United Nations in South Sudan

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are also the goals the UN is working for in South Sudan:

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Publication

24 February 2023

UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION FRAMEWORK (UNSDCF)

The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2025 is the embodiment of this commitment. Created in collaboration with representatives of the Government, civil society (including NGOs, CSOs, academia and media), the private sector as well as development partners, it is designed to address the national priorities of today as well as prepare for and advance on the bright future planned for tomorrow. It therefore contains support for implementation of the Revitalized-Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the Revised National Development Strategy (R-NDS) 2021-2024, with strengthened linkages to our humanitarian work under the Humanitarian Response Plan corresponding to the period of the Cooperation Framework. The UNSDCF 2023-2025 defines the collective vision and response of the UN Country Team in South Sudan to the country’s national priorities as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As Resident Coordinator of the UN in South Sudan,

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Publication

04 July 2022

2021 UN Country Annual Results Report South Sudan

Throughout the year, the UNCT has enjoyed high-level dialogue with the government on a number of key humanitarian, peace and sustainable development concerns. For example, the National Food Systems Dialogues were used to inform global discussions at the UN’s General Assembly and the UNCT provided financial and technical support for the development of a National Youth Strategy currently at the legislature. The Strategy will support the protection and promotion of the human rights of every young person, empowering each to build their resilience, achieve their potential and make positive contributions as agents of change in South Sudan. Other key achievements worthy of mention include the mobilization of USD 11.7 million from the UN’s Peacebuilding Support Office for three key initiatives related to provisions under the Revised-Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS): the drafting of the permanent constitution, community action for peaceful resolution; and transitional Justice. A Peacebuilding Fund Secretariat has been established in the RCO to provide coordination and oversight of the projects. Further, the UNCT facilitated the set-up of the Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Forum, the establishment of governance administration across the 10 States and 3 administrative areas and organization of the fifth Governance forum. The latter identified 20 key actions including addressing floods, mitigating the effects of climate change and expediting the training, graduation and deployment of a unified force. Regarding Gender and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) several initiatives are at advanced stage with the UN’s support, including the drafting of policy documents for a Women’s Development Fund, the Anti-GBV Bill signalling an end to impunity for SGBV perpetrators, plus the Strategic National Action Plan on Elimination of Child Marriage. The UNCT has also provided technical support to the government for the review of the National Development Strategy (R-NDS), conduct of fragility assessments and formulation of State Plans. These will inform medium to long-term development priorities and help to reinvigorate the aid architecture in South Sudan. Assistance from the UN has also enabled the Government to make progress on Public Finance Management (PFM) reforms building trust and yielding direct benefits. The World Bank has availed a USD 34 million grant to Government to advance PFM reforms, strengthen key oversight institutions, improve budget transparency and related outcomes in the country.

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2021 UN Country Annual Results Report Cover page

