Khartoum: Undersecretary for Planning at the Ministry of Finance, Mohamed Bashar, chaired the 2025 fourth-quarter review meeting between the Government of Sudan and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), a key reference framework guiding partner efforts to improve the wellbeing of children and mothers.
According to Sudan News Agency, the meeting was attended by UNICEF Representative in Sudan Sheldon Yett, Deputy Representative Ann Marie Swai, and directors of the Policy and External Financing Directorates at the Ministry of Finance. Bashar affirmed Sudan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with UNICEF, noting that major challenges persist, including the halt of significant portions of funding, which has limited the state’s ability to plan and implement programs that protect vulnerable groups, especially children and women.
He explained that despite the severe pressures caused by the ongoing war and the global geopolitical constraints affecting financing, UNICEF has implemented critical intervent
ions that not only enhanced community resilience but also saved many lives. Bashar added that the primary aim of the meeting is to reach a common understanding among all partners regarding the achievements of UNICEF’s program framework and its future direction.
He also noted that Sudan has agreed with the United Nations on the Transitional Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development (2026-2028), built around four strategic priorities that guide the work of UN agencies in the country, including their core programs. The Undersecretary of Planning at the Ministry of Finance expressed hope for constructive deliberations that would enhance the quality of joint work.
For his part, UNICEF Representative Sheldon Yett stated: ‘We are partnering with the government for the sake of children and women in Sudan and to meet their needs.’ UNICEF teams presented an overview of program performance, achievements, and challenges encountered during the fourth quarter. Both sides agreed to continue strengthening coordinat
ion among all partners to improve overall performance in support of children and mothers.