The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
From Mexico to Central America and the Caribbean: South-South Cooperation in action
This International Day for South-South Cooperation, we take a closer look at how UNOPS works with the Government of Mexico in its efforts to strengthen development cooperation and improve infrastructure throughout Central America and the Caribbean.
Projects carried out under South-South Cooperation are joint efforts by developing countries seeking to provide development solutions in innovative and collaborative ways – sharing knowledge, skills, expertise and resources.
Countries throughout Central America and the Caribbean have found themselves in the path of many natural disasters over the years, and are vulnerable to more. Building infrastructure that can withstand more extreme and irregular weather patterns is vital to the region’s resilience to climate change and to help protect local livelihoods.
UNOPS supports the Government of Mexico’s efforts to help strengthen regional integration and development cooperation between countries.
With funding from Mexico’s Infrastructure Fund for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean – or the ‘Yucatan Fund’ – UNOPS provides technical support during project implementation.
We are throwing a spotlight on a range of projects we have implemented with the support of the Government of Mexico, in the name of South-South Cooperation.
Dennery North, Saint Lucia
Making waves
Wherever you go, water is life. Yet for many Small Island Developing States, freshwater resources are often scarce and poorly managed.
With improved infrastructure, residents of Dennery North, Saint Lucia no longer fear water shortages, and benefit from reliable access to clean, safe water.
Read more
Saint George, Grenada
New parliament for Grenada
Located in Saint George, Grenada’s House of Parliament – destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 – was replaced.
Inaugurated in June 2018, the new facility is climate resilient and will help mitigate impacts from future climate events.
Read moreKingston, Jamaica
From Mexico to Jamaica: One new road
A new road on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica has improved the quality of life for thousands of residents living along Riverton Road.
Complete with sidewalks and a drainage system, the road has improved access to a landfill and is helping to encourage local economic development.
Learn more
Cumberland, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
At the water’s edge
Cumberland Bridge, a major bridge connecting many of Saint Vincent’s northern communities to the capital in the south, was severely damaged by a hurricane in 2013.
The construction of a new bridge – built to withstand the kinds of powerful storms that have hit the Caribbean in recent years – means residents now enjoy continued access to important services in the capital, including the island’s only hospital.
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Sixaola River Basin, Costa Rica - Panama
The Binational Bridge over the Sixaola River, which will link Costa Rica and Panama, is currently under construction.
With funding from the Governments of Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, the bridge will contribute to the economic, social and cultural exchange between the Central American countries.
More information:
UNOPS supports a number of infrastructure projects in Central America and the Caribbean with financing from Mexico’s Yucatan Fund. Funding is channeled through joint work with individual governments.
The Fund prioritizes infrastructure initiatives that enhance connectivity and economic development in the region.
Read more about South-South Cooperation here.
