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

Story

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

27 September 2024

Cissy Apiyo: From Refugee to Entrepreneurial Guiding Light

The story of Cissy Apiyo is a story about perseverance and determination. At the age of seven, she lost her parents and was left to take care of her nine siblings. To support her family, thirteen-year-old Cissy resorted to working in odd jobs before getting married at fifteen, with the assumption that it would ease life for her and her siblings at home. Despite these obstacles, Cissy's entrepreneurial spirit and desire to rise beyond all odds was evident. Residing Lologo in Juba, Cissy began selling the honey and peanut butter. Yet another innovative way in which she earns a living entails Recyling plastic into useful household products. She was struggling with capital with no access to finance, however, a loan from UNDP and the African Development Bank improved her business and status. The 6 million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) loan and invaluable training in marketing, business planning, and keeping financial records have resulted in the rapid growth of Cissy's business enterprise. She stocked her shop. She now packages her peanut butter and honey improving the quality. This has increased her sales to about SSP 30,000 per day. She says she can now assist in educating her children and support her siblings while providing them with other basic needs, something she struggled with before. Cissy's impact on the community goes beyond her entrepreneurial success. She is an asset to the community. As the current woman representative of Lologo, she offers apprenticeships free of charge to the youths in the community to avoid them from engaging in petty crimes. She is currently training four women and two men hoping to see them start their own enterprises. "I want to thank UNDP and the African Development Bank for their unwavering support. UNDP has been helpful to many youth in South Sudan. They empower youth and women", says Cissy.Cissy aims at going further afield than South Sudan with her business. She envisions her honey and peanut butter widespread in the global markets; her artifacts recognized internationally. Her story is a good example of the positive changes that can be brought by support and opportunity, that gives hope and inspiration. This is a perfect vision for the future indicating that even the greatest dreams are possible with the right support.The successful journey of Cissy, who turned from a refugee orphan to a successful entrepreneur, proves that people can change their lives despite the circumstances if they are focused, supported and given opportunities.

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Story

19 August 2024

Youth led Community Dialogue facilitates peaceful co-existence among communities in Lakes State.

Lakes State is known for its beautiful flat lands. Unfortunately, the tensions due to cattle rustling, revenge killings and the looming threat of violent extremism make it difficult for its people to enjoy a serene and peaceful environment. Taking stock of these challenges, the UN, through the Secretary General’s Peace Building Fund (PBF) partnered with Safer World and Women Initiative for Development (WIDO) to embark on a mission of empowering youth to be champions of change and peace Ambassadors with the intent to help cultivate a culture of peace in the community. “As a result of the awareness creation activities, fighting between different communities is reducing and people from different Payams can interact freely” said Abraham Ater, the Chairperson of Cueibet Youth Union (CYU).WIDO partnered with local stakeholders including youth, elders and local government to implement a range of activities that engaged up to 700 youths to foster dialogue and equip youth with conflict resolution skills. These included community dialogues between Tiap-Tiap and Pagor payams, sports events including football and wrestling, and distribution of t-shirts to payams. These initiatives strengthened connections, ethnic coexistence, and unity among the youth participants, who expressed increased awareness of the conflict issues in their communities and increased confidence in their skill sets to address them. The activities contributed to an unprecedented involvement of youth in resolving conflict within their communities. “Different payams can now keep cattle in one place without worries of rustling and conflict”, said William Mabir, the Executive Director of Cueibet County, adding that the fact that varying groups of people can now co-exist, simplifies their conflict resolution work. He urged that efforts must be made to ensure that the peacebuilding training and awareness-raising activities reach other areas that have not yet been covered. As part of the Community initiatives to promote awareness and behavior change, WIDO embarked on training youth, equipping them with negotiation, mediation, and peacebuilding skills, which they now apply when engaging worrying communities. WIDO also facilitated awareness-raising through sports, organized social activities for people to come together, have fun, interact, and receive peace messages. One such events was a wrestling competition which brought together many people from different Payams in Cueibet County. The sports for awareness-raising activities offered space for people from different payams to bond and appreciate peaceful co-existence among communities.“There was no freedom of movement as people were filled with fear and suspicion for each other because of revenge attacks. The situation has changed. Thanks to the awareness campaigns and peace dialogues, people now move from one area to another without fear. Men are now farming unlike before.” said Samuel Mangar, a resident of Cueibet County. At the peace dialogue, community members deliberated on security issues, land disputes, migration-related conflicts such as cattle theft, competition over water catchment areas, and search for green pastures among others. Together, communities identified solutions to ensure their peaceful co-existence, thus contributing to the UN’s vision of a peaceful, inclusive, democratic, and prosperous South Sudan, where no one is left behind. The Support to communities is part of the initiatives under the PBF project ‘Challenging harmful and patriarchal gender norms for better mental health and peace and security among women and girls and communities in the Wunlit Triangle in South Sudan’. Although the project closed early this year, its continued impact on helping communities to sustain are being felt.

