The Government of South Sudan and the UN country team meets to review implementation of the UN Cooperation Framework and discuss joint priorities

On the 2nd July 2020, the government of South Sudan represented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, and Ministers of Roads and Bridges, Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Gender, Child and Social Welfare, and Justice and Constitutional Affairs met with the United Nations Country team (UNCT) in South Sudan to review the United Nations Cooperation framework (UNCF). The meeting also discussed common challenges and opportunities for recovery and resilience including the response to the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis and priorities for the transitional period.

“Strengthening governance systems, providing social services rebuilding livelihoods and empowering women and the youth are critical to achieve recovery and development in South Sudan” said Alain Noudehou, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the United Nations to share experiences, achievements and lessons learned from the implementation of the UNCF in 2019 and to engage with government on the 2020-21 UNCF priority areas. It also provided an opportunity to discuss government’s priorities to achieve R-ARCSS implementation.  These include; responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with and emphasis on both the public health and the need to plan for socio-economic recovery; ensuring strong coordination to implement the provisions of the R-ARCSS; reviewing and implementing the National Development Strategy; and undertaking key PFM reforms.

The participants discussed how to align the UNCF with national priorities for the transitional period and agree on joint priorities.

“South Sudan has experienced several shocks in the last twelve months from locusts, floods, COVID-19 pandemic to the fall in prices of oil at global market. This has affected the capacity of the government to implement the provisions of the R-ARCSS as planned. Today’s discussion is an opportunity for us to review progress in terms of results and timeliness” said Hon. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, Minister of Finance and planning.

The current COVID- 19 pandemic and its associated impacts, coupled with the expected return of the displaced populations, increases the need for security and provision of social services including quality health care, education, social services, and improving livelihoods. It is therefore important for development partners in South Sudan to work with the government and strengthen joint efforts and ensure that services reach all areas including the hard to reach areas and those adversely affected by conflict.

The recent flooding, the invasion of locusts and on-going community violence have clearly demonstrated the importance of preparedness by Government, UN and other development partners to build resilience and reduce the vulnerabilities of the local population to disaster risks.

The UNCT in South Sudan launched its UN Cooperation Framework (UNCF) 2019 to 2021 in December 2018. The UNCF outlines the joint efforts and plans of the UNCT for the three-year period and reflects the priorities of the National Development Strategy and the SDGs.