"How can we make sure women and marginalised groups are part of the ecosystem creating employment and also accessing the opportunities for economic growth?" This was one of several topics of discussion during the “Road to the Summit: A Green and Equitable Future for the Americas” panel discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, in partnership with the US Department of State leading to the Ninth Summit of the Americas.

With great anticipation for the journey we are about to embark upon, UN Women welcomes the agreement by Member States on the post-2015 development agenda that is to be adopted at the UN Summit in September. “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” is a comprehensive blueprint for people and planet that for the first time brings together the three dimensions of sustainable development in one ambitious document.

Under a joint UN programme, UN Women, UNICEF and the OECS Commission are supporting national budget directors and finance officers from the Eastern Caribbean in conducting the gender analysis to design and cost measures, the outcome of which are budgets that are child and gender responsive.

The call is being made for a more comprehensive approach to social safety nets in the region to ensure that they meets the needs of those in most need and position these beneficiaries to move towards self-reliance and out of poverty.