Belize representatives from the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Affairs attended a two-days forum spearheaded in partnership by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Caribbean and Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
The Caribbean Forum on Population and Development was conducted at the Royalton Antigua Resort, Antigua and Barbuda on September 4-5, 2023, The Caribbean Forum on Population and Development analyzed and promote action to address key population issues affecting the subregion, through a review of progress in the implementation of the Montevideo Consensus, the regional agenda for population, ten years on from its adoption.
Firstly, Mr. Dylan Williams, Director, Policy, and Planning Unit presented the Belize experience in the implementation of the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development in the Caribbean. Secondly, Ms. Michelle Irving, Executive Director, National Women's Commission engaged on a panel on intensifying regional commitments toward the ending of Gender-based Violence: efforts to prevent and respond to GBV in the Caribbean. Lastly, Ms. Dominga Cucul, Q’eqchi Maya, via virtual participation engaged on a youth panel focusing on a conversation about ensuring rights for all within the scope of the Montevideo Consensus. Other key areas discussed were population dynamics, ageing and social protection, international migration, data and digitalization, rights of persons with disabilities, afro-descendants, mental health, Indigenous peoples, the impact of climate change and economic and financial crises on existing inequalities, among others.
The Belize delegation comprised by: Marconi Leal, Chief Executive Officer, MHDFIPA; Dylan Williams, Director, Policy, and Planning Unit, MHDFIPA; Michelle Irving, Executive Director, National Women's Commission; Joan Burke-Skeen, Executive Director, Belize Family Life Association; and Ms. Dominga Cucul, Q’eqchi Maya who participated virtually. Special thanks to Ms. Tisa Grant, Liaison Officer, and Ms. Krista Barrow, Operation Officer, UNFPA Belize Office for supporting the Belize Delegation participation in the Caribbean Forum on Population and Development.
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