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.