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22 December 2020

UN agencies’ alarm at worsening hunger in South Sudan

Three United Nations organizations are calling for immediate humanitarian access to parts of South Sudan’s Pibor County in Jonglei State, where people have run out of food and are facing catastrophic levels of hunger according to a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report released today. The high levels of hunger are being driven by insecurity, the effects of COVID-19, the economic crisis, and the impact of flooding on livelihoods, the report said. Humanitarian assistance is needed to save lives and avert a total collapse of livelihoods in hard-to-reach areas. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) are scaling up their response, along with other humanitarian aid organizations. “We call on all parties to stop the violence and to ensure safe humanitarian access in order to prevent an already dire situation from turning into a full-blown catastrophe,” FAO Representative in South Sudan Meshack Malo said. “We are extremely concerned about the increased numbers of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. These children need urgent treatment to prevent them from dying. The data leave us with no doubt about the sense of urgency for all of us - Government, donor community and humanitarian actors - to join hands and ensure all these children get the treatment they need. At the same time, we need to invest more in actions to prevent children from becoming malnourished in the first place,” UNICEF Representative in South Sudan Mohamed Ayoya said. “WFP is extremely worried about the rising numbers of people suffering because of the lack of sufficient food and nutrition, intensified conflict, unprecedented flooding and high food prices. The coming year will be extremely tough, but we are determined to do all we can to reach more people for longer periods of time," said Makena Walker, Deputy Country Director of the World Food Programme in South Sudan. Extreme hunger in parts of Pibor county Figures in today’s report estimate that between October and November, 6.5 million people in South Sudan faced severe acute food insecurity and are in need of urgent assistance. This number is projected to grow to 7.24 million between April and July 2021. Today’s report comes after two independent reports published by the IPC Global Support Unit last week which indicated that tens of thousands of people are likely to face famine conditions in Pibor county. In this situation, many families are experiencing high levels of acute malnutrition and even mortality. In another five counties (Akobo, Aweil South, Tonj East, Tonj North and Tonj South), some communities are facing catastrophic conditions, the independent analysis found. Around 1.4 million children aged between 6 months and 5 years are expected to be acutely malnourished in 2021 and will need life-saving treatment, according to today’s report. This includes 313 000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and more than a million children suffering from moderate acute malnutrition. At the same time, 483 000 pregnant or breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished and in need of treatment. Emergency response WFP has already begun scaling up its lifesaving food and nutritional assistance to critically food insecure areas in Pibor County as well as other areas of concern, extending its humanitarian response beyond the usual lean season and increasing the number of vulnerable people who need support. In the past two months, WFP has extended its food assistance to nearly 80,000 people in Pibor County. Meanwhile, in Akobo East more than 40,000 people are currently receiving food assistance. WFP will continue to scale up its emergency food response working with partners to build community resilience and development. In total, WFP has provided food assistance to five million people in need in South Sudan in 2020. UNICEF will further scale up its interventions supporting therapeutic treatment and stabilization centres in the most affected counties to protect and save children’s lives. This year, UNICEF has already treated 170,000 children affected by severe acute malnutrition, with a 94 per cent recovery rate. Further expansion of services is now urgently needed - including to insecure areas - for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition. UNICEF will continue to address the underlying causes of malnutrition such as malaria and diarrheal diseases caused by a lack of clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and investing in prevention of malnutrition through promotion of breastfeeding and good feeding practices for the young child. FAO’s priority is to assist farming and agro-pastoral communities to increase their production and preserve their livelihoods. So far in 2020, over 100 000 farming families have received support to grow their own food from seeds, and more than 5 million animals have been vaccinated and treated to assist 164 000 households. FAO has also distributed 800 tonnes of emergency animal feed for critical animal stocks, especially in flood-affected locations.

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Publication

04 July 2022

2021 UN Country Annual Results Report South Sudan

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Story

11 March 2024

How a South Sudanese farmer is growing her income.

In South Sudan, women and children suffer most from hunger due to years of conflict and the struggling economy. Female-headed households face even more challenges. Young girls are sometimes married off at an early age or are compelled to care for their siblings.Joice Poni Regelio, a 38-year-old mother of four, runs a farm to support her family in Aru Junction Village. In this interview, she explains how support from the International Trade Centre (ITC) is transforming lives in her area of Central Equatoria State. She’s among the women and girls undergoing training, attending markets, and receiving farm tools and inputs through an ITC programme.Question: What do you need?Answer: I want to grow and expand my business. For that to happen, I need a proper market stall. Then I can keep more supplies, and make sure that I stay safe, along with my clients and my produce.I am only human. Sometimes when things get really hard, I think of giving up – just like several other women here have done. If there is an organization that can bring us women together, encourage us and give us emotional support, I believe that will keep us going. Question: What are some of your successes?Answer: First of all, I would like to thank ITC for extending this great support to the people of South Sudan. Before this project, I operated without planning and budgeting. I didn’t know anything about saving.But through this project, I learned why saving is important. Now, I can plan and save. Also, my sales have increased, thanks to the monthly trade fairs organized for us in Juba. During the trade fairs, I sell in one day what would otherwise take me a week to sell by the roadside in Aru Junction Village.And with support from this project, I’ve gotten loans. This has helped me expand my production and raise my income. As a result, my children now go to a good school in Kenya, and I can provide for their basic needs. I hope the project continues to support me and other women, so we can keep growing and learning by improving our skills and knowledge. Question: What is your message to other women entrepreneurs?Answer: My message to fellow South Sudanese women, and especially single mothers, is to be financially secure and independent. Today, many women silently go through domestic violence in their homes because they are not financially stable. They are always afraid to lose what the family gives. I advise my fellow women to work hard towards achieving that, break loose from the chain of dependency, stand up, and make bold decisions for themselves.About the ProjectThe International Trade Centre’s South Sudan Jobs Creation and Trade Development project aims to increase the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and employment opportunities for the South Sudanese population engaged in the fruit and vegetable subsector.The European Union-funded project contributes to addressing the value addition, competitiveness, job creation and trade development challenges of South Sudan. Specifically, the interventions of the project are expected to improve productive capacities and compliance to standards for MSMEs, increase market linkages for MSMEs and enhance employability and entrepreneurship capacity for the South Sudanese labor force, focusing on youth and women.

