29th January, 2020: Today, the United Nations in Rwanda in partnership with Government of Rwanda represented by the Ministry of Local Government is launching the Joint Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Fund’s contribution of 2,000,000 USD to implement a joint programme that will contribute to the Government of Rwanda’s efforts for integrated social protection to end poverty in all its forms, leaving no one behind. The Joint SDG Fund was set up by the Member States of the United Nations to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs globally.
The programme will be implemented over a two-year period from 2020-2021 by UNICEF, WFP, FAO and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (RCO) with a coordinating role, through a partnership with the Government of Rwanda and national partners; Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) as lead, Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), and Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA) focusing on Kirehe, Karongi, Burera, Nyamagabe, and Rutsiro Districts. The three implementing agencies will add their own resources to the joint programme with an amount of 1,040,000 USD putting the total available funds at 3,040,000 USD.
The “Joint Programme on Accelerating Integrated Policy interventions to Promote Social Protection in Rwanda” will contribute to the government’s current needs and vision for the social protection sector and contribute directly to government national priorities for poverty eradication and district-level plans.
“The Government of Rwanda is strongly committed to eradicating poverty through strengthening partnerships and collaboration with the One UN. This Joint Program will accelerate graduation of poor households, create opportunities for the local communities and individual households to live a decent life, and build resilience. The principle of “leave no one behind” is embedded in Government of Rwanda’s policies and programs. We’re therefore pleased to partner with ONE-UN in the implementation of this joint programme, which aims at transforming lives of the local communities, through innovative approaches and solutions, that will contribute to the achievement of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) and the Sustainable development goals (SDGs); Hon. Prof. Shyaka Anastase, Minister of Local Government.
The joint programme will also contribute to achieving the ambitious SDG targets in eliminating poverty and hunger, significantly reducing inequalities while working in a climate-smart manner. The joint programme is a part of the United Nations Development Plan for Rwanda (UNDAP 2018-2023) and it is aligned with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST1 2017-2024) and Social Protection Strategic Plan (2018-2024).
“We commend the government of Rwanda that stands out as exemplary in its strong structure, clear goals, and effective commitment to achieving tangible results. This provides a conducive context for the UN to work, and partner with the Government and national stakeholders and contribute to the development of the country and the wellbeing of the people leaving no one behind, through the very relevant for poverty eradication of the social protection framework”. - Fode Ndiaye, UN Resident Coordinator