BASSETERRE, St Kitts — STUDENTS, educators, government officials and communities across St Kitts and Nevis joined the United Nations in marking its 81st anniversary through activities highlighting the importance of partnership and collective action in building a more sustainable and resilient future.
Organised by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, together with UN agencies represented in the Federation, the activities formed part of United Nations Day 2026 celebrations and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the country’s Sustainable Island State vision and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A key part of the observance was a series of visits to primary and secondary schools across the Federation, where Cosbert Woods, UN Country Coordination Officer for St Kitts and Nevis, and representatives of locally based UN agencies engaged more than 75 students.
Through interactive discussions, students learned about the work of the United Nations and its agencies, including programmes supporting communities across the country. They were also encouraged to consider how they could contribute to addressing climate change, environmental sustainability, inequality and community wellbeing.
“Young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; they are partners in progress today. By bringing the SDGs into classrooms, we are helping students see that their ideas and actions can shape a more resilient and sustainable St Kitts and Nevis,” Woods said.
The school visits received positive feedback from educators, several of whom expressed interest in further engagement to help students translate their understanding of the SDGs into practical action, particularly in climate resilience and environmental protection.
The UN's anniversary activities also included participation in the Government’s Sustainability Symposium on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
At an information booth, UN representatives showcased programmes, projects and partnerships supporting national development priorities and sustainable development across the Federation.
The symposium brought together departments and units within the Ministries of Sustainable Development and Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment to highlight their contributions to the seven pillars of the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA).
Through dramatic presentations, videos, songs, poetry and costumes, government departments demonstrated how the pillars are being advanced in their respective areas of work. Members of the UN in-country team served as judges, recognising the creativity and commitment of public officers.
Beyond the presentations, the showcase highlighted an important point: building a sustainable island state is not solely a government responsibility. It requires participation, innovation and cooperation across all sectors of society.
The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and locally based UN representatives thanked Honourable Dr Joyelle Clarke, Minister responsible for Sustainable Development and Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, for the opportunity to collaborate on the initiative. They also recognised the contributions of participating ministries, departments, educators and students.
As the United Nations marks 81 years of international cooperation, the activities in St Kitts and Nevis served as a reminder that global development goals take on greater meaning when communities understand them and have opportunities to contribute.
The UN said it looks forward to strengthening its partnerships with the Government, civil society, the private sector, educational institutions and communities to accelerate progress towards the SDGs and advance the Sustainable Island State Agenda.
