The United Nations Development Programme has met with Minister of Finance Stephen Dhieu Dau and called for the UN and South Sudan together to “remain focused on economic stabilization and sustainable development initiatives.” The agency also says that there is 'momentum' toward progress on recovery efforts.

UNDP has been arranging international donor support for the SPLA-led South Sudanese government throughout the nearly three years civil war through various grant-making mechanisms. It has consistently advocated that donor governments should keep funding development projects rather than diverting all of their donations into humanitarian relief.

UNDP Acting Country Director Jean-Luc Stalon said after meeting Dhieu today, “Today’s meeting highlighted the mutual understanding between UNDP and Ministry of Finance, and the momentum at the present moment to make progress on recovery efforts in South Sudan,” according to a UNDP article on the agency's website.

The meeting comes after the United Nations Security Council visited South Sudan over the weekend and pledged the UN's cooperation with the government of President Salva Kiir.

Development support will be a part of that cooperation, according to the UNDP Acting Country Director. “UNDP advocated for balanced approach of inter-related humanitarian and development responses in South Sudan, emphasizing the Ministry’s role in critical recovery and stabilization efforts,” reads the article.

The two also discussed the New Deal Compact, which is an agreement between conflict-affected states, international development partners and civil society to improve development policy and practice.

“During their meeting, the Minister and Mr. Stalon discussed preparations needed to develop a Compact specific to South Sudan with an emphasis on strengthening state-level institutions. UNDP reiterated its commitment to working with the Ministry of Finance to support reinvigorated local economies, inclusive economic growth, and more resilient communities,” the website says.

Photo credit: UNDP

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