KINGSTON, Jamaica – The newly appointed United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Jamaica, Kishan Khoday, Friday presented his credentials to Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith.
The Canadian national will also represent UNDP in Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In welcoming the new Resident Representative, Johnson Smith highlighted the fruitful cooperation between Jamaica and the UN organisation, particularly in poverty reduction, climate change, disaster risk management, coral reef protection, and advancing gender equality.
She said these efforts are pivotal for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, showcasing the depth of the multilateral partnership and shared commitment to a sustainable future.
Khoday pledged continuing support for Jamaica’s development aspirations anchored on an inclusive and sustainable approach that leaves no one behind.
He said that through UNDP’s current Country Programme (CP) in Jamaica (2022-2026), UNDP offers a strategic approach to combating multidimensional poverty and advancing climate resilient, nature-based pathways, leveraging UNDP’s capacities in innovation, digitalization, and sustainable finance.
“As we near the 50th anniversary of UNDPs presence in Jamaica, I look forward to building on our long-standing history and expanding cooperation in a way that builds resilience to multi-dimensional crises and the many pressing challenges facing local communities across Jamaica and the region.
“This includes our partnerships in Jamaica for social inclusion and resilience; citizen safety, justice and the rule of law; gender equality and community empowerment; climate resilience and natural resource security,” he added.
Khoday has served with UNDP for 25 years, having coordinated more than one billion US dollars in country programming to help partners and communities around the world advance inclusive and sustainable development pathways.
A UINDP statement said that this included tours of duty with UNDP Country Offices in China, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia and with UNDP’s regional offices for the Middle East and North Africa based in Egypt and Jordan.
Prior to joining the UN, Khoday, a scientist and attorney, worked with government and community organizations in his home countries of Canada and India on issues of poverty reduction, ecological resilience, and community empowerment.
