UNDP head De Croo to visit Jamaica for hurricane recovery talks

Alexander De Croo, the UNDP Administrator and UN Under-Secretary-General, is scheduled to visit the island from March 5-6. His agenda includes touring communities devastated by the hurricane and holding high-level talks with government officials and private sector leaders on crisis resilience and recovery strategies.

The visit marks De Croo's first trip to Jamaica since he assumed the role of Administrator on 2 December 2025. It is intended to reaffirm UNDP’s commitment to the island's recovery through its resilient recovery offer, allowing him to gather first-hand assessments of the damage by engaging directly with community members and local partners.

During his stay, De Croo is expected to meet with several members of the Jamaican Cabinet. Talks are slated with Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness; Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Honourable Delroy Chuck, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs; Honourable Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change; and Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

In addition to the governmental meetings, the UNDP chief will headline a thought leaders dialogue focused on fostering partnerships between the private sector and sustainable finance for a resilient recovery. The session will bring together CEOs and financial leaders. He will also participate in a panel discussion with academia, civil society, and youth groups on the unique challenges facing small island developing states (SIDS) and the future of development.

De Croo, a former prime minister and minister of finance of Belgium, brings extensive experience in crisis management to the role. He previously led Belgium through the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating the nation’s vaccination rollout and economic recovery strategies. He also served as deputy prime minister for eight years and as minister for development cooperation, where he championed gender equality and digital innovation.

As administrator, De Croo now leads a global team of over 20,000 personnel across 170 countries and territories. He is currently presiding over the development of UNDP’s new global strategic plan for 2026 to 2029. UNDP serves as the UN’s lead agency on international development, with a mission focused on helping nations eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to sustain long-term progress.