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2024, Juba, South Sudan. Joice counts the money she earns from her sales after a successful trade fair in Juba.

Story

11 April 2024

Five New Counties in South Sudan to Benefit from the productive safety net project, ‘Shabaka Meisha’

The Government of the Republic of South Sudan through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare extends the World Bank-funded Productive Safety Net for Socio-economic Opportunities Project (SNSOP), which has been popularly named as ‘Shabaka Meisha’, to five new counties across South Sudan. These include Mundri West, Pochalla, Aweil West, Maban, and Pariang, which increases the outreach of Shabaka Meisha to 15 selected counties. The former 10 counties where the project has already been launched are Juba, Kapoeta East, Tonj South, Torit, Bor, Pibor, Gogrial West, Raja, Melut, and Yei. Shabaka Meisha is a US$129 million World Bank-funded four-year project implemented by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) and the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare (MGCSW), with the implementation support of United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The project will benefit more than 96,000 vulnerable households, including refugees and host communities, in target counties through cash transfers and income- generating livelihood opportunities, while also strengthening the effectiveness of the national safety net delivery system. The official launch of the project in Mundri West, Western Equatoria which is one of the five new counties is being presided over today i.e. 7 March 2024 by National Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare Honorable Aya Benjamin Libo Warille. This will be the first Government-led social safety net project in Mundri West County and Western Equatoria State. Honorable Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Aya Benjamin Warille, was joined from Juba by high-level dignitaries from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security along with two members of the Transitional National parliament representing Mundri West County in Western Equatoria State as well as the Program Coordinator from UNOPS. “I am excited to inaugurate Shabaka Meisha in Mundri West. The project will have a strong gender focus in an effort to tackle gender gaps and enhance women's empowerment by ensuring that 65% of the targeted project beneficiaries are women. Activities under the complementary social measures targeted at mothers and female caregivers will also equip female beneficiaries with necessary knowledge and capacity to make better decisions on WASH, nutrition practices and early childhood support. The project will also contribute to achieving gender parity by ensuring meaningful female participation in local community structures established by the project promoting women's voices and agency in the community” Said Honorable Aya Benjamin Warille, Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare. The project was officially launched in August 2023 at the national level in Juba and builds on the successes and lessons of World Bank-supported predecessor projects, including the Safety Net and Skills Development Project (SNSDP) and South Sudan Safety Net Project (SSSNP). Since the national launch, the project focused on setting up the structures, systems and implementation arrangements that are necessary for the project’s implementation. Shabaka Meisha will provide cash assistance to poor and vulnerable households to meet immediate consumption gaps and build resilience to withstand future shocks. Targeted beneficiaries will participate in climate smart Labor-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) or in behavioral change communications training that aim to promote human capital development. The project will also sensitize and train households on Financial Literacy, Water Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Early Childhood Development (ECD) helping to improve their overall well-being.

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First Shabaka Meisha Project Launch in Mundri

Story

11 April 2024

Empowering Women for a Brighter Future: South Sudan Celebrates International Women’s Day 2024 in Mundri

