Joint Planning Mechanism for Sudan Begins Work
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PRESS OFFICE
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2003-062
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2003
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, DC - The Government of Sudan (GoS) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) met with the facilitation of the United States Government in Washington, D.C. from July 8 to 9, 2003 to start the work of the Joint Planning Mechanism (JPM). The JPM was created during a meeting held in Nairobi from May 9-10, 2003 to assist both parties in assessing needs, developing priorities, and drawing up action plans for implementation during the pre-interim period. This meeting, hosted by the World Bank, was attended by members of the GoS and SPLM, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations (UN), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The parties agreed to create a small joint secretariat in Nairobi, composed of three technical experts from each side, by August 1, 2003. The JPM secretariat will be facilitated by the UN system and will assist in coordination and harmonization of priority areas, develop detailed work plans, disseminate information, and consult with Sudanese and other stakeholders. This will include taking to the field, the process of setting quick start priorities, involving local authorities and civil society throughout Sudan.
In addition, the parties prepared a list of common priority areas that will guide quick start/impact programs and capacity building. They call upon the international community, in particular the international financial institutions, the UN agencies, and bi-lateral donors, to assist in the urgent implementation of agreed programs.
Immediate focus of the JPM will be on capacity building at all levels related to the issue of returning populations (internally displaced persons and refugees). This will include data collection and analysis, provision of basic services (including GoS controlled areas in the south), culture of peace, and civil administration.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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