Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit meets UNDP Country Rep to engage on areas that align government priorities with ongoing and planned UNDP-supported initiatives

By Aguok Chok 

The Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, on Thursday held a high-level meeting with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Dr. Mohamed Abchir, to discuss strengthening cooperation in the implementation of key development projects across South Sudan.

The meeting focused on aligning government priorities with ongoing and planned UNDP-supported initiatives aimed at addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges. Both parties emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts in delivering impactful and sustainable development outcomes.

During the discussions, Dr. Abchir provided a comprehensive briefing on the range of projects currently supported by UNDP in South Sudan. He reiterated the organization’s commitment to working closely with the government to ensure that all interventions are responsive to national needs.

He stated that UNDP remains committed to aligning its programs with government priorities, noting that this approach is essential “to address the needs of the people of South Sudan.” His remarks underscored the importance of partnership in achieving meaningful progress, particularly in a context where development demands are significant.

Minister Salvatore welcomed the update and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering strong collaboration with development partners. He highlighted the importance of partnerships with institutions like UNDP in advancing national development goals and ensuring effective service delivery to citizens.

A key area of discussion during the meeting was the progress made in organizing the South Sudan Development Plan (SSDP) 2026–2036. The plan is envisioned as a comprehensive roadmap to guide the country’s development over the next decade, focusing on economic growth, institutional strengthening, and improved livelihoods.

Both the Minister and the UNDP Resident Representative explored the critical role that development partners and United Nations agencies are expected to play in supporting the implementation of the SSDP. They emphasized the need for continued collaboration, technical support, and resource mobilization to ensure the plan’s success.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms, which are central to improving governance and economic stability in South Sudan. These reforms are designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources.

Highlighting the significance of these efforts, the discussions noted that the reforms are “aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability to improve the economy.” This reflects the government’s broader agenda to build robust financial systems that can support sustainable development.

The engagement between the Ministry of Finance and Planning and UNDP signals a renewed commitment to partnership-driven development. It also demonstrates a shared vision of leveraging strategic cooperation to address the country’s challenges and unlock its potential.

As South Sudan continues to navigate its development path, such collaborations are expected to play a vital role in ensuring that policies translate into tangible benefits for the population.