In a transformative celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, UN Women South Sudan in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, UN agencies and stakeholders orchestrated a monumental event that brought together women from every corner of the nation at Mundri Stadium on March 8, 2024. Under this year’s National theme “Empowering Women: Accelerating Progress in South Sudan.” The gathering served as a catalyst for change, advocating for gender equality and honoring the remarkable achievements of women nationwide. The event, graced by distinguished guests including Governor Alfred Futiyo Karaba of Western Equatoria, Undersecretaries, Directors, Gender Focal Persons, and representatives from national line ministries, UN agencies (UNICEF, UNFPA, FAO and UNESCO headed by the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, and various civil society organizations, the gathering exemplified a collective commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of women. Minister of Gender Child, and Social Welfare Aya Benjamin Warile, delivered an impassioned address, urging women to embrace their inherent strength and resilience. She emphasized the urgency of empowering girls and women to break free from the shackles of discrimination, declaring, “it is time for women to rise, assert their rights, and shatter the barriers that hold them back.”Governor Afred Futiyo Karaba echoed Minister Warile’s sentiments, applauding the indomitable spirit of South Sudanese women and acknowledging the challenges they face, declared, “Today, we honor and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to our society. Let us stand together in solidarity and commit to dismantling the patriarchal structures that seek to diminish their voices.” Deputy Special Representative and UN Resident Coordinator, Anita Kiki Gbeho of UN Women underscored the -importance of accelerating gender inclusion and providing women with access to resources and opportunities. She emphasized, “Empowering women is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity. By harnessing the potential of women, we unlock the key to sustainable development and prosperity for all.” The Deputy Country Representative, Rukaya Mohammed of UN Women South Sudan expressed, 'Today, as we stand in Mundri to celebrate International Women's Day, we are reminded of the strength and resilience that women of South Sudan embody. Their courage in the face of adversity is not just inspiring—it's a beacon of hope for a future where equality isn't just aspired to but lived. Let's commit to making that future a reality, for every woman and girl in South Sudan and beyond.”Christine Sitty, the Chairperson of a Women's group in Mundri, voiced the collective sentiments of the women, urging them with the reminder, "It is the right of everyone to move freely without fear." As the event concluded, participants left inspired and invigorated, with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, UN Women South Sudan continue to champion the cause of women’s empowerment, creating a more equitable and inclusive society. International Women’s Day 2024 served as a powerful reminder of the collective commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, propelling South Sudan towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all. As Minister Warille eloquently stated,” when women are empowered, entire communities thrive. Let us continue to march forward together, united in our pursuit of a world where every woman and girl realize her full potential.”

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Some of the participants at the Women day celebration in Mundri, Western Equatoria State, Republic of South Sudan

Story

04 March 2024

WORLD RADIO DAY: A century Informing, Entertaining, and Educating

Communication is one of the key ingredients that fuel national development. Through critical thinking, and exchange of information, societies are built and living standards are improved. It is an absolute fact that radio plays a critical role in society and forms part of the critical communication channels that communities rely on to disseminate information that targets various audiences and purposes. Radio acts as a reasoning platform, daily, people make hundreds of calls to radio stations, to share ideas and contribute to nation-wide discussions. A lot of people listen to radio, primarily because it is affordable, hence making it the perfect platform to discuss pressing issues. It brings everyone together, both the young, old, poor, and rich. Everyone can share their opinions. For a Country like South Sudan, were 70% of the population cannot read or write, radio becomes an indispensable tool for advocacy, information sharing, and entertainment. The UN Country Team in South Sudan is a key partner in radio development in South Sudan: UNESCO and UNDP have helped set up community radios in Amadi and Duk Padiet counties of Western Equatoria and Jonglei. FAO uses radio to share information on the weather and best agricultural practices. UNCT also uses radio as a medium of communication to shares key messages on sustainable peace, and development. This year’s world radio day was celebrated under the theme: “Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining, and Educating,” this theme profoundly resonates with the global community, acknowledging radio’s remarkable contributions throughout the years.To commemorate this year’s world radio day in South Sudan, UNESCO and partners held a 3-day workshop for police officers and journalists on freedom of expression and access to information. This workshop was attended by over 60 people including journalists, police officers and other stakeholders. Workshop participants deliberated on key issues including freedom of expression, access to information and highlights from the constitution-making process. The workshop provided a forum for some radio personalities in the country to share their experiences with fellow journalists and police officers. They explored how radio can promote peaceful co-existence amongst various communities in South Sudan. Participants also discussed the role of the police in promoting freedom of expression and access to information and building synergies between the law enforcement agencies and the journalists ahead of the constitution-making process and the general elections. Representing UNESCO at the workshop, Ms. Doreen Loboka, the Communication and Information National Specialist, urged public authorities to support freedom of expression and guarantee the right of access to information to enable journalists work freely. On his part, Maj. Gen. Elia Kosta Faustino, Police Commissioner for Jonglei State, said that Radio plays an important role by ensuring that people are informed about what is happening around the world. He noted that the role of the police is to keep order and the rule of law, urging officers to create cordial relations with the media.In his keynote speech, Hon. Muhamad Peter Chol, Director-General in Jonglei State Ministry of Information and Communication, stressed that his ministry is committed to making sure that the public have access to information. “We look forward to cooperating with each other: the media, the police, and the government” said Chol.This workshop was made possible with support from the UNESCO Multi-Donor Program on Freedom of Expression and the UN Peace Building Fund project “Support to a people-driven and gender responsive permanent constitution-making process in South Sudan” being implemented by UNESCO, UNDP, and UN Women.

