The Joint SDG Fund Programme in Barbados and Montserrat made significant strides in advancing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating population data and policy solutions. This groundbreaking initiative is a powerful example of how evidence-based national policies can be shaped to prioritize health, gender equality, and inclusivity, and it highlights the importance of tailored approaches in both Barbados and Montserrat.
In Montserrat, the programme has been instrumental in advancing key areas like sexual and reproductive health, population policy, and data systems. One of the standout achievements is the draft Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy, which has been supported by UNFPA and is now awaiting Cabinet submission. This policy, along with the Population Situation Analysis and National Population Policy, currently under public review, marks a critical step forward in addressing the island's population challenges. Additionally, Montserrat has made great progress in strengthening its Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, with a study and action plan now ready for Cabinet review. The successful implementation of SDG 5 indicators during the 2023 national census further underscores Montserrat’s commitment to enhancing data systems and ensuring that key population issues are addressed.
The programme's efforts in Montserrat have also focused on improving national data systems, particularly in the areas of sex, age, and disability disaggregation. With the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial tools, the country is now better equipped to monitor SDG indicators related to health and gender equality. These advancements were made possible through technical guidance and training provided to the Montserrat Statistics Department, enabling the collection and analysis of data on unpaid domestic and care work, a critical aspect of gender equality (SDG 5). These developments lay the foundation for a data-driven approach to policy-making that will benefit Montserrat’s population for years to come.
In Barbados, the programme has also made a lasting impact, particularly in the area of gender equality and unpaid care work. UNFPA played a key role in supporting the completion of a Baseline Study on Priority SDG Indicators, providing invaluable insights into the national context. For the first time, Barbados now has national measurements of the time spent by women and men on unpaid domestic and care work, a vital piece of data that helps to highlight the gender disparities in unpaid labor. UN Women contributed to this effort by supporting the Barbados Statistical Service with data collection on SDG 5 indicators. Through the provision of computer tablets, as well as training for enumerators and field officers, UN Women helped ensure the successful capture and analysis of data, which will inform future policy and program development.
In both countries, the programme’s emphasis on strengthening national capacities and improving data systems has laid the groundwork for more effective and inclusive policies. For example, in Montserrat, enhanced data collection and analysis, particularly on unpaid care work, are now at the forefront of policy discussions. Meanwhile, in Barbados, the capacity-building efforts around the National Transfer Accounts Model are helping to assess the economic impacts of demographic shifts, further reinforcing the importance of data-driven decision-making.
The achievements of this programme showcase the power of collaboration and data in driving national development. By prioritizing health, gender equality, and inclusivity, and by equipping governments with the tools and expertise to respond to population changes, the Joint SDG Fund Programme is paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future. The results achieved thus far serve as a roadmap for continued progress, and the work in both countries highlights the importance of ongoing partnerships and innovation in advancing the SDGs.
While the programme’s formal conclusion on November 30th marks a significant milestone, the journey is far from over. As Montserrat and Barbados continue to build on these achievements, the lessons learned from this initiative will serve as a catalyst for sustained progress, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
