By Staff Writer
Director General of Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), Bård Vegar Solhjell is in the country for three days’ visit to familiarize with South Sudan.
In a statement extended to this outlet NORAD said Vegar will hold discussions with senior government officials, representatives of UN agencies, Norwegian non-governmental organizations present in South Sudan and local NGOs partnering with Norway in South Sudan.
The visit will allow NORAD director general to have a better understanding of the challenges facing South Sudan.
NORAD noted the Director General will also make field visits to witness projects being implemented by a UN agency supported by Norway and by a Norwegian NGO.
Norwegian ambassador to South Sudan, Linken Nymann Berryman said Norway’s long-term engagement seeks to promote lasting peace and sustainable development in South Sudan.
“This visit is an opportunity to discuss ways to best achieve results for the impact on individual lives at local level including human rights, protection and prevention from SGBV,” Ambassador Berryman said.
NORAD’s other areas of interest include, vocational training, public financial management, food security and food production.
“In addition to supporting development programs and the humanitarian response, we are supporting strategic institutions that are involved in implementation of the revitalized peace agreement,” he added.
NORAD is a directorate of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The directorate manages a large proportion of Norwegian development funds.