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Journalist in Bor during the 2024 World Radio Day Celebration.

Story

06 December 2023

South Sudan joins the rest of the World to mark World AIDS Day

The United Nations in South Sudan in partnership with the South Sudan AIDS Commission organized an event to commemorate the World AIDS Day in Nyakuron Cultural center Juba. The commemoration occasion anchored on the theme of “Let communities lead” attracted people from various backgrounds including school children, women, and men in uniform among others. HE Hussein AbdelBagi, the VP, attended as Chief Guest of Honor while UN Resident Coordinator a.i. represented the UN. The theme celebrates the role that communities play in the HIV response across the world and in the country. Communities of people living with HIV or at risk of HIV are the unsung heroes in the fight against AIDS. They are the drivers of progress, connecting people to health services, building trust, innovating, and holding service providers accountable. In his keynote speech, the Vice President- service cluster H.E Hussein Abdelbagi reiterated the government’s commitment to continue providing an enabling environment for the civil society organizations, network of people living with HIV and communities to play their respective roles in the fight against HIV through the close collaboration with South Sudan HIV and AIDS Commission. “We aspire for the inclusiveness and leaving no one behind in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and this is what I have witnessed during this celebration” he said. The Director of South Sudan Network of People Living with HIV (SSNeP+) noted that the day’s celebration offers an opportunity for people to reflect on the successes gained and impact of the virus, calling to action all stakeholders to support communities in the fight to wipe out HIV. “ The colorful event included a procession by school children, men and women in uniform, cultural and drama performances, and a candle-lighting ceremony. Messaging from the music and performances portrayed an urgent reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat. Representing the UN Resident Coordinator ai at the event, the Acting Country Director of UNAIDS, Mr. Mahboob Aminur Rahman informed the gathering that since 2010, the country has managed to reduce the number of new HIV infections by 35% and AIDS-related deaths by 42%, however the progress is slow compared to other countries in the region. “Let us recommit ourselves to the goal of ending AIDS in South Sudan. Let us embrace the Global vision of a world where AIDS is no longer a threat. It is through the unity and determination of our communities, alongside the collaborative efforts and support of the government and development partners that we can make this vision a reality” He noted. World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost.

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Press Release

15 April 2024

South Sudan launches discussions of the First Voluntary National Review of the SDGs

