Suriname is classified as an upper-middle-income country, with an average growth rate from 1975 to 2015 of 1.6 per cent, roughly half the average growth rate of other Latin American and Caribbean countries. After the 2015 commodity price shock, Suriname suffered a recession from which it is still recovering. The economy experienced a triple commodity shock: first, the price of gold declined by 30 per cent compared to 2012; secondly, crude oil prices dropped by 56 per cent compared to a previous peak in 2012; and finally, alumina production came to a halt.2 The Surinamese Government has manifested its commitment to democracy, strong democratic institutions, good governance, the rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms and peace and security.

UNDP is the largest of only five resident United Nations agencies in the country, with a strong programme offering comprising democratic governance, social development, natural resources management and climate change. UNDP has a strong comparative advantage for partnerships and programme implementation with its presence in the country and strong partnerships with State and non-State actors. UNDP has been recognized for having a strong programme and niche in natural resources management, contributing to capacity strengthening and building resilience. The programmes in social development and governance have been more modest yet  innovative and transformative. UNDP will continue to build its programme portfolio, ensure strong broad-based consultations, raise the visibility of the results achieved and advocate for vulnerable and marginalized groups.

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