inadequate social protection coverage, the programme will also improve the capacities of the Government of Belize’s partner ministries to expand and deepen social protection coverage. In order to help those households whose incomes and livelihoods were hurt by Covid-19, the programme will also strengthen the entrepreneurial environment for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises with the ultimate goal of generating greater economic activity on a local scale.

Beneficiary Country

Belize

Total budget:

US $990,400

UN Agencies:

UNICEF, ILO, WFP

National Partners:

Office of Prime Minister; Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment; Ministry of Human Development, Families & Indigenous People’s Affairs; Ministry of Youth, Sports & E-Governance; Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government; Belize Trade and Investment Development Service; Development Finance Corporation; Social Security Board; National Emergency Management Organization; Statistical Institute of Belize; Municipal and Village Councils

Relevant Joint SDG Fund outcomes

Outcomes

As per the draft “United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean 2022-2026”, the joint programme will contribute to two priority areas:

Priority Area 1: Shared prosperity and economic resilience

Under the overall objective of enhancing economic resilience and increasing shared prosperity, the UN will contribute to two specific outcomes:

Outcome 1: more productive and competitive business ecosystem designed to improve people’s standards of living and well-being;

Outcome 2: The Caribbean has fully transitioned to a more diversified and sustainable economy that supports inclusive and resilient economic growth.

 

Priority Area 2: Equality, well-being, and leaving no one behind

Under the second priority area, the UN will contribute to two specific outcomes to boost equality, improve well-being, and remove the obstacles that prevent people in the Caribbean, particularly vulnerable groups, from living healthier, more empowered lives.

Outcome 3: National governments and regional institutions use relevant data and information to guide and inform the design and adopt laws and policies to eliminate discrimination, address structural inequalities and ensure the advancement of those at risk of being left furthest behind;

Outcome 4: People in the Caribbean equitably access and utilize universal, quality, and shock-responsive, social protection, education, health, and care services.

The Joint Programme aims to support the efforts of the GOB, UN, and partners to achieve the following results:

• By 2024, strengthen the resilience of vulnerable and poor groups by establishing a responsive social protection strategy that addresses the minimum living standards needs of people with disabilities, indigenous households, and workers in the informal sector (predominately women) by facilitating their access to, and benefits from, the Social Protection Floor.
• By 2024, strengthen local economic development (LED) and livelihoods in targeted municipalities, through a gender and youth sensitive value chain development approach to employment and decent work.