UN and Sudan Sign the UN Development Assistance Framework for 2009-2012
Khartoum 23 July (SUNA) - The United Nations system in Sudan, together with the Government of National Unity and the Government of Southern Sudan Wednesday signed the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), ushering in a new programming cycle for the UN system for the next four years from 2009 to 2012. The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday 23 July at the Ministry of International Cooperation in Khartoum, and was attended by Government officials, United Nations representatives, and development partners. "The 2009-2012 UNDAF represents an important step in terms of moving forward jointly with a common vision of our strategic direction in support of the peace process. While the UNDAF represents a planning tool for the UN, priorities were developed in close cooperation with partners from relevant line ministries through four thematic technical working groups in line with the government five year strategic plan and the government of Southern Sudan budget sector plans. As such, the UNDAF also represents a key document for the government in development planning and programming as well as for setting benchmarks for development efforts", said H.E. Dr. El Elias Nyamlell Wakoson, State Minister, Ministry of International Cooperation. Dr. Wakosong emphasized that the UNDAF should form a transition from recovery to development and a bridge from direct execution to national execution. The UNDAF document was signed by representatives of 18 UN organizations and departments working in Sudan headed by Ms. Ameerah Haq, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator. The four-year programming tool identifies UN support in four major areas namely: peace building; governance and rule of law; livelihoods and productive sectors; and basic services. "The Government of Southern Sudan has actively contributed to the preparation of the UNDAF and is equally committed to its vision and strategy that support the CPA. We strongly welcome the UN efforts to contribute to the Government of Southern Sudan's recovery and development objectives and look forward to facilitating the implementation of the UNDAF", said H.E. Dr. Barnaba Mariala Benjamin, Minister of Regional Cooperation, who signed the UNDAF in Juba. Stressing the transition from relief to recovery and development, Ms. Ameerah Haq said: "The 2009 - 2012 UNDAF is a tremendous opportunity for the UN- Sudan partnership for development. While the Sudan "UN and Partners Work Plan" has been a unique tool for timely response to humanitarian and recovery needs, the UNDAF will enable us to move beyond annual planning, and set more ambitious development goals with the help of all our national and international partners. With the endorsement of this planning tool, the UN will spare no effort in helping the country achieve tangible progress toward the Millennium Development Goals. The consolidation of peace and stability in the country remains the ultimate goal of the UNDAF process."
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