A two-day workshop on peaceful co-existence and sustainable livelihood was organized by the UNMISS, the UNDP and Rumbek University. The aim of the workshop was to mobilize state and non-state actors into the development of alternative and additional livelihoods.

Participants included the Governors and Ministers of Finance and Agriculture of Gok State, Western Lakes State and Eastern Lakes State as well as representatives from women, youth and business associations, NGOs and Juba University.

The main recommendations that came out of the workshop included the identification of taxable assets, diversification of the economy and development of water points. Furthermore, the states will also support local industries such as honey production and shea butter.

During his closing remarks, Governor of Western Lakes State Abraham Makoi Bol Kodi urged all the participants and especially the government to implement the knowledge they gained in their respective states.

“We must apply our local revenue towards development. This will be the only way that can let us to achieve our goals. Here there might by deduct the knowledge that we have gained here, for this period of two days, then take it for your own consumption. But just take it back for the benefit of the people back there where you came from.”