Voluntary National Review (VNR) - Trinidad and Tobago 2020

Title: "Connecting the Dots and the SDGs"

Trinidad and Tobago’s first Voluntary National Review (VNR), focuses on eight SDGs - 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 13, 16 and 17. The report highlights that the other nine SDGs will be reviewed in subsequent VNRs. The principal vehicle for localisation of the SDGs in Trinidad and Tobago has been Vision 2030, a comprehensive national development framework, which provides the overarching parameters within which the country has conducted its review.

In the engagement process towards the development of the VNR, a broad range of stakeholder groups participated in workshops and dialogue on the SDGs and Vision 2030. These included Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations (CSOs), the private sector, women’s groups, academia, subject matter experts and members of the general public.

The following is a snapshot of the eight SDGs addressed in Trinidad and Tobago’s VNR. Information detailing the progress of the SDGs is provided in Chapter 6 – Progress Towards Achieving the SDGs.

• SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being: Significant enhancements have been made to infrastructure to support the universal healthcare system, with parallel improvements in the number of physicians and nursing professionals. Health services have been also made available to migrants.
• SDG 4 - Quality Education: The free and compulsory primary and secondary education systems have been modernised, through the introduction of a School Learning Management System and School-Based Management Standards to drive education outcomes.
• SDG 5 - Gender Equality: The National Policy on Gender and Development, being implemented by the Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs Unit), helps to eliminate barriers and promote gender equality. 
• SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth: Improved numbers on economic growth, a prudent fiscal policy, and initiatives promoting decent work are some of the achievements presented in the VNR.
• SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities: Support for the social sector and protection of the most vulnerable citizens is augmented through the National Social Mitigation Plan 2017-2022 and the development of a National Policy on Persons with Disabilities.
• SDG 13 - Climate Action: The chapter highlights Trinidad and Tobago’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments.
• SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The chapter focuses on the country's efforts to devise and implement multi-dimensional solutions to strengthen capacities towards achieving long-lasting peace and safety in society.
• SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals: Civil society organisations lead the way on partnerships for the implementation of the SDGs, through initiatives such as the CSOs for Good Governance Project, SDG Catalyst Network and the SDG Knowledge Platform.