UN, Government of South Sudan Set Up Peacebuilding Fund Joint Steering Committee

The United Nations and the Government of South Sudan have launched a Joint Peacebuilding Steering Committee (JSC) to guide the planning and implementation of Peacebuilding Funds allocated to South Sudan.

The UN Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund is a multi-year standing trust fund that provides financial and technical support for post-conflict peacebuilding.

The JSC is co-chaired by the Resident Coordinator and the Minister of Peacebuilding. Other members include heads of UN agencies, national and international NGOs, interested donors and International Finance Institutions.

The launch of the Peacebuilding Steering Committee for South Sudan comes at a critical time for the country, as the government seeks to garner international support to execute its peacebuilding priorities and implement the revitalized peace agreement.

The JSC is a governance structure for PBF investments in South Sudan, guiding the effective management of PBF investments in South Sudan.

The JSC fosters effective partnerships, coordination and collaboration among national authorities, the UN, Non-Government Organizations, Civil Society Organizations engaged in peacebuilding.

“Establishment of the JSC is a significant milestone for the Peacebuilding Fund,” said Jutta Hinkkanen who inaugurated the JSC on behalf of Ms. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, the UN Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan.

“The Joint Steering Committee has a critical role to play in ensuring that the PBF realizes its full potential for making strategic contributions towards sustained peace in South Sudan.”

The Minister for Peacebuilding—Hon. Stephen Par Kuol said: “there are many local peacebuilding efforts at community level that need support, and we are going to make this steering committee functional for such efforts to be amplified and supported.”

South Sudan’s eligibility to access funding through the PBF was renewed in 2021 for a period of 5 years. Through the PBF, South Sudan will focus on strengthening national democratization, justice, and accountability processes; addressing conflict related to displacement; and strengthening local peace and conflict prevention mechanisms.