KIGALI - The UN reforms in Rwanda to enable the world body’s agencies operate under its "One UN-Delivering as One” system was launched yesterday.

The reformed "One UN” system will create a single national programme to support the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS).

During a new conference at Kigali Serena Hotel yesterday, the UN Resident Coordinator Moustapha Soumaré said the programme is aimed at helping Rwanda achieve its Vision 2020.

"We now have One UN programme incorporating UN activities in Rwanda instead of agency specific programmes,” Soumaré said, adding that this will deliver more results to the  benefit of Rwandans

Vision 2020 is government’s development programme geared towards achieving major goals like education for all, a prosperous knowledge-based economy and competitive private sector.

In January last year, Rwanda was selected among the eight pilot developing countries for the "One UN” reformed system.

Soumaré said that Rwanda is proud to be among the countries piloting this reform, which focuses on six key areas of governance, health, population, fighting HIV/Aids, education, environment and sustainable growth and social protection.

Soumaré explained that the UN agencies are now working together in the planning and implementation processes of the aforementioned areas to avoid duplication of activities.
Maarit Hirvonen, the WFP Country Representative, singled out the UNaids, UNDP, Unicef and WFP that have partnered with Urunana Communication Development in a campaign against HIV/Aids and malnutrition through radio programmes.

"Our mandate will be strengthened and we will be more focused in our actions,” Elisabeth Balepa, the FAO Country Representative, said.

She added that "One UN” programme maximises efficiency based on comparative advantage for agencies.

The UNFPA Country Representative, Thérèse Zeba, said that implementing the One Rwanda programme will make it possible for the entire UN to help Rwanda achieve objectives of economic growth and sustainable development.
Soumaré said a single budgetary framework has been established to ensure efficient implementation of the programme. The total estimated amount of resources needed to implement the Rwanda’s "One UN” programme is over Frw263 billion (about $488m) million for 2008-2012.

"Having one budgetary framework means that we as UN agencies will no longer compete for funds at country level,” Dr Joseph Foumbi, Unicef Country Representative, said.
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