By Aguok Chok
The United Nations Development Programme on Thursday launched an annual review meeting extending the Country Programme Document (CPD) to 2026.
The event was officiated by the national Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Marial Dongrin, in which he highlighted the need for stronger local institutions and sustainable development in South Sudan.
Dr. Ater stressed the nation’s commitment to reducing dependency on foreign aid and focusing on building homegrown capacities to achieve self-reliance.
“By empowering our people, we reduce our vulnerability to external funding fluctuations,” he said.
He emphasized that strengthening local leadership is crucial for lasting progress in the country.
The framework aligns with the South Sudan government’s national development priorities and offers a roadmap for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Ater echoed the importance of empowering local leadership.
“The time has come to harness external expertise not as a substitute for local leadership but as a catalyst for building robust, homegrown systems.”
“Strengthening our institutions, from modernizing administrative systems to investing in human capital, is not merely a strategic necessity. It is the cornerstone of our sustainable development agenda,” he said.
Dr. Ater called on all stakeholders to join in their efforts together.
“Let us embrace these challenges with optimism and determination,” he urged, stressing that collaboration is key to building a brighter future for the country.
In his address, UNDP’s resident representative, Dr. Mohamed Abchir acknowledged the ongoing partnership between the South Sudanese government and UNDP.
“The CPD is not only the framework for UNDP but also the collective vision for what we seek to achieve in South Sudan.”
He unveiled that the CPD was a result of intense consultations with the government, development partners, civil society, and other stakeholders.
The efforts aim to support South Sudan’s national development strategy, which is crucial for overcoming the country’s political and economic challenges.
South Sudan is continuing to face many obstacles in its development journey, including political instability, economic crisis, and flooding caused by climate change.
However, Dr. Abchir said more needs to be done to achieve the development milestones and SDGs amid multiple global crises.
The UNDP representative also noted that the year 2030, the deadline for achieving the SDGs, is fast approaching, making the next few years critical for the country’s development.
Dr. Abchir underscored the importance of the partnership between the government and UNDP.
He acknowledged South Sudan’s significant strides in development but warned that the country’s development prospects are still constrained by political instability and the ongoing effects of climate change. “South Sudan’s development prospects remain constrained by political challenges, a weakened economy, and widespread violence,” he noted, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration to overcome these hurdles.
“Our commitment is for the long-term journey, working collectively to achieve inclusive and sustainable development anchored on peace and stability,” he said.