United Nations Development Programme Suriname

28/08/2026

Building stronger planning capacities for Suriname’s long-term development

With support from UNDP, the Planning Bureau Suriname successfully concluded its Public Policy Analysis and Results-Based Management training programme on 21 August 2026.

Since the programme began on 15 June, participants from 17 Ministerial Planning Units have strengthened essential skills in evidence-based policy analysis, strategic planning, results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, gender equality, inclusion and environmental sustainability.

The programme comes at a pivotal moment as Suriname advances its long-term development vision for 2027–2050 through the Suriname 3.0 Development Summit. These strengthened capacities will help turn national aspirations into practical policies, coordinated action and measurable results.

As the country seeks to translate opportunities from the oil and gas sector into sustainable, inclusive and diversified development, strong institutions and evidence-based policymaking will be critical to ensuring that no one is left behind.

Keynote speaker Mr. Karel Eckhorst, Chair of the Presidential National Development Platform, highlighted the importance of pairing economic growth with development and encouraged Ministerial Planning Units to become agents of change and leadership across the government. will also be at the center of the Plan Coordination Commission (PCC), which is one of the institutions (besides the Planning Bureau Suriname and the Planning Council) that will be established based on the 1973 Plan Act. This institution will consist of Permanent Secretaries of all ministries, advised and supported by the MPUs.

UNDP Suriname Deputy Resident Representative Berdi Berdiyev congratulated the participants and the Planning Bureau, encouraging them to apply their new knowledge to design effective policies, manage for results and deliver tangible benefits for every citizen.

In her closing address, Mrs. Lont emphasized the greatest value of the training to be in strengthening participant’s approach to policy, planning and results. Trainees were challenged improve their understanding of policy challenges, define clear results and responsibilities, use data more effectively, and strengthen the interconnection between planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. She stressed the important role of planning units in bringing these elements together within their respective ministries. Ultimately, the success of the training will translate to practice to support better policy decisions and improved results for all.

UNDP remains committed to working with the Government of Suriname to strengthen institutional capacities and advance sustainable, inclusive and resilient development.

Congratulations to all participants on this important milestone and on the work ahead to turn knowledge into action for the people of Suriname.

SustainableDevelopment

27/08/2026

A Stronger, More Resilient Suriname Starts with Better Weather Information 🌦️🇸🇷
Suriname has reached an important milestone with the approval and national launch of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) Programme. With an investment of of USD 2.6 million in the Suriname Meteorological Service under the Ministry of P***c Works and Spatial Planning. The programme will modernize meteorological observation infrastructure, strengthen data management and exchange, and build technical capacity over the next four years.
The programme will contribute to:
🌧️ More reliable weather forecasts
🌎 Stronger climate services
⚠️ Improved early warning systems
🛰️ Modern meteorological observation networks
🤝 Stronger national, regional and global data exchange
🌱 Greater climate resilience and disaster risk reduction
The national implementation phase was formally approved with the signing of the project on 3 July 2026. UNDP will be leading implementation in close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and Spatial Planning, the Suriname Meteorological Service, WMO, KNMI and other partners.
This investment is an important step toward a safer, more climate-resilient and sustainable Suriname, while strengthening the country's contribution to global meteorological data exchange.
Together, we are building a more resilient future for Suriname. 🇸🇷🌍

25/08/2026

Sharing the post of the Ministerie van Olie, Gas en Milieu on the validation session held in district Coronie on 12 August 2026, to gather input of locals to develop the GEF funded Project Document Climate Smart Agriculture project
Bic Coronie Berdiyev Thompson

20/08/2026

10/08/2026

[NL] Op vrijdag 24 juli 2026 organiseerde de Nationale Milieu Autoriteit (NMA), met ondersteuning van het EMSAGS-project (Improving Environmental Management in the Mining Sector of Suriname, with Emphasis on Artisanal and Small Scale Gold MIning), een Open Dag bij TBL Cinema’s. De Open Dag stond in het teken van het tweejarig bestaan van de NMA en trok ongeveer 190 bezoekers.
Het evenement werd officieel geopend door de Minister van Oil, Gas en Milieu, Z.E. Patrick Brunings. Vervolgens verzorgde de Directeur van de Nationale Milieu Autoriteit, mevrouw Vanuessa Gefferie, een presentatie waarin zij terugblikte op de ontwikkeling van de NMA in de-afgelopen twee jaar en de belangrijke rol van de organisatie bij de bescherming van het milieu en het bevorderen van duurzame ontwikkeling in Suriname.

