Khartoum: Al-Gezira State government and a United Nations Integrated Solutions delegation discussed on Monday plans to shift the state's focus from humanitarian aid to sustainable development and production, building on improved security and its agricultural and economic potential. Wali of Al-Gezira State Al-Tahir Ibrahim Al-Khair said the state was ready to move toward comprehensive development and self-sustaining recovery, drawing on its agricultural and economic resources.
According to Sudan News Agency, the talks, attended by the state's ministers, focused on presenting Al-Gezira's development priorities to the UN delegation and securing support to shift assistance from emergency relief to strategic projects aimed at rehabilitating irrigation systems, industry and infrastructure and supporting the return of displaced residents to their homes.
The head of the UN delegation, Florian Maria, said Al-Gezira's priorities would be taken directly to a donors' conference in Nairobi to seek funding for long-term solutions. UN expert Walter Killen also called for a comprehensive workshop in the state to bring together development stakeholders to exchange experiences on recovery, praising the government's efforts and the state's readiness to restore services and recover.
On the financial front, State Finance Minister Atef Abu Shouk said the government had succeeded in settling a substantial portion of outstanding dues and arrears owed to employees and retirees using the state's own resources. The state government's General Secretariat also pledged to facilitate the logistical arrangements needed to ensure the success of the anticipated partnership with the UN system.