JUBA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's Ministry of Finance and Planning on Wednesday launched a 10-year strategic development plan aimed at building a prosperous, productive, and innovative society while consolidating peace and security.
The South Sudan Development Plan (SSDP) 2026-2036 will serve as a benchmark to track progress, conduct evidence-based assessments, and review national policies and programs.
Finance Minister Athian Ding Athian described the launch as an important milestone in the country's pursuit of stability, resilience, and sustainable growth.
"The vision and purpose of the SSDP is more than just a document; it is a strategic framework designed to translate the aspirations of the South Sudanese people into reality," Ding said during the launch in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
He stressed that the government's agenda is to improve the lives of both current and future generations through inclusive, coordinated, and results-oriented planning and implementation.
According to Ding, the success of the plan will depend on strong partnerships with government institutions at all levels, development partners, academia, the diaspora, civil society, and the private sector.
"The SSDP builds on lessons learned from previous development plans, including the revised National Development Strategy. It will address systemic challenges while charting a new course for economic diversification and resilience," he said.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, deputy special representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and resident coordinator for South Sudan, acknowledged the country's progress but noted the persisting challenges.
"Resolving differences through dialogue, making public commitments to peace and the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and engaging all voices and viewpoints will be critical to South Sudan's progress," she said. ■
