IGAD and South Sudan Strengthen National Coordination for the Implementation of the Building Women’s Economic Resilience for Sustainable Peace Project

(Photo Credit: IGAD)

(Juba, South Sudan): IGAD, through its Land Governance Unit, in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, convened a National Debrief Meeting to review the outcomes of the recently concluded Inter-Ministerial and Stakeholder Engagement in Torit and strengthen coordination for the implementation of the Building Women’s Economic Resilience for Sustainable Peace (BWERSP) Project.

Held at the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in Juba, the meeting brought together representatives from the Ministries of Gender, Child and Social Welfare; Lands, Housing and Urban Development; Peacebuilding; Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; and other key partners to consolidate recommendations from the state-level consultations and agree on a coordinated framework for project implementation.

The meeting focused on key findings emerging from the consultations in Eastern Equatoria State, addressing implementation priorities, and defining clear roles, responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms among national, state, county, payam, and boma institutions to ensure effective project delivery.

Officially opening the meeting, Mr. John Deng Ayau, Director General Finance and Administration, Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare welcomed participants and underscored the importance of coordinated action in advancing women’s economic empowerment and strengthening institutional partnerships to deliver sustainable results for communities across South Sudan.

Speaking on behalf of the IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Victoria Anib, IGAD Head of Mission to South Sudan, emphasised the importance of sustaining the momentum generated during the Torit consultations.

“The consultations in Torit provided a strong foundation for action. Today, we are strengthening our partnership with the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to ensure that the Building Women’s Economic Resilience for Sustainable Peace Project is implemented through coordinated institutions, inclusive partnerships, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of women and communities across the country.”

The meeting also featured presentations on the consolidated outcomes of the Torit consultations, including key recommendations, emerging priorities, and proposed actions to guide project implementation. Participants discussed institutional coordination arrangements and implementation responsibilities to ensure effective collaboration across all levels of government and partner institutions.

Ms. Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD Gender and Land Expert and Coordinator of the BWERSP Project, highlighted the significance of coordinated implementation.

“Successful implementation requires strong partnerships, shared accountability, and sustained collaboration across national and local institutions. By working together, we can translate the priorities identified during the consultations into meaningful opportunities that improve women’s livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and contribute to lasting peace.”

The National Debrief Meeting concluded with a shared understanding of implementation priorities, agreement on coordination arrangements, and renewed commitment by IGAD and the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to work together in delivering the BWERSP Project. The outcomes provide a clear framework for coordinated implementation, ensuring that the recommendations from the state-level consultations are translated into tangible actions that advance women’s economic resilience, inclusive land governance, and sustainable peace across South Sudan.

Source: https://igad.int/igad-and-south-sudan-strengthen-national-coordination-for-the-implementation-of-the-building-womens-economic-resilience-for-sustainable-peace-project/