The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) yesterday signed a two year agreement with UN-Rwanda committing $3.5m to activities of the body in the country.

This is double the annual Swedish support to UN Rwanda since 2008.

"The One UN reform is especially important at this time given the many significant challenges developing countries are facing,” said  Richard Bomboma, SIDA Country representative after the signing of the agreement.

"We are convinced that the UN is becoming a more efficient and relevant partner in development to speed up work towards achieving the MDGs and improving the lives of all Rwandans”.

The Swedish contribution is expected to cover parts of the funding gap for the One UN Programme in Rwanda covering all UN activities spanning from 2008 - 2012.

Speaking at the same function, the acting UN Resident Coordinator, Dr Joseph Foumbi, said that in the last two years, the United Nations has increasingly come together as a system.

"We are determined to deliver better results, more efficiently and effectively, in support of Rwanda’s ambitious development agenda,” said Foumbi.

Ends