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Story

01 August 2024

Peace Building Funds support capacity building to Police-Community Relations: creating Peaceful and Safe Communities and reduced crime

In the outskirts of Juba, Juba, Republic South Sudan, amidst the busy life of Jebel Dinka village, a remarkable effort unfolds. Community members have embarked on a noble journey to keep their community safe and free of criminals through community policing. They have formed a Police-Community Relations Committee (PCRC) - a committee that works in close partnership with the country’s law enforcement bodies to fight crime and make the place safe for all its occupants. PCRC members were trained and equipped with community policing techniques, helping them to execute their duties efficiently. The training was conducted by UNDP with funding from the Secretary General’s Peace Building Fund (PBF), a fund set up by the UN Secretary General to respond to imminent threats to peace, strengthen national capacity to promote peace, stimulate economic revitalization, and re-establish basic services.Ms. Regina John currently serves as the chair lady of the PCRC, and she attests that the trainings and PCRC workshop she participated in have helped her to learn community policing skills which she now uses to help promote safety in her community, making it habitable.“Jebel Dinka is now peaceful and cases of attacks by youth thugs have reduced greatly due to improved community -police relationships. The community works hand in hand with the police to identify and fight crime ensuring that perpetrators are arrested and handed over to the respective law enforcement organs in the country” Regina explained. Ms. Regina recalls a day when her son was attacked by the village youth thugs commonly known as “Niggars”. “Thanks to good police and community relations, we worked together and where able to identify and arrest the thugs. This discouraged other youth from joining the Niggars’ group which was terrorizing the community of Jebel Dinka and Juba at large" she continued to narrate. ‘Without the support from the PCRC, there is no way, the police or the community would have arrested the thugs that attacked my son, they would still be at large and continued to attack more innocent people” said Ms. Regina, while explaining the benefits of the PCRC. As the committee Chair Lady, Regina notes that her participation in the PCRC has exposed her to more training opportunities which has empowered her to provide leadership to the group.The PCRC also leads sensitization campaigns to create awareness and engage youth through sports activities, keeping them busy and occupied thus reducing their chances of joining bad groups. “Since the formation of the PCRC, cases of attacks by youth thugs have reduced, and there is a good relationship between the police and the community, fostering a favorable working environment for the community and police" said Abrahim, the Deputy chairperson of PCRC in Jebel Dinka. The Police and Community is working together, making it easier for the community to report cases, identify the criminals and work with the police to arrest them. The time taken to inform the police/ security personnel for intervention has also been reduced. The relationship between the police and the community has improved with communities having more confidence in the police while the police have increased their sense of responsibility to the people. The Support to PCRC is part of the initiatives under the Gender Mainstreaming in Security Sector Reform project aimed at increasing interaction and responsiveness between local security sector personnel/institutions and women to build trust and confidence among them. The project closed in 2023, and its impacts are still being felt by the communities.

