Basseterre, Saint Kitts, 16 June 2026 – “Sustainable development is measured by the hope it creates for the next generation”, a declaration sagely made by the Hon. Konris Maynard, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy, et al. in his presentation of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Second Voluntary National Review at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
Building on its debut review in 2023, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has returned to the HLPF, led by the Hon. Ministers Maynard and Clarke, to successfully update on the country’s progress in attaining the SDGs through the presentation of a Second Voluntary National Review – joining a small cohort within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) who have been able to do so.
The VNR is a key progress reporting mechanism implemented by the United Nations to allow Member States to capture and assess their progress in advancing the 2030 Agenda. For the Federation, this year’s presentation highlights tangible strides made in addressing the gaps identified in the previous VNR. The data paints a picture of a country that is more coordinated and strategic in its approach to sustainable development planning and implementation across sectors. This movement signals a maturing institutional landscape; one that is driven by the Government’s homegrown development vision – the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA) – and is better equipped to deliver on the Federation’s needs and priorities.
The points of progress underscored in the 2026 VNR show:
- Improved policy coherence and measures taken to address data gaps, particularly in the Energy, Water, and Agricultural sectors.
- Improved alignment for budgetary allocations for national development and financing for the SDGs
- An increase in stakeholder engagement and resultantly, improved SDG localization
- The revolutionary inclusion of a Voluntary Local Review specific to our sister island, Nevis
- The prioritization of data collection, management and reporting through the creation of an SDG Data pipeline as a national repository system
The 2026 HLPF convened on 7-15 July 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York under the theme “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all”. Under focus this year are SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation); SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure); SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
In its second Review, Saint Kitts and Nevis highlighted the Federation’s achievements and advancements in these contexts, proudly underscoring:
- Successes in improving Water Security (SDG 6)
- A 45% increase in 24-hour water access (from 25% to 70% of households) thanks to the commissioning of the Basseterre Desalination Plant and the commissioning of the new well in Cayon
- The creation of a ~15% water supply cushion also thanks to the commissioning of the new well in Cayon
- Ensuring that policy meets planning with the creation of a National Water Policy (2025) to address security challenges
- The Execution of the TransWater Project, the Federation’s first Green Climate Fund project
- The Path to Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
- The ongoing Geothermal Project in Nevis
- New inroads to the Sunset Reef Renewable Energy Transition Initiative
- The newly launched SOLARISE and DRIVE Initiatives
- The St. Kitts and Nevis Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System Projects towards generating clean energy across the Federation
- Advancements in Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
- The landmark installation of an Electronic Travel Authorization system
- The expansion of Port Zante to ensure its readiness to serve as a cruise ship home porting for the 2027 tourist season
- The upgrading and track rehabilitation of the Kim Collins National Stadium as an investment in youth development and sports tourism
- Ongoing investment in digital infrastructure and cyber security to ensure a smooth digital transformation
- Progress for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
- The 2024 passage of the Community Beautification and Safety Bill
- The provision of land titles to over 130 residents through the Squatter’s Land Regularization Project and L.A.N.D Initiative
- The restoration of the historic Bath Hotel
- Ensuring Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17)
- Prioritizing the alignment of the Federation’s development priorities with the UN system through the UN Country Implementation Plan of 2024/205 and 2026
- The advancement of the Government’s commitment to securing international education and technical cooperation opportunities for human resource capacity building
Equally, in the General Debate, Minister of Sustainable Development, the Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, in her delivery of the National Statement, further reiterated the Federation’s commitment to sustainable transformation highlighting that Saint Kitts and Nevis is “writing a different story” and “believes…real progress requires innovative solution-building…focused on strengthening and forging partnerships of ambition and implementation”. To the plenary, the Minister impressed that the Government’s continued investment in energy sovereignty and its improvement of community engagement and social development to treat crime and violence as public health issues are part and parcel of reducing vulnerability, strengthening the Federation’s capacity, and rewriting the SIDS narrative.
Both Ministers underscored that partnerships founded on mutual trust, respect and the desire to directly address the local context have been key to the successful implementation the Federation’s Sustainable Island State Agenda, specifying the critical role that the Republic of China (Taiwan) continues to play as an ally and friend in assisting the advancement of the Federation’s development.
H. E. Dr. Mutryce Williams, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations underlined that, “the presentation of the Second Voluntary National Review evidences the Prime Minister’s, Cabinet’s and indeed the entire government’s steadfast commitment to delivering people-centered development thus creatinga clearer pathway for the acceleration of progress, lasting prosperity, and security”
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