The Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) is set out to be a living example of Guyana's commitment to the planet, while ensuring the sustainable growth and economic well-being of its population. It will guide the national development policies for the next 20 years, under a vision of development as one that is inclusive and prosperous, provides a good quality of life for all its citizens, based on sound education and social protection, low carbon and resilient development, providing new economic opportunities, justice and political empowerment.
The agenda is centred on improving the quality of life for all within the principles of a green economy, that is, economic growth characterised by low emissions; efficient use of natural resources; decent jobs and rising incomes sustained over generations; and a cohesive society: one that promotes equitable access to economic opportunities, recognises the strength of its cultural diversity and demonstrates tolerance among ethnic groups.
On top of that, the GSDS is built upon existing and prior national strategies, such as the National Development Strategy, the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Low Carbon Development Strategy, the Social Cohesion Strategy and the Cultural Policy, among others, whose principles are still relevant today.
The Strategy will focus on modernising the traditional sectors, stimulating expansion in their high-growth sectors and developing new high value-adding sectors such as tourism, business process outsourcing and agro-processing. Together, these actions will ensure that the economy can respond to and leverage new opportunities in the global shift to sustainable development. This economic transformation will be underpinned by investments in renewable power supply and efficient roads and infrastructure that reduce the day-to-day costs that businesses face, improve connections between the coast and the hinterland, and bring Guyanese-made products to global markets in a timely and efficient manner. Also, the GSDS calls for improved monitoring of the performance of key public institutions, reviewing out-dated business regulations and establishing clearer accountability systems. Some key sectors, as renewable energies, infrastructure, climate change resilience, among other, are the main pivots of the Strategy.