The new UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, Aurélien Agbénonci, has vowed to step up efforts in the implementation of the One UN programme.

"I’m looking forward to the challenge of taking the reform further as we’ve moved into implementation,” a statement quotes Agbénonci as saying. The envoy promised to lead the UN Country team in the implementation of the programme.

According to a communiqué from his office, Agbénonci commended the Government for the leadership and guidance it has shown throughout the reform process.

The UN Country Team has in less than one year brought together Rwanda’s UN activities in the One UN Programme with a mission of delivering better results for the Rwandan people.

Rwanda is one of the eight ‘Delivering as One UN’ pilot countries. ‘Implementation of the programme will be based on national priorities in Vision 2020, and the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS).

Focus will be on key areas: governance; health, nutrition and population; HIV/AIDS; education; environment and sustainable growth and social rotection,’ the statement added.

The programme consists of all UN agency activities in Rwanda from 2008 to 2012 It aims to improve impact, efficiency, positioning and coherence of the UN system.

Its total budget amounts to $488 million, of which $155 million needs to be mobilised through the ‘One UN’ programme.

Spain, Norway, and the United Kingdom are the first donors to commit themselves financially to the One UN Fund. Many UN agencies are also involved in the implementation process.

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