Government of Sint Maarten Extends Gratitude Following Successful Co-Creating Social Impact Forum
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Social Development, through the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), in partnership with the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), and organized by the 4C Foundation, extends a heartfelt thank you to all participants, collaborators, and stakeholders for their contribution to the success of the recently concluded “Co-Creating Social Impact” Forum.
The event, which took place on October 11th, 14th and 15th, brought together representatives from the public and private sectors, non-profit organizations (NPOs), and the wider community to foster strategic partnerships and enhance social cohesion within Sint Maarten. Central to the event’s success was the dynamic presentation and leadership of Dr. Bonnie Benesh, PhD, a renowned change agent and thought leader with extensive expertise in human and organizational systems. Dr. Benesh, who specializes in international economic development, workforce skills for the 21st century, and building resilient societies, guided the forum with her knowledge and hands-on experience in creating social impact through cross-sectoral collaboration.
Honorable Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs and Secretary General of VSA, Ms. Joy Arnell were key advocates for this collaboration. Recognizing the value of joint efforts between the public, private and non-profit sectors, they encouraged civil servants to actively participate in the forum with the aim of building stronger bridges between sectors for the benefit of the community.
"We are truly thankful for the dedication and participation of everyone involved. This forum represents an important step towards a more united Sint Maarten. We are particularly grateful to the 4C Foundation, the Think 2 Do Institute, and the Minister of VROMI, whose vision and commitment to social progress have inspired this collaboration," said the Ms. Arnell.
Key objectives of the forum included:
- Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships: Facilitating greater cooperation between NPOs, government bodies, and the private sector to better address community needs.
- Empowering NPOs: Providing non-profit organizations with the resources and support necessary to expand their societal impact.
- Strategic Social Development: Collaborating to design and implement actionable plans aimed at improving social cohesion and addressing critical social issues, culminating in the creation of a Social Progress Index (SPI) for Sint Maarten.
Through expert-led discussions and interactive workshops, participants were able to share insights and develop practical strategies for addressing the island’s social challenges. The forum also created a platform for ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the government and key stakeholders, ensuring the long-term success of these efforts.
The department of Social Development, the Ministry of VROMI, and the 4C Foundation look forward to continuing this partnership and implementing the valuable recommendations generated at the forum. The collective work will contribute to the overall well-being of Sint Maarten’s communities and support evidence-based policymaking.
For more information, please contact the department of Social Development at +1 721 542-0349 | Ext: 2458.
