On April 6, 2023, the President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Mr. Kester Hutson, and the Secretary, Ms. Kathy Smith, had the pleasure of meeting with Ms. Yeşim Oruç, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Guyana. During the meeting, Ms. Oruç congratulated the President on his election and emphasized the importance of GCCI as a pillar of the private sector in Guyana. She expressed her eagerness to witness more collaborations between the UN and Guyana.

The United Nations is a part of the UN system, which includes various funds, programs, and specialized agencies, each with its own area of work, leadership, and budget. Currently, six of the UN’s fifteen specialized agencies are operating in Guyana. The UN serves as an advocacy partner in Guyana, supporting economic development, social sectors, the environment and climate and governance.

Mr. Hutson highlighted the Chamber’s potential to represent the UN’s advocacy efforts through its committees and subcommittees, utilizing advocacy and partnerships. Both agencies recognized the need to address human capital and protect the migrant population in Guyana. They acknowledged the importance of establishing a comprehensive migration policy in Guyana to protect migrants.

Ms. Oruç emphasized the importance of the private sector becoming well-versed in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To achieve this, the GCCI and the UN will collaborate to evaluate the Corporate Social Responsibility programs of the private sector and determine how they align with the SDGs.

Also, in attendance were Mr.  Irfan Akhtar; Deputy Representative for UNICEF, Ms. Stephanie Ziebell; Deputy Resident Representative a.i, UNDP and Mr. Alberto de Aragon Cao; Protection Officer, UNHCR Guyana.

Overall, the meeting between GCCI and the UN was productive and highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private sector and international organizations to promote sustainable development and address critical issues in Guyana.