A signing ceremony of the two grant agreements with a total value of EUR 7.5 million (around BZD 16 million) was held today.

EU

Both initiatives underscore the vital role of the longstanding partnership between the United Nations system and the European Union in reducing barriers to inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in Belize.

UN Resident Coordinator for Belize and El Salvador, Raul Salazar stated that “the
partnership between the European Union and the United Nations is rooted in shared principles of multilateralism, peace, and sustainable development. This partnership through two new projects with ILO and IOM demonstrates our strong and collective commitment to support vulnerable communities and impact livelihoods in Belize.”

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On her part Her Excellency Dr. Erja Askola, EU Ambassador to Belize, indicated that “It is a great pleasure for me to be in Belize for the first time and witness such an important milestone of the EU partnership with Belize. This will have a significant transformational potential for new economic prospects in Belize, especially the southern and border areas.
Our common objective is to promote inclusive development, reduce inequalities and
stimulate sustainable economic growth. We will also support the strengthening of border management, security and trade facilitation capacities at land and maritime borders, which are all key priorities for Belize”.

The two (2) projects signed include:
The Participation, Ownership, and Sustainable Progress for Economic Resilience (PROSPER) project which is a four-year initiative focused on the southern district of Toledo. By promoting sustainable local economic development with an emphasis on women and young persons, PROSPER will empower rural and indigenous communities to build economic resilience, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance skills development in a participatory approach. The total project budget is EUR 4.2 million (BZD 8.9 million) and the project was signed by Joni Musabayana, Director, ILO Decent Work Team, Caribbean.

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The Effective and Sustainable Management of Belize’s Western and Southern Border project which aims to enhance border management, security, and cross-border facilitation and cooperation at Belize's southern and western borders through adopting a comprehensive Integrated Border Management (IBM) approach. Developing a National Strategy for Integrated Border Management and updating of Conservation and Protected Areas Management Plans for the effective protection of forests in the south and western border areas. It will also build the capacity among border enforcement agencies and conservation agencies, providing equipment to effectively carry out their responsibilities. The total project budget is EUR 3.3 million (BZD 7 million) and the project was signed by Diana Locke, Head of Office, IOM Belize.

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Together, both projects represent key contributions to the Government’s Medium-term Development Strategy 2022-2026 and will be implemented in close coordination with civil society and local stakeholders. The two new projects reflect the continued deep commitment of the European Union and United Nations to foster inclusive development and address socio-economic challenges in Belize to leave no one behind.

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Additional information:
More information about the PROSPER (Participation, Ownership, and Sustainable Progress for Economic Resilience) project is available on the ILO Caribbean website.
More information about the Border Management Project can be obtained by contacting IOM
Belize on +501-223-9500.

Media contacts:
Averlon Toussaint, ILO Caribbean – [email protected]
Renata Samuels, IOM Belize – [email protected]
Mirsy Ponce, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, Belize – [email protected]
Elizabeth Lanzi Mazzocchini – Delegation of the European Union to Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas - [email protected]