The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, in collaboration with the government of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State concluded a two-day strategic planning forum on Wednesday with calls for development funds.
Over 80 government executive members, judiciary, parliamentarians, women, youth, traditional, faith-based groups, and civil society organizations have participated in the forum.
The delegates called for development funds, the creation of job opportunities, flood control, and the enhancement of the rule of law among others.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj after the closing ceremony, the Team Leader for Civil Affairs Division for the UN office in Aweil, Maria Inecita Montero, said the event has brought numerous key stakeholders from the government and other social networks to contribute to a better future in the State.
“The forum was aimed at bringing together the county and the state authorities with other key stakeholders including women, youth, civil society, traditional leaders, and faith-based groups to discuss key priorities, challenges, and recommendations and jointly come up with an inclusive Northern Bahr el Ghazal State strategic plan,” she said.
One of the facilitators, Daniel Arama, said the forum was interactive.
“According to my observation, I rate this forum as good. First of all, it was a good opportunity that participants from local government, women, youth, judiciary, members of parliament, and leadership of the state government have come together, interacted, and listened to reports and all the concerns that come from the grassroots,” he said.
On his part, the state minister of cabinet affairs, Sebastiano Uchan, disclosed that his government is ready for such assistance and urged the UNMISS to approve additional support for the interest of Northern Bahr el Ghazal.
“The government is ready to receive any assistance from any partner despite many barriers since the support is for the interest of the state,” said Uchan. “The government has welcomed the UNMISS funding for this forum because they are our main partner who eases all things and we have a civilized and developed collaboration with it (UNMISS) and this means that the state is ready for additional support.”