The United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) Delegation, through their partnership in the Spotlight Initiative, held an official handover ceremony of ICT equipment to the Civil Society National Reference Group (CSNRG).
Birgit Gerstenberg, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, highlighted the importance of the partnership with civil society, and mentioned that the equipment handed over will be tools that will allow the CSNRG to perform its “triple function of advising, advocating, and holding the initiative accountable for its commitments.” Mirco Schroeder, European Union Programme Manager in his address thanked the CSNRG for being the voice of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) who are “key development partners and are part of the success of the Spotlight Initiative.” Honourable Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs emphasized the Government of Belize’s sincere appreciation to the United Nations and European Union for the Spotlight Initiative as it “is very important to continue the struggle in eliminating violence against women and girls in Belize” and recognized the valuable support of CSOs who are implementing the programme. The Chair of the CSNRG, Ms Melissa Zuniga, stressed the significance of the equipment as it will “enhance our capacity to better able to access information, opportunities and allow for faster interaction with each other.”
The equipment handed over today at the Radisson Fort George Hotel comprised of laptops, printers, ink, paper, and flash drives. The equipment will be used by the CSNRG for operational support and information communication and technology assistance in the three hubs being established throughout the country. The three hubs will be formed within existing civil society organizations located in the north, south and central regions of the country, and are part of a wider effort oversight role that the CSNRG plays in the implementation of the Spotlight Initiative.
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