The Government of Mauritius and the United Nations recently held the 2026 Joint Steering Committee meeting of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Mauritius 2024-2028. The meeting, co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Hon. Dhananjay Ramful, and UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, H.E. Mrs. Lisa Simrique Singh, was held at the Maritim Resort and Spa, Balaclava.
The meeting reviewed progress under the Cooperation Framework and considered strategic issues requiring direction from the Government and the UN. With the framework at its midpoint, the committee assessed results achieved, addressed strategic issues, and set priorities for joint action in 2027. This was an opportunity for the Government and the UN to take stock of their collaboration and make adjustments as needed.
The meeting took place alongside the 2026 retreat of the UN Country Team for Mauritius and Seychelles, held from 30 September to 2 October under the theme “Acting as One: Driving Collective Impact in Mauritius and Seychelles.” The retreat provided a platform for the UN team to reflect on their approach and impact.
Mrs. Lisa Simrique Singh, UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized the importance of evaluating the impact of their cooperation. She noted that almost halfway through the Cooperation Framework, it was crucial to assess not only what they had delivered but also how they had delivered it.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dhananjay Ramful, highlighted the significance of the Joint Steering Committee in taking stock of progress, reflecting on lessons learned, and looking ahead to areas where their partnership could deliver greater impact. He emphasized that the UNSDCF was a shared platform for the Government and the UN to bring together expertise, resources, and collective action in support of Mauritius’ national development priorities.
The Committee also discussed the roadmap for developing the next Cooperation Framework, which will guide the partnership between Mauritius and the UN beyond 2028. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade presented priority initiatives for joint Government-UN action in 2027.
The meeting demonstrated the ongoing commitment of the Government of Mauritius and the UN to work together towards a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Mauritius. Key stakeholders will continue to collaborate on initiatives that support the country's development priorities.
Key points
- The 2026 Joint Steering Committee meeting reviewed progress under the 2024-2028 Cooperation Framework and set priorities for joint action in 2027.
- The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dhananjay Ramful, and UN Resident Coordinator, H.E. Mrs. Lisa Simrique Singh.
- The Committee discussed the roadmap for developing the next Cooperation Framework to guide the partnership beyond 2028.
