United Nations crucial to Rwanda’s development

KIGALI - The agencies of the United Nations are crucial to Rwanda’s development goals and the realisation of the country’s vision 2020, stressed the Minister of finance James Musoni while presiding over celebrations on Friday to a mark the 63rd anniversary of the UN. Said Musoni: “UN agencies in Rwanda have been steady supporters of our development programmes”. He added that the UN agencies have played an important role in supporting good governance, fighting HIV/Aids and in protecting the environment. The finance minister also expressed gratitude to the UN for selecting Rwanda as one of the pilot countries for the One UN project. He called upon all stakeholders in the UN to reflect on the progress of the international organisation that was formed shortly after the end of World War 2. The One UN coordinator in Rwanda who is also the UNDP resident representative, Aurelien Agbenonci, said that the UN is proud of its partnership with the Rwandan government. He added that the current international financial crisis calls for greater partnerships with government. As the UN celebrates its 63rd birthday, the UN country team in Rwanda has made significant progress in “delivering as one”. Under this One UN reform the different UN agencies seek to operate as one at the country level, to achieve four goals. These are one programme, one budgetary framework, one leader and one office. A joint communication strategy is also interlinked within this project. The UN agencies also participated in a joint Umuganda yesterday as part of activities to mark their 63rd anniversary by planting trees in what will be known as Kigali Botanical Gardens in Nyarugunga sector in Kicukiro district. Agbenonci said that by participating in Umuganda, they were showing solidarity with the people of Rwanda. Ends