The government of South Sudan in partnership with the United Nations Country Team, today launched discussions on the 2024 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.The Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Agok Makur Kur highlighted that South Sudan's first VNR will focus on SDG2: Zero Hunger, SDG3: Good Health and wellbeing, SDG4: Quality Education, SDG 13 Climate Action and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. He underscored the need for the country to diversify the economy and tap into other resources in addition to the exportation of crude oil to accelerate efforts to enhance the achievement of the SDGs.He also called on all partners and stakeholders to support the realization of peace in the country. "Peace will enable our people to return home and participate in national development through agriculture, facilitating the achievement of SDG 1 and 2" said Hon. Agok Makur Kur. Speaking at the launch event, the Deputy Representative of the Secretary General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC) Anita Kiki Gbeho, emphasized that the SDGs represent a blueprint for transformative change, offering a roadmap towards a world free from poverty, inequality, and injustice. "As the UN supports South Sudan to embark on its Voluntary National Review process, we recognize the significance of assessing our collective efforts towards achieving the SDGs and identifying areas for improvement. This review will not only showcase achievements but also shed light on the challenges that lie ahead" the DSRSG/RC/HC said, reaffirming UN in South Sudan's commitment to working with the government of South Sudan to expedite the SDGs implementation.The main objective of the workshop was to join efforts, share ideas in support of the preparation of the first VNR. This launch is the first part of a series of discussions that will inform the VNR report for South Sudan."The journey towards sustainable development requires a vision and clear strategic direction. As we stand at this critical juncture in our nation's history, it is imperative that we chart a course forward that not only addresses the immediate needs of our people but also ensures the long-term prosperity and wellbeing of future generations." said the Minister of Peace Building Hon. Stephen Par Kuol.The launch brought together high -level representatives of the government of South Sudan, civil society organization, stakeholders, policy makers and development experts and UN partners to initiate a dialogue on the progress made towards the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development in South Sudan. The result of the review will be presented at the High -Level Political Forum (HLPF) under the auspices of the UN Sustainable Development Economic and Social Council (ESCOC)

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Press Release

11 March 2024

Urgent action needed to address South Sudan’s forgotten crisis, says UNDP Crisis Chief

South Sudan is facing an escalating crisis marked by conflict, climate change, displacement, and soaring living costs, pushing millions of its people to the brink. Urgent intervention is imperative to alleviate suffering and chart a path towards a more prosperous future, said UNDP’s Crisis Chief from Juba today. Recent projections reveal alarming statistics, with approximately 7.1 million out of South Sudan's 12.4 million population expected to endure crisis-level hunger during the upcoming lean season, starting in a month. Moreover, nine million individuals require humanitarian assistance this year, half of whom are children. Shockingly, less than one in ten have access to electricity, while 70 percent lack basic healthcare services.United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Development Program Crisis Bureau Director, Shoko Noda, visited South Sudan this week, bearing witness to the country’s deepening crisis. In Malakal, where hundreds of thousands have sought refuge since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan last April, ASG Noda observed firsthand how the large-scale displacement is exacerbating existing challenges in the country."As the world's attention is drawn elsewhere, the people of South Sudan are enduring unimaginable hardship, grappling with ongoing conflict, mass displacement, the ravages of climate change, and an exorbitant cost of living that renders basic necessities unattainable for many. The impact is devastating," remarked ASG Noda. "South Sudan urgently requires increased development support that empowers individuals to break free from the cycle of crisis and build safer, more stable, and prosperous lives."During her visit, ASG Noda engaged with senior officials, including Vice President of the Gender and Youth Cluster, Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak Mayom, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General to South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, alongside key UN partners and donors.ASG Noda reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to work with the Government of South Sudan and partners to provide critical development support. UNDP is working in all South Sudanese states, and at the national level, to strengthen the institutions responsible for building a safer, more peaceful and prosperous society. To respond to the deepening displacement crisis, UNDP has supported the creation of the National Coordination and Operations Centre, which will coordinate emergency, humanitarian and ‘durable solutions’ response; as well as the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), to strengthen their ability to respond to the rapid population rise due to the Sudan conflict and deliver essential services to those in need.At the local level, UNDP is working with local authorities to provide the essential foundations for building resilience. This includes strengthening access to justice, essential service delivery, and peacebuilding. In Malakal, ASG Noda visited activities focused on strengthening youth engagement and empowerment. Young people she met spoke to how such activities were creating a sense of hope, while helping overcome tensions within the community and address trauma. Interventions such as these are critical in addressing the underlying triggers for inter-communal violence and laying the foundation for more resilient communities. ENDAbout UNDP in South Sudan: For more information, or to arrange an interview with United Nations Development Program Assistant Secretary-General and Crisis Bureau Director Shoko Noda please contact: Amos Agiro, UNDP South Sudan Communications Specialist, Juba, amos.agiro@undp.orgAimee Brown, UNDP Crisis Bureau Communications Specialist, New York,Aimee.brown@undp.org Ngele Ali, UNDP Africa Regional Communications Advisor, Nairobi, Ngele.ali@undp.org