Lees verder: https://go.undp.org/GMU

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[ENG] On Friday, July 24, 2026, the National Environmental Authority (NMA), with the support of the EMSAGS Project (Improving Environmental Management in the Mining Sector of Suriname, with Emphasis on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining), organized an Open Day at TBL Cinemas. The event marked the second anniversary of the NMA and attracted approximately 190 visitors.
The event was officially opened by the Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment, Mr. Patrick Bruning. This was followed by a presentation from Ms. Vanuessa Gefferie, Director of the National Environmental Authority, who reflected on the NMA's development over the past two years and highlighted the organization's important role in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in Suriname.

Read the full article: https://go.undp.org/GMU

07/08/2026

[NL] Hoe ziet de toekomst van eruit?
Afgelopen maandag kwamen leiders uit de overheid, de private sector, de academische wereld, ontwikkelingspartners en internationale organisaties samen om die vraag te beginnen beantwoorden tijdens de lancering van de National Development Summit ( ).
Met ondersteuning van UNDP via het Climate Promise Project creëert de Summit ruimte voor een inclusieve nationale dialoog om vorm te geven aan een duurzamere, meer gediversifieerde en weerbare toekomst voor Suriname.
"Door vandaag te plannen, bouwen we aan de toekomst die we morgen willen," aldus KatyThompson, Resident Representative van UNDP Suriname, tijdens het evenement. Daarmee onderstreepte zij het belang van langetermijnplanning en inclusieve ontwikkeling terwijl Suriname de koers uitzet voor zijn volgende hoofdstuk.

🔗Lees verder: https://go.undp.org/GxF

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[ENG] What does 's future look like?
Past Monday, leaders from government, the private sector, academia, development partners and international organisations came together to begin answering that question at the launch of the National Development Summit ( ).
Supported by UNDP through the Climate Promise Project, the Summit is creating space for an inclusive national dialogue to shape a more sustainable, diversified and resilient future for Suriname.
"Planning today is how we build the future we want tomorrow," noted UNDP Suriname Resident Representative Katy Thompson on the sidelines of the event, underscoring the importance of long-term, inclusive development as Suriname charts its next chapter.

🔗Read more: https://go.undp.org/GxF

06/08/2026

[NL] Van 2-9 juli reisde een delegatie van VIDS af naar Brazilië voor gesprekken over de cassaveziekte en meer. Op de eerste dag brengen ze een bezoek aan het inheemse productiebedrijf Uasei.

Leeg en verlaten. Zo treffen we de plaats aan wanneer we een bezoek brengen aan Uasei, gesitueerd langs de BR-156 highway, op 5 km van de stad. Wie niet beter weet, denkt dat dit inheems agro productiecentrum is ingeslapen. De hoge temperatuur en vochtigheid van de omgeving versterken dit vermoeden, maar niets is minder waar. Uasei, de inheemse benaming voor açaí (podosiri) staat vanaf 2021 model voor bio-economische ontwikkeling voor de inheemsen, gebaseerd op duurzaamheid, cultureel behoud en economische autonomie.

🔗Lees verder: https://go.undp.org/GGE

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[ENG] Between 2 and 9 July, a VIDS delegation traveled to Brazil for talks on cassava disease and beyond. Their first stop: Uasei, an indigenous production facility that tells a compelling story of resilience and innovation.