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Participants at a Community Policing Training

Story

01 August 2024

Peace Building Fund supports capacity building efforts at Juba Northern Division Police to strengthen rule of law, promote human rights and ensure access to justice.

Have you ever imagined running to a police station for help, safety, and redress, all to no avail? This used to be the situation for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) who would come to the Northern division police station in Juba to report GBV cases before the establishment of a Special Protection Unit (SPU) established in 2020, through a collaborative effort with the UN. Since then, the SPU has been tasked to handle gender-based violence cases and has become an important entry point for victims to access justice and support. With support from the Gender mainstreaming in Security Sector Reform project implemented by UNDP and UN Women with funding from the UN Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), police officers assigned to the unit were trained on how to handle GBV cases appropriately. The training included knowledge on victim handling and support, victim centered approach, evidence collection, record management and data keeping, court proceedings, and referral pathways. This equipped the officers with the critical skills and knowledge to better support victims and survivors of GBV. “The training enhanced our capacity to handle and investigate sexual related crimes. Some of us have been trained to be trainers of trainees and we are now extending the training to our colleagues in other states” said Jackson, one of the Police Officers at the Northern Division Special Protection Unit. Jackson explained that the first training by UNDP was like an eye opener, it exposed them to many learning opportunities. “Knowledge from the training made us seek more information and as a result we were able to benefit from many other trainings and workshops organized by UNFPA, UN Police, and UN Women. These trainings further enhanced our knowledge on gender issues and investigation strategies” Jackson continued to narrate how UN’s support empowered them to offer better support to GBV victims.They were also introduced to facilities like the one stop center, where victims of GBV can be referred to for first aid and support, which is currently playing a vital role in ensuring that cases are handled with urgency. Jackson explained that because of the improvements in case handling, they have witnessed an increase in the cases reported as more people now trust the system. “The number of cases handled by the police has doubled, unlike before when most of the cases were handled at chief or traditional level," said Jackson. The formal handling of GBV cases by the police provides better opportunities for redress. Its more focused on human rights and relevant protection policies and laws. These interventions are part of the 2023-25 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) Strategic Priority1: consolidation of peace and transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance. Empowering the country's rule of law institutions helps to create a conducive environment where women and men in South Sudan, particularly youth and vulnerable groups, benefit from and participate in a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance. This enables the consolidation of peace, protects and promotes human rights, contributes to the rule of law, and ensures access to justice for all. It also contributes to strategic priority four on women and youth empowerment.

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Police officers explain the benefit of the training

Story

11 July 2024

South Sudan Launches the Women’s Charter in Juba: Empowering Women's Voices for Constitutional Inclusion

