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Promoting human development, UNDP chief embarks on visit to Central America

Promoting human development, UNDP chief embarks on visit to Central America

Kemal Dervis
To learn first-hand of the obstacles to development facing Central America, the head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is on a ten-day tour of the region.

UNDP is intensely committed to Latin America and the Caribbean,” said the agency’s Administrator Kemal Dervis, “and this trip offers an excellent chance to better understand the region’s wide range of challenge – and the innovative ways in which these countries are meeting them.”

Reflecting UNDP’s commitment to the region, his itinerary spans meetings with representatives of national and municipal governments, civil society, academia, the private sector and the media.

“Learning from the experience of others is crucial in our work,” added Mr. Dervis, who is visiting Cuba, Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala on his trip.

Mr. Dervis’ schedule in Cuba includes a visit a centre for hurricane preparedness and risk reduction. In 2005, Cuba was struck by Hurricane Dennis and approximately 8 million out the country’s total population of 11.1 million were affected.

In Guatemala, Mr. Dervis plans to meet with Rigoberta Menchú, 2002 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Mr. Dervis will return to New York on 19 January.