"UN Today" interviews Simon Springett, who has served as a Resident Coordinator for thirteen countries across three duty stations. He currently leads the UN House in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean:
Tell us about the UN House in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
The UN House in Barbados, generously donated by the government, symbolizes commitment to multilateralism. Barbados is a vibrant Caribbean hub with an ambitious global outlook. Walking in, you feel the passion and the joy.
This multi-country office covers seven small states and three overseas territories of the United Kingdom with varying income and development levels. The challenge? Balancing regional strategy while addressing each country’s needs.
With over 340 staff across the region, the UN House is a hub for 23 UN entities supporting the Eastern Caribbean, with 13 based in the building. This proximity enhances coordination, reduces duplication, and boosts efficiency.
It is also our “home”. Here, we invite diplomats, development partners, NGOs, private sector, academia, and governments for constructive conversations in a welcoming space —something deeply valued in the Caribbean.
At a time when multilateralism is under pressure, what is the UN’s added value?
One of the UN’s greatest strengths is that all stakeholders respect and trust us because of our convening power, institutional knowledge, capacities, staff and skills.
Our focus is not just on efficiency but on inclusion…always asking: Will the elderly, marginalized, and or rural communities benefit from this service? If not, how can we fix it? This human-centered approach is core to our DNA.
Our long-term, inclusive mindset is what sets us apart, ensuring no one is left behind.
Another key value for us is that capacity-building is non-negotiable. If a project doesn’t strengthen local systems and skills, it needs to be redesigned.
How would you summarize your vision?
My job is to lift people up—those I work with and those we serve.
My vision for my job is where the Resident Coordinator serves the UN system, our Member States, and programme countries in equal measure, a vision in which we harness our collective efforts behind countries’ ambitions for just and inclusive societies.
This can only be done through true partnerships and shared vision.
For me, success is making people feel seen and valued. That’s simply how it should be.
Read the full interview on UN Today.
