Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On April 3, 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organized a joint quarterly review. The event, held at the Donatus Conference Center, provided participants with a forum for constructive exchange and reflection on progress made towards sustainable development in the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation was represented by the Director General in charge of Multilateral Relations, Ambassador Gaudence Sindayigaya.
Mr Mathieu CIOWELA, UNDP Resident Representative in Burundi, emphasized that the meeting offered a crucial platform for reviewing the progress made as well as the challenges ahead. He highlighted the reduction of 13.4% in budgetary allocations to Burundi, adding that the global development financing context had exacerbated budgetary constraints.
In the face of these financial challenges, Mr. Ciowela encouraged participants to consider measures of financial prudence and a reassessment of portfolio priorities. He also stressed the importance of an inclusive partnership in turning the country’s aspirations into reality.
The Director General in charge of Multilateral Relations stressed the importance of aligning programs with the priorities of Burundi’s national development plan.
Ambassador Gaudence Sindayigaya, Director General in charge of Multilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, also stressed the importance of closely aligning programs with the priorities of the revised national development plan and the vision of Burundi as an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.
He recalled that the joint steering committee, provided for in the framework cooperation agreement between the Government of Burundi and the United Nations system, is tasked with giving strategic direction to cooperation. At its meeting held at the end of the last year, one of the recommendations was to embark directly on the activities planned for 2025 without delay, which clearly reflects the understanding and integration of the committee’s directives. He insisted on the need for impact, operationalization of our projects’ achievements and involvement of beneficiaries to ensure greater and lasting ownership.
The group work identified several measures for acceleration. In the area of governance and the rule of law, it was agreed that all FACE documents should be submitted to UNDP by April 9. Concrete measures were also proposed to improve resource management and secure human rights, notably through increased support to the relevant institutions.
With regard to innovative entrepreneurship for young people and women, participants identified challenges such as the lack of clear action plans and the complexity of the beneficiary registration tool. Several solutions were suggested, including consensual planning and the updating of partnership plans.
Lastly, the group devoted to the environment highlighted measures to accelerate action in the face of problems such as low execution time and the lack of mastery of procedures. Recommendations for capacity-building and the assignment of focal points were also made to improve project efficiency.
UNDP’s quarterly review in Burundi revealed significant progress, but also highlighted the challenges that persist in the face of a difficult budgetary situation. Commitment to finding concrete solutions and strengthening collaboration between players is essential to ensure the success of development initiatives. The collective determination of participants to tackle these challenges marks a step forward towards achieving development goals for a more resilient and inclusive Burundi.
