Advancing social services, women’s empowerment, and development financing through Partnerships in Sao Tome e Principe

The Resident Coordinator in Sao Tome e Principe has played a key role in forging new partnerships between the UN country team and international financial institutions, private sector and civil society in support of Government’s efforts for social protection and services, women’s empowerment and climate finance. 

For example, the Resident Coordinator has led joint efforts with the World Bank to establish a social registry to ensure that all are included in a social protection system and no-one is left behind, ensuring for instance that all children go to school and access relevant services, including those from vulnerable families or with disabilities. As part of broader efforts to support the national authorities in dealing with the impact of climate change, the Resident Coordinator and his Office have also spearheaded joint analysis and discussions with the World Bank and the African Development Bank to assess the impact of the climate crisis on the most vulnerable groups and find new ways of increasing access to financing and accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Working in partnership with the Government and women’s law organizations, the UN country team, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, has led to the adoption of a parity law to introduce a 40% quota for women in the Government and Parliament. Promoting inclusion and political participation for those with disabilities has been another key focus of the UN country team’s joint efforts; recently partnering with civil society organizations during the elections to ensure people with disabilities have access to appropriate means of transport and support to vote. 
 

Watch the video below from the Resident Coordinator to learn more about results in Sao Tome and Principe.