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ST. KITTS AND NEVIS (WINN) – St. Kitts and Nevis has been awarded three grants from UNESCO to strengthen initiatives in education, biodiversity and gender policy, in line with the country’s pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Saint Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO has announced that the Federation will receive approximately US$60,000 under the UNESCO Participation Programme. The funds will be used to complete the National Qualifications Programme, implement the National Gender Policy Framework, and develop a plan to transform the Saint Mary’s Biosphere Reserve into a plastic-free zone.
Focus on education and certification
Part of the funding will be used to strengthen education within the alliance, particularly the professionalization of the teaching workforce, the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into the curriculum, and the strengthening of the national accreditation framework.
Dorothy Werner, secretary general of the national committee, said the funding was aimed at improving teaching standards, integrating sustainable development into education and ensuring the certification system met international standards.
Two UNESCO-appointed experts are expected to return to St. Kitts and Nevis early next year to assist in the finalization of the national accreditation framework. Their work will involve establishing a system for reviewing and approving higher education qualifications, ensuring that educational outcomes meet the Federation’s labour market needs.
Advancing gender policy and environmental sustainability
The grants will also help implement a national gender policy framework that promotes gender equality. In addition, UNESCO funding will help develop a strategy to transform the Sainte-Marie Biosphere Reserve into a plastic-free zone, reflecting the Federation’s focus on environmental sustainability.
Minister responsible for UNESCO, Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, said the support will help St. Kitts and Nevis initiatives in education, gender equality and environmental protection.
Ongoing projects and collaborations
These new grants will complement ongoing projects between Saint Kitts and Nevis and UNESCO, which include:
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National Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Campaign: This campaign to preserve local customs and traditions is about to complete its first phase. The National ICH Framework is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet by the end of 2024.
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Water Data Collection Program: This project is dedicated to collecting data for technical and policy analysis to guide decision-making related to water use.
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Biodiversity and sustainable agriculture: A framework for mobilizing funds is currently being prepared to expand investment in the Sainte-Marie Biosphere Reserve, focusing on sustainable agriculture, including greenhouse cultivation.
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Compliance with Anti-Doping Regulations in Sports: The National Sports Committee is working towards full compliance with anti-doping standards in sports and has currently reached 73.8%.
H.E. David Doyle, the Federation’s Ambassador to UNESCO, noted the importance of continued collaboration between the Federation’s ministries, the SKN National Commission and its Permanent Delegation to UNESCO. “The expertise provided through UNESCO has the potential to contribute positively in areas as diverse as education and environmental sustainability,” Doyle said.
As Saint Kitts and Nevis continues to work towards achieving its Sustainable Development Goals, its collaboration with UNESCO remains vital in advancing these efforts.
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