The National Community Foundation (NCF) announced its Executive Director Vanya Reid-Hinkson has been selected to participate in the United Nations Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent, hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.
Reid-Hinkson is among nine fellows selected globally for the 2025 cohort and one of only two representatives from the Caribbean, alongside a colleague from Jamaica, whose country is presently navigating the recovery phase following a devastating hurricane. Their joint selection speaks to the Caribbean’s enduring resilience and commitment to advancing equitable development, inclusion, and social justice across the region.
The Fellowship Programme, established by the United Nations to build the capacity of emerging leaders of African descent, focuses on promoting human rights, equality, and sustainable development through education, policy dialogue, and community engagement. Fellows will participate in an intensive three-week program at the United Nations Office in Geneva, engaging with experts, international organisations, and permanent missions, while developing practical projects that address the specific needs of their countries.
As part of her fellowship, Reid-Hinkson will focus on strengthening national mechanisms for human rights education, community empowerment, and policy accountability — areas that align closely with Saint Lucia’s development goals and ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, social protection, and citizen participation.
Through her leadership at the NCF Reid-Hinkson has championed initiatives that enhance access to health care, education, housing, and social assistance, helping bridge development gaps and empower vulnerable groups. Her selection reflects Saint Lucia’s growing engagement in global human rights and development frameworks, and the important role of civil society in national progress.
“This fellowship is both an honour and a responsibility,” said Reid-Hinkson. “It provides an opportunity to represent Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean in the global conversation on equality and human development. The lessons from this experience will help strengthen how we, as communities and institutions, respond to the needs of our people with fairness, compassion, and accountability.”
The NCF views this fellowship as a valuable opportunity to deepen partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector, reaffirming its mission to uphold dignity, equity, and inclusion as pillars of sustainable national development.
