Sweden,One UN sign $5.4 million to fund dev’t programmes in Rwanda

The implementation of the United Nations Development Assistance Plan (UNDAP) in Rwanda got a boost from the Government of Sweden after it committed SEK 45 Million (equivalent to USD5.4 million) to the programme last week. The One UN Resident Coordinator, Lamin M. Manneh, and the Chargé d’Affaires at the Swedish Embassy, Maria Hakansson, signed the deal on November 30, aimed to reinforce the UN’s work in support of the Government of Rwanda in the areas of environment, sustainable development, gender equality, deepening democracy and accountable governance, according to a statement from One UN Rwanda. Speaking at the signing of the deal at the UNDP offices in Kigali, Manneh said it would facilitate the implementation of the five-year plan by the United Nations Development Assistance Plan (UNDAP), in Rwanda, which started in 2013. “I want to thank the Government of Sweden for this contribution. This will allow the One UN to gain strength in Rwanda,” said Manneh “Everyone, not least the Government of Rwanda, wants efficiency and everyone wants us to work together for results. Your support has been instrumental and will continue to allow us to do this important work. It is well placed and will be well utilised.” Manneh added. Ms Maria Hakansson noted that Sweden’s support highlights their commitment to environmental and natural resources management, empowerment of women and institutions supporting gender issues, and deepening democracy, accountable governance and citizens’ participation in Rwanda’s development. “For Sweden, the UN remains a very important partner for our foreign policy; this is being re-emphasised again today. There should be no doubt about how we look at the UN as a Partner,” Hakansson said. Fatina Mukarubibi, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Natural Resources, thanked the Swedish government, noting the support would help Rwanda establish a very strong ‘results based management’ system and achieve Sustainable Development Goals. The USD5.4 million contribution brings Sweden’s total contribution to the One UN Fund in Rwanda to more than US$28.4 million since 2013, when the UNDAP was introduced. “This stands as a record throughout the world. It is the highest single contribution to the One UN Fund in the world, which has allowed the One UN in Rwanda to be among the best in the world, with respect to Delivering as One,” Manneh said. In 2007, Rwanda became one of the eight pilot countries for UN’s development plan dubbed Delivering as One (DaO). The underlying objective of the DaO process was to improve the UN’s impact, coherence, effectiveness and efficiency at the country level. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Sweden,One UN sign $5.4 million to fund dev’t programmes in Rwanda