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Press Release

12 December 2023

South Sudan launches National Export and Investment Strategy

(Juba/Geneva) – The Government of South Sudan today launched its five-year National Export and Investment Strategy in Juba, with the vision of “A sustainable, productive and diversified economy for inclusive development and prosperity in South Sudan.” By initiating vital policy reforms and infrastructure initiatives, the Strategy will support investment in productive capacities and domestic and cross border trade. Jointly drafted by public and private stakeholders, the Strategy is dedicated to: Foster private-sector-led growth, ensuring transparency, and upholding trade policy consistency. Prioritize integration into the East African Community (EAC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Bolster local production, curbing imports, and stabilizing inflation for economic resilience. Nurture the potential of its youth and women through skills enhancement, vocational training, and gender-sensitive initiatives. Implement measures to unlock trade and investment potential in six priority sectors: fruits and vegetables, gum arabic, hides & skins, natural honey, oilseeds, and wildlife tourism. Offer viable market opportunities for South Sudan in neighbouring EAC countries and across the African continent. As a result of a highly consultative process, qualitative and quantitative research led by the International Trade Centre (ITC), a United Nations agency supporting small businesses, the National Export and Investment Strategy provides a coherent roadmap for developing productive capacities and attract investment. Evidence from ITC’s 2022 SME Competitiveness Survey informed all six sector strategies. ITC and Afreximbank join forces to help South Soudan use trade as an engine of growth, development, and economic resilience, for its people, including women, youth and vulnerable communities. Quotes ‘Trade, investment, and regional integration can drive the country’s growth, development and stability. The Strategy shows the consensus among all stakeholders to reach a sustainable, productive and diversified economy for inclusive prosperity in South Sudan. At the same time, the Strategy highlights the need for addressing economic fundamentals such as physical infrastructure, energy supply, and internet connectivity, as well as inflation and foreign exchange volatility to support trade, small business and economic stability. It is a call for a partnership between government, business and development partners.’ Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC) ‘The National Export and Investment Strategy stands as a beacon guiding the government, private sector, and development partners, fortifying the competitive prowess of South Sudanese businesses, and ultimately propelling the entire nation forward. I am deeply grateful for the African Export-Import Bank’s vital financial support, which plays a pivotal role in turning the Strategy into a tangible achievement for South Sudan. The Government of South Sudan is resolved in fully embracing and executing the Strategy.’ Mary Akech Milla, Undersecretary, Ministry of Transport, South Sudan, National Focal Point for National Export and Investment Strategy ‘Our partnership empowers South Sudan's quest for economic stability, driving policy reforms and infrastructure development, promoting growth, trade, and regional integration.’ Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Afreximbank The National Export and Investment Strategy was developed under the aegis of the Government of South Sudan under the leadership of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Investment, with financial support from Afreximbank and technical assistance provided by ITC’s One Trade Africa Initiative. Notes to the Editor About Afreximbank - The African Export-Import Bank (AfrEximBank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution with the mandate of financing and promoting intra-and extra-African trade. AfrEximBank was established in October 1993 and owned by African governments, the African Development Bank, and other African multilateral financial institutions as well as African and non-African public and private investors. The Bank was established under two constitutive documents, an Agreement signed by member states, which confers on the Bank the status of an international organization, and a Charter signed by all Shareholders, which governs its corporate structure and operations. The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. For more information, visit: www.afreximbank.com About ITC - The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. For more information, visit www.intracen.org. Follow ITC on Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Flickr About ITC’s One Trade Africa – One Trade Africa works to enable, empower and enhance African MSMEs, women and youth entrepreneurs to access new transformative business opportunities created by the AfCFTA. The programme embraces a three-pronged delivery model which supports African MSMEs to compete, connect and change at the enterprise, business ecosystem and policy levels. ITC provides African MSMEs with training, advice and coaching to build capacities, connect to new and more lucrative markets, and create jobs.