On May 29, the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare (MGCSW) in collaboration with the Ministry of Peace Building and UN Women launched the South Sudan Women’s Charter in Juba. This landmark event was followed by a dissemination conference on May 30-31. The Charter aims to enable women and girls to engage meaningfully with the Reconstituted National Constitutional Review Commission (R-NCRC) and influence the Permanent Constitution-making process. Moreover, it will be a great tool for advocating for a gender-responsive electoral process and equal representation in political parties.The launch was attended by prominent figures including Hon. Mary Nawai, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; Hon. Aya Benjamin Warille Libo, Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare; Hon. Pia Philip Michael, Undersecretary, Ministry of Peace Building; H.E. Marjan Schippers, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Ms. Kiki Gbeho, DSRSG/RC/HC; Ms. Sarah Hendriks, Director of Policy, Program and Intergovernmental Division at UN Women HQ New York; Dr. Maxime Houinato, Regional Director at UN Women ESARO; Dr. Paulina Chiwangu, UN Women Country Representative South Sudan; Dr. Rukaya Mohammed, Deputy Country Representative UN Women South Sudan; alongside other government officials, UN agency representatives, women leaders, civil society members, and the media.The Women’s Charter consolidates the demands, priorities, and concerns of women and girls across twelve thematic areas, including political participation, education, family rights, property ownership, health, economic and social welfare, equality, protection against GBV, access to justice, environmental security, and public finance management reforms. The Charter serves as a crucial tool to enshrine gender equality, eliminate discrimination, and ensure a 50% gender quota for women’s participation across all government levels.The Charter is the result of extensive consultations at both national and state levels with diverse stakeholders, including women’s groups, civil society organizations, legal professionals, parliamentarians, schoolgirls, chiefs, persons with disabilities, elderly women, women in business, and government officials.The Charter is the result of extensive consultations at both national and state levels with diverse stakeholders, including women’s groups, civil society organizations, legal professionals, parliamentarians, schoolgirls, chiefs, persons with disabilities, elderly women, women in business, and government officials.Ms. Sarah Hendriks, Director for the Policy, Programme, Intergovernmental Division highlighted the Charter's significance, stating, “The Charter is timely and one of the most appropriate strategies to enhance the participation of women and girls in the constitution-making process. UN Women is hopeful that the Charter will empower women and girls to engage meaningfully with the National Constitutional Review Commission, addressing their diverse concerns collectively.” Hon. Mary Nawai, Minister for Parliamentarian Affairs, “launch of the Women’s Charter represents a vital step in empowering women in politics and leadership. Developed through extensive consultations, the Charter consolidates the priorities and demands of women and girls for inclusion in the permanent constitution. Empowerment entails providing the necessary resources, skills, and a supportive environment to ensure women's meaningful engagement in the constitution-making process and beyond." Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho UN Deputy Special Representative and Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator, remarked, "The South Sudan Women's Charter is a significant milestone in advancing women's rights in our country. Congratulations to all the women and men who generously contributed to its development, consolidating the priorities of women and girls in the constitution-making process".Hon. Pia Philip Michael Undersecretary Ministry of Peacebuilding stressed "The Women’s Charter aims to amplify the voices of our women, ensuring their contributions are meaningful. I urge our government and international partners to turn these voices into actionable realities. The Charter tackles crucial issues such as marriage and family, prepares our girls and boys for the future, and ensures that men are not left behind"H.E. Marjan Schippers expressed confidence that the Charter would ensure a gender-sensitive and inclusive permanent constitutionFollowing the launch, the Charter will be disseminated at the subnational level to raise awareness and encourage women’s participation in the constitution-making process. The MGCSW plans to submit copies of the Charter to the leadership of the R-NCRC, NEC, and PPC to ensure women’s concerns are considered in the permanent constitution, electoral process, and political party regulations.Through this initiative, South Sudan takes a significant step toward gender equality, empowering women and girls to shape the future of their nation.

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Press Release

23 April 2024

United Nations in South Sudan calls for urgent release of trucks carrying fuel and other critical supplies after Government commits to rescinding tax demands.

JUBA, 23 April 2024 - The United Nations in South Sudan acknowledges the assurance given today by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs that the imposition of taxes on trucks carrying fuel and other supplies does not apply to UN humanitarian, development, and peacekeeping operations or to the diplomatic community.However, we remain concerned that our fuel trucks are still being held up at various depots and the border. Until they are released, the UN will not be able to conduct many of its activities in support of vulnerable communities across the country.The situation is critical. The fuel reserves of the UN and its agencies, funds, and programmes are running out. This will prevent the delivery of millions of dollars of aid during a severe humanitarian crisis and divert already stretched funding provided by donors and other Member States to assist the people of South Sudan. Humanitarian airdrops have already been suspended, affecting 60,000 people in need. UNMISS itself is also forced to review peacekeeping patrols, road repairs, construction of police stations, schools, and health centers, as well as reduce support to peace and electoral processes.“While we acknowledge the Government’s confirmation of its intention to end the blockade of our trucks, we now need urgent action to get the trucks moving to ensure our support for South Sudan does not grind to a halt,” said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom.

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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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