ECLAC Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean - Port of Spain

The mission statement of ECLAC/POS reiterates the central role of the ECLAC Subregional Headquarters in the implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) and MSI through its biennial work programme based on selected themes of the BPoA and MSI. In addition to this, ECLAC Subregional Headquarters provides structural support for the implementation of the MSI. Together the key functions include:

1.     Secretariat to the regional programme of action for SIDS. As part of its key tasks in the region, the sub-regional office: (a) conducts research; (b) provides technical advice to governments, upon request; (c) organizes intergovernmental and expert group meetings; (d) helps to formulate and articulate a regional perspective within global forums; and (e) introduces global concerns at the regional and sub-regional levels.

2.     Acting as the Regional Coordinating Mechanism (RCM) for the implementation of the BPoA and the MSI. The RCM coordinates the efforts of the various sustainable development initiatives at both the national and Subregional levels, while providing assistance and support at the national level. The RCM promotes awareness of issues related to sustainable development and assists in the mobilisation of new and additional resources. The post of Regional Advisor at ECLAC Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean coordinates the RCM process.

3.     Coordinates the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the RCM. Considered an important component of the RCM, the TAC is multisectoral and multidisciplinary in nature. It provides technical advice to Caribbean SIDS and comprises 15 representatives from a number of governments, regional organizations, civil society representatives and development partners.