Strengthening the Burundi-United Nations Partnership: First Meeting of the Joint Managing Committee

On Friday December 20, 2024, the first meeting of the Joint Managing Committee of the Cooperation Framework Plan for Sustainable Development, a strategic partnership between the Government of Burundi and the United Nations System (UNS), was held, co-chaired by H.E. Ambassador Albert Shingiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, and Mrs Violet Kakyomya, UNS Resident Coordinator, the meeting marked a key stage in joint efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive development in Burundi. Adopted in 2022, this Framework Plan is a roadmap for achieving a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Burundian society by 2027.

In his speech, H.E. Ambassador Albert Shingiro expressed his satisfaction at the holding of this meeting, underlining the strategic importance of this partnership aimed at building a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Burundian society by 2027.

The Minister highlighted three key moments in the development of this Framework Plan: the UN reforms in 2019, the launch of the process in April 2022, and the adoption of the Plan in December 2022. He welcomed the integration of the principles of sustainability, gender equality, accountability and human rights, saying that these elements strengthen the Plan’s relevance and impact on the ground.

Underlining the crucial role of the Managing Committee, H.E. Ambassador Albert Shingiro encouraged the collective commitment to ensure the implementation of the recommendations, assess the progress made and validate the strategic orientations for the period 2025-2027. He acknowledged the challenges encountered, but appreciated the progress made thanks to the spirit of openness, transparency and collaboration between the parties.

Mrs Kakyomya, for her part, welcomed the alignment of this partnership with national priorities, including the Burundi Vision: Emerging Country by 2040 and Developed Country by 2060.

She stressed the need to step up resource mobilization and improve coordination to maximize the impact of projects.

Committee members reviewed the achievements of 2023 and 2024, validating the recommendations of previous technical meetings. They also adopted the strategic orientations for the period 2025-2027, notably in favor of a geographical balance of interventions and a greater involvement of local communities.

In addition, recommendations were made to overcome the operational challenges faced by UN agencies, with an appeal to sectoral ministries to strengthen their cooperation with the UNS.

The meeting was attended by several ministers, including those responsible for finance, education, justice, water and health. Other ministers, including those responsible for the environment and public safety, were also represented.

The two co-chairs reaffirmed their shared commitment to speeding up the implementation of the Framework Plan and contributing to the revised National Development Plan, underpinned by the Burundi Vision: Emerging Country by 2040 and Developed Country by 2060.

Finally, H.E. Ambassador Albert Shingiro paid tribute, on behalf of the Government of Burundi, to the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System Agencies and to the Heads of Agencies for their ongoing dedication and commitment to Burundi’s development.