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Press Release

01 November 2023

South Sudan renews commitment to accelerate sustainable peace and development on UN Day

October 24, 1945, marked the coming into force of the UN Charter, since then the UN Day has been celebrated annually to highlight the achievements and challenges of the global community established to safeguard peace from scourges of war, protect human rights, establish the framework for international justice and promote economic and social progress. South Sudan is marking the event this year with a localized theme: “Towards Sustainable Peace and Development in South Sudan”, The theme underscores the urgent need to accelerate action towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their complementarity to achieving targets set under the National Revised Development Strategy to create a better world for all South Sudanese leaving no one behind. UN personnel working across South Sudan with local leaders and communities gathered at Nyakuron Cultural center to celebrate United Nations Day and the work the organization is doing to protect civilians, build durable peace, and promote stability and development. This year’s celebration was preceded by a Symposium where over 500 people participated and an exhibition showing the work of the UN in South Sudan. While introducing the panel discussion, the Resident Coordinator ai, Marie - Helen underscored the relevance of the triple nexus programing modality “as partners continue to work together to address the Mult-challenges that the country faces, humanitarian support, peace and development must move hand in hand” she noted. The UN works side-by-side with the government of South Sudan and the South Sudanese people to protect civilians, build durable peace while providing access to vital services to communities across the country, such as food, clean water, sanitation, education, health care, infrastructural development, demining, human rights, and other forms of advocacy. “As South Sudan prepares for its first post-independence elections, it is only through strong partnerships that a peaceful democratic transition can be achieved. In the spirit of UN Day, therefore, I call on all stakeholders to demonstrate shared purpose and political will to usher in a prosperous future for all South Sudanese,” stated Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, and Head of UNMISS. Representing the government, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Hon. Mary Nawai noted that the UN has been a steadfast strategic partner for South Sudan. “Throughout these years, we have collaborated with the United Nations in various ways to advance peace, development, and humanitarian efforts in our country” said Hon. Mary. On United Nations Day, UN’s commitment to advancing peace, protecting human rights, and promoting togetherness between nations and among the broader international community is celebrated. Since its founding, the United Nations has shown that countries with different histories yet shared purpose can join to bend the arc of history toward a freer and more just world.

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Press Release

06 July 2023

UN launches campaign, calling for renewed global ambition and action for the Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations, today, is kicking off a communications campaign to rally for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the roadmap for people and planet adopted by world leaders in 2015. Ahead of a critical UN Summit in September, the campaign aims to amplify an urgent call for ambitious new action, showcase the Goals as the blueprint for sustainable progress globally, and galvanize the global public around this shared agenda for our common future. At halftime toward the deadline of 2030, the promise of the SDGs is in peril. For the first time in decades, development progress is reversing under the combined impacts of climate disasters, conflict, economic downturn, and lingering COVID-19 effects. The 2023 SDG Summit will gather world leaders at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 18-19 September to reaffirm their collective commitments to the Goals and the promise to leave no one behind. This Summit is a defining moment to urgently put the world back on track to achieving the SDGs. Starting today, in a major digital activation across platforms and countries worldwide, the UN campaign aims to re-energize the conversation about the Goals. “Everyone’s voice counts; our hope is that decision-makers and individual citizens alike will feel inspired to join the conversation and contribute to achieving the Goals with new resolve and ambition.” Said the RC ai Mr. Peter Van der Auweraert. “All goals are interconnected and equally important, but in South Sudan, achieving zero hunger, no poverty and universal access to basic services such as education and health should be at the top of Government’s agenda. With strong political will, and the continued support of the international community including the United Nations, real progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is possible in South Sudan.” Building off the color wheel brand of the SDGs, the campaign uses a dynamic new visual system for its messaging to build momentum, raise awareness and mobilize accelerated action for the SDGs. One core campaign component is the call to individual citizens to take action on the SDGs through the UN’s ActNow initiative across all 17 Goals. From using public transportation, to fundraising for schools or speaking up for equality, the platform lists steps that everyone can take to accelerate progress on the SDGs and create better lives on a healthier planet for all. As stated by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Hon. Agok Makur Kur Agok at the opening of the Doha program of Action debrief in Juba, it is important that we work together to concertize strategies and frameworks in South Sudan’s pursuit to address the multifaceted challenges to sustainable development. A curated group of high-profile influencers, the Circle of Supporters, will galvanize their communities to take individual action on the SDGs and to impress upon decision-makers the urgency to act now. More information on the SDG Summit is available at: https://www.un.org/en/conferences/SDGSummit2023 Hashtag: #GlobalGoals Media contact: Alexandra del Castello, UN Department of Global Communications, alexandra.delcastello@un.org

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