UNCT Retreat 2024: Reflecting on Achievements and Shaping Future Collaboration in Rwanda

As Rwanda approaches the final months of its National Strategy for Transformation (NST1 2017-2024) and the conclusion of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF 2018-2024), the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) gathered for a pivotal retreat. Held from May 28th to 30th at La Palisse Hotel in Nyamata, the retreat provided a unique opportunity to reflect on achievements, share best practices, and plan for the future. This gathering also marked a crucial moment for aligning the upcoming UNSDCF with Rwanda’s next development plan, NST2 (2024-2029).

The retreat came on the heels of the High-Level Development Partners Retreat held in early May, which focused on strategic discussions to inform the government’s next National Strategy for Transformation. For the UNCT, it was a moment to enhance collaboration with the Government of Rwanda (GoR), ensuring that efforts are synergized to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national priorities.

"For us, this retreat is crucial for unlearning all that we know so we can learn new approaches that directly address Rwanda's needs. We must leverage our unity, collaboration, collective knowledge, and shared vision as the United Nations family in Rwanda. This retreat is about fostering togetherness and forward-thinking to effectively support the country's development," said Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator.

Transforming Collaboration

One of the retreat’s key objectives was to transform the UN’s collaboration with the Government of Rwanda by identifying concrete steps to enhance both strategic and operational partnerships. This included outlining effective mechanisms to strengthen the “Delivering as One” approach, ensuring that UN efforts are aligned with national priorities and are impactful.

Directives from the Government

As Rwanda ushers in the next medium-term development strategy (NST2), which aims to achieve sustainable and resilient growth, reduce poverty, and create quality jobs, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning provided direction and guiding points to the UN Country Team. This guidance is crucial as the UN develops the next Cooperation Framework, fully aligned with Rwanda’s Strategy for Transformation.

“The government of Rwanda (GoR) wants to work within—and only within—the UN Cooperation Framework to keep the partnership with the U.N. at a strategic level. This is aligned with our programmatic approach to ensure that agencies’ program documents are geared towards impact at a macro level,” said Godfrey Kabera, Head of Strategic Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

The GoR urges the UN to focus on key strategic issues, reduce pilot projects with clear scaling plans, end small community-level projects, and work with NGOs and local authorities. They also call for enhanced human capacity development to ensure timely implementation of the national agenda.

Voices from the Retreat

Key messages from the Development Coordination Office (DCO) Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Yacoub El-Hillo, emphasized the interconnectedness of African countries and the continent's potential. He underscored the need for a coordinated and strategic UN approach to address Africa's complex challenges and achieve sustainable development.

"The need for a more coordinated and strategic UN approach to address Africa's complex challenges and achieve sustainable development is paramount," he said. "I recommend that the UNCT ensures a strategic focus on joint efforts, innovative financing, and robust policy support. Aligning future actions with both national priorities and global agendas is key to advancing the Agenda 2030 and beyond."

Strategic Actions and Commitments

As a result of the retreat, the UNCT articulated strategic actions to enhance engagement with the GoR and partners. Clear objectives and rules of engagement for the “Delivering as One” approach were set, and the conceptual framework for the next Cooperation Framework was endorsed.

The UNCT also agreed on the urgency of addressing financing challenges, ensuring genuine collaboration, and strengthening partnerships. Emphasis was placed on catalytic and innovative programming, leveraging the comparative advantages of different UN agencies, and exploring collective and integrated approaches.

A Bright Future Ahead

The 2024 UNCT Retreat in Nyamata was more than just a meeting; it was a testament to the commitment of the UN system in Rwanda to drive meaningful change. By reflecting on past achievements and planning for the future, the UNCT is poised to continue supporting Rwanda’s development journey, ensuring that no one is left behind.

As Rwanda looks ahead to NST2 and beyond, the UNCT remains a steadfast partner, ready to tackle challenges and seize opportunities to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all Rwandans.

Ash’s Poem: Innovative approach to recap UNCT Retreat

In Africa's embrace, where hopes arise,

UN's mission under Rwandan skies.

Ozonnia's wisdom, Yacoub's call,

To unite as one, addressing for all.

Challenges loom, complex and vast,

Joint efforts falter, must be surpassed.

Ownership sought, accountability too,

To deliver as one, the mission is true.

Yet forward we look, with eyes aglow,

To work with the private sector and let innovation flow.

Integrated delivery, funding for change,

In Rwanda's landscape, we'll rearrange.

Climate change addressed, with intentional care,

Human capital flourishes, in the air.

Together we strive, with passion anew,

To paint a brighter future, for Rwanda, for me and for you.