Sweden and UN Rwanda partnership to support UNDAP II

The United Nations in Rwanda represented by the UN Resident Coordinator signed an agreement of cooperation with the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) represented by the Head of Mission.

The partnership signed on November 14th this year will enhance the UN capacity to implement its United Nations Development Assistance Plan (UNDAP II 2018 – 2023), contributing to the Government’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST 1: 2017-2024) and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Sida’s total financial contribution of 60,000,000 SEK, roughly 6.1 million USD, over the period 2019-2022 will be channeled through the UN Rwanda Sustainable Development Fund (SDF).  

“The UN values the ongoing strong partnership with the Government of Sweden, both globally and here in Rwanda to accompany the UN reforms and accelerate the implementation of the agenda 2030. This new agreement will contribute to supporting Rwanda’s continued and impressive development. I am strongly convinced that this partnership will have a clear impact on people’s lives, leaving no one behind.” said Fodé Ndiaye, UN Resident Coordinator. 

These resources will enable the UN to implement interventions related to sustainable economic growth, jobs and livelihoods; natural resources and climate change; gender equality, human rights and justice; and democratic processes and quality service delivery and evidence-based policy:  https://rwanda.un.org/en/1236-undap-ii-united-nations-development-assistance-plan-2018-2023

“Sida has been a valued partner of the One UN in Rwanda since 2008 and we are delighted to see their renewed commitment to the SDGs including goal 5 on gender equality and women's empowerment. Their support will boost our collective efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development” Ms. Fatou Lo, UN Women Representative on behalf of Result Group 3.

Gualbert Gbehounou, Food and Agriculture (FAO) Representative to Rwanda on behalf of Result Group1 on Economic Transformation said that “Signing of this agreement between the UN Resident Coordinator and the Government of Sweden is an excellent move I was happy to witness. Economic transformation as outlined in UNDAP II can only be achieved if partners provide financial support to the implementation of Joint Programmes so that by 2023 people in Rwanda benefit from more inclusive competitive and sustainable economic growth that generates decent work and promotes quality livelihoods for all by sustainably managing natural resources and addressing climate change and natural disasters.  

Both Sweden and the UN expressed that the collaboration will be carried out under the auspices of SDG 17 – Partnerships to leverage strengths and drive transformative change.

“The collaboration with One UN and the financial support to UNDAP II demonstrate Sweden’s strong willingness to support the UN reforms for a more coherent and effective UN system at the national level but also to contribute to Rwanda's efforts to achieve sustainable poverty reduction as well as attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. It’s only in partnership with different actors we can achieve the ambitious Agenda 2030”, said Anne Höglund, Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden.

The UN and Sweden underlined the desire to join efforts to support the Government of Rwanda to successfully implement the NST 1 based on the country’s vision 2050, taking into account the Agendas 2030 and 2063.