At first glance, Uasei looks deserted. Nestled along the BR-156 highway, just five kilometers from town, the facility stands quiet under the sweltering heat and humidity of the Amazon. To the casual passerby, it might seem like another dormant outpost. But appearances deceive. Uasei—the indigenous word for açaí (podosiri)—has been a beacon of bio-economic development for indigenous communities since 2021, built on the pillars of sustainability, cultural pride, and economic independence.

🔗Read the full article: https://go.undp.org/GGE

05/08/2026

🚨Procurement Notice🚨

UNDP Suriname invites qualified candidates to apply for the following:
Gender/Safeguards:
🔗Learn more and apply via: https://go.undp.org/pje

Monitor and Evaluation Consultant
🔗Learn more and apply via: https://go.undp.org/pjh

Eco Tourism Specialist
🔗Learn more and apply via: https://go.undp.org/pj8

📅Deadline for submissions extended: August 10, 2026

05/08/2026

[NL]Oiapoque, grensstadje met inheems museum

De bedoeling van het bezoek aan Oiapoque, dat grenst aan Brazilie met Frans Guyana, is om meer te weten over de cassaveheksenbezemziekte, welke al is ‘overgewaaid’ naar Suriname. Een tentoonstelling in het plaatselijk museum gaat hierover.

“Passeport, s'il vous plaît!”. Maar liefst vier keer, op vier verschillende plaatsen, hebben we vanmorgen deze vraag moeten horen in Frans Guyana. Een brief met aan de kop ‘Autorisation exceptionnelle d'entrée en Guyane’ kon niet elke controlepost meteen overtuigen - wel de visa stempel. Uiteindelijk, na tien uren reizen over de weg, rijden we over de brug over de Oiapoquerivier.
Het gelijknamige stadje met een populatie van circa 28.000 inwoners, wordt door sommigen beschreven als een grensstadje. Zoals elders in ruraal Brazilië is de aardbodem rood, de afwatering slecht en in het centrum, dat slechts twee stoplichten heeft, staat een wanorde van winkels met variedades.

🔗Lees verder: https://go.undp.org/GcS

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[ENG] Oiapoque, a Frontier Town with an Indigenous Museum
The purpose of the visit to Oiapoque, situated on the border between Brazil and French Guiana, is to learn more about the cassava witches' broom disease, which has already "spread" to Suriname. An exhibition at the local museum is dedicated to this subject.
"Passeport, s'il vous plaît!" No fewer than four times, at four different locations, we were asked this question this morning in French Guiana. A letter bearing the header "Autorisation exceptionnelle d'entrée en Guyane" did not immediately convince every checkpoint—but the visa stamp did. Eventually, after ten hours of travel by road, we drive across the bridge over the Oiapoque River.
The aforementioned town, with a population of approximately 28,000 inhabitants, is described by some as a frontier town. As elsewhere in rural Brazil, the soil is red, drainage is poor, and in the centre, which has only two traffic lights, a jumble of shops selling variedades lines the streets.

🔗Read the full article: https://go.undp.org/GcS

31/07/2026

Today, the Mangrove+ Project facilitated Policy Forum, the second of the “Advancing Mangrove Governance” series organized by the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment. This event builds on the findings of the Technical Symposium that was held on April 30th, in which experts and different stakeholders shared their insights for policy recommendations for mangrove Governance.
During the event a panel discussion with representatives from the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management, Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Husbandry and Fishery, WWF Guianas, and Green Heritage Fund Suriname. During the discussion, thoughts were shared on the responsible, accountable, consultation and informative role of the different stakeholders involved in the protection and conservation of Suriname’s mangrove ecosystems. The different stakeholders present continued with the discussions in three interactive breakout sessions.
During the first breakout session, the roles and responsibilities of the different organizations were presented through a RACI matrix. The discussions proceeded with identifying gaps in the field policy and regulations. The third breakout session focused on developing Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) for monitoring the effectiveness of future upcoming policies measures.
The results of this Policy Forum contribute to further development of an integrated and more resilient governance for the management of mangroves in Suriname, promoting a stronger basis for improved coordination between involved organizations, more effective policies and sustainable protection for the mangrove ecosystems.