Shabait.com: Press Release-Government of the State of Eritrea and the United Nations launch the Strategic Partnership Cooperation Framework 2017-2021

The Government of the State of Eritrea and the United Nations launched the Strategic Partnership Cooperation Framework (SPCF) for 2017 to 2021 in Eritrea’s Capital, Asmara. At the same time the UN in Eritrea and partners commemorated the 71st anniversary of the United Nations. The event was held at the National Confederation of Eritrean Worker’s Union and attended by Government officials, senior officials from the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, UN staff, development partners and the media. In the statement read on behalf of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon for UN Day, it was noted that in 2016, humanity entered the era of sustainability – with a global commitment to fulfil the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. “In this, the Organization’s 71st year, we have 17 goals to propel us towards a better future for all on a healthy planet”, he added.

While delivering the opening remarks, UN Resident/ Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Christine N. Umutoni said that the new SPCF starts on 1st January 2017 and is aligned to Eritrea’s National Indicative Development Plan (NIDP). She also added that the SPCF makes reference to the Africa Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The key note speaker for the event was H.E. Berhane Habtemariam, Minister of Finance, who was representing H.E Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs. He attributed the success of SPCF 2013- 2016 and achievement of some MDGs to the close collaboration between the Government and the UN. He also added that the results and challenges of the first SPCF 2013-2016 will be useful in informing the implementation of the next SPCF 2017-2021 and the implementation of the SDGs.

Ms. Leila Gharagozloo-Pakkala, Regional UN Development Group focal person for Eritrea and UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa also graced the event. In her remarks, Ms. Pakkala said that her mission to Eritrea focused on discussing ways that the Regional Director’s team can continue to support the work of the Government and the UN family, including the operationalization of the new SPCF 2017 – 2021. She commended the work of the UN in the country and the good collaboration with government and other partners in achieving tangible results.

Other speakers at the event included Mr. Afewerki Tesfai, Director, Office of the Minister, Ministry of National Development; and, Mr. Ibrahim Sambuli, UNFPA Representative. Ms. Pelucy Ntambirweki, UNICEF Deputy Representative made a presentation of the SPCF who clarified to the audience that; the Strategic Partnership Cooperation Framework is the agreement between the Government of the State of Eritrea and the United Nations on selected areas of work that will constitute development cooperation over the next five years.

The new SPCF will commence in January 2017 and will end in 2021. It has four strategic areas (pillars) for interventions and cooperation: 1) Basic social services; 2) Environmental sustainability, resilience and disaster risk management, 3) Public sector capacity development; 4) Inclusive growth, food security and sustainable livelihoods. The new SPCF is guided by the UN “Delivering as One” approach, ensuring a cohesive response to national development priorities. It was developed through a consultative and participatory process reinforcing the principles of aid effectiveness and mutual accountability.

The UN is committed to partnering with the Government of the State of Eritrea to implement the SPCF as a contribution to the achievement of national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.