[Near Verbatim]

Hon. Martin Elia Lomoro Minister of Cabinet Affairs
Senior Officials of the Government of South Sudan,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Colleagues from the United Nations family,
Civil society partners, youth and women leaders, media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning.

I am pleased to join you today to commemorate ‘United Nations Day’ under the global theme: ‘Building Our Future Together’. 

Today, we mark 80 years since the founding of the United Nations--in the wake of a world war. Today we also mark 80 years of service in pursuit of a shared commitment to peace, equality, and human dignity.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Here in South Sudan, the UN has worked in partnership with the people and the Government to provide humanitarian assistance, support for the peace process, protect civilians, improve livelihoods, and build resilience. There has been progress.

Since Independence:

• Adult literacy has risen from 27% in 2008 to 34.5% in 2022.
• Maternal deaths fell from 2,054 (2006) to 1,223 per 100,000 (2023).
• Roads and bridges have been built, institutions established, and women now hold 32.4% of parliamentary seats, up from 26.5% in 2013.

However, despite progress, the decline in widespread armed clashes between the principal signatories that was observed under the framework of the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities agreement and 2018 Revitalised Agreement South Sudan  faces significant and renewed challenges.

Insecurity and conflict continue to drive considerable displacement with over 322,000 people newly displaced this year alone. Currently, 9.3 million people need some form of humanitarian assistance, since the Sudan conflict began, 1.2 million people have crossed the border into South Sudan. These challenges are compounded by economic shocks, shrinking funds and access challenges, making it increasingly more difficult to provide assistance to the people most in need.

These pressures, particularly conflict, weigh heavily on the country’s stability and development prospects. Therefore, resolving differences through dialogue, and making public commitments to peace will be critical to the country’s progress.

Excellencies,

As your steadfast partner, that has accompanied you since the days of Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS), through the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) process, the referendum (January 9 to January 15, 2011) and the Revitalized Agreement (12 September 2018); the UN remains fully committed to supporting the completion of your political transition and to achieve lasting peace.

As we mark 80 years of global service, this organization -- your organization, can think of no better time to recommit to South Sudan’s vision: a vision of a peaceful, prosperous and stable nation where no one is left behind.

Thank you