IOM Advances Localization Efforts with Essential Trainings on the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus and Programme Development

Juba – The UN Migration Agency - International Organization for Migration (IOM) continues to strengthen its commitment to localization across the pillars of resilience, reintegration, and stabilization through a series of targeted initiatives. IOM South Sudan conducted two key workshops under the auspices of the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Reconciliation, Stabilization, and Resilience (RSRTF). These workshops aimed to provide additional technical support to local partners operating in Central Equatoria State (CES) on programme development and quality, as well as on the practical implications of operating alongside the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (HDPN).

From 4 to 6 June 2024, IOM conducted a Programme Development, Reporting, and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) training. This training was designed to equip the CES RSRTF consortium partners including Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Support for Peace and Education Development Programme (SPEDP), Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) and Finn Church Aid (FCA) and representatives from the Central Equatoria State Women Union and the Central Equatoria State Youth Union with the necessary skills to enhance programme development and ensure effective monitoring and reporting mechanisms. By prioritizing these critical areas, IOM is actively supporting these actors to take a leading role in the programme development cycle, reducing dependency on international partners. This approach not only strengthens their capacity to spearhead programme initiatives with donors but also enhances their ability to effectively serve their communities. This workshop is part of IOM’s broader plan to equip local South Sudanese actors with the required conditions to become direct recipients of aid.

From 16 to 18 July 2024, IOM South Sudan hosted a high-level workshop in Juba focused on the Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus (HDPN) chaired by the Ministry of Peacebuilding. This workshop brought together key stakeholders among consortium partners, with the special participation of government and donor representatives. The training aimed to build a common understanding of HDPN concepts and tools among the consortium partners working in Southern Central Equatoria State, particularly in Kajo-Keji, Yei, Morobo, and Lainya. This initiative is part of IOM’s broader strategy to address the root causes of conflict while fostering recovery, economic development, and long-term stability. The workshop aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills and tools to carry out integrated programme activities more effectively and explore localization as a pathway to sustainability, aligning with the broader goals of the Trust Fund.

Hon. Pia Philip Michael, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Peace Building in South Sudan, commended the project’s visibility and the critical importance of effective resource utilization and accountability. He called on local partners to ensure that donor funding is used effectively to benefit the people of South Sudan.

During the HDPN workshop, IOM’s then acting Chief of Mission, Mr. Mohammad Asar highlighted the importance of these initiatives in his opening remarks. He emphasized IOM's commitment to not only addressing immediate humanitarian needs but also fostering resilience and recovery to pave the way for sustainable development and peace. He further underscored the need for enhanced coordination among partners to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure the successful implementation of integrated programming.

In his opening remarks, the RSRTF Secretariat, represented by Mr. Worku Aymelo, highlighted that despite significant financial contributions, transformative change is hindered by ongoing violence, inflation, food insecurity and climate challenges. To reduce dependency on aid, he advocated for addressing root causes through better livelihoods, enhanced coordination, and strategic resource allocation.

The HDPN workshop featured in-depth discussions on comprehensive programming, cross-cutting issues such as conflict sensitivity, and strategies for closing financing gaps. Participants engaged in group activities to visualize the application of Nexus approach in their ongoing interventions and developed strategies for effective exit plans to ensure sustainability after external support ends. Conversations also touched on the broader meaning of localization, which extends beyond financial support, emphasizing the need for investments in long-term, equitable relationships and elevating local actors in governance and operational leadership roles.

IOM’s localization agenda, highlighted by these initiatives, aims to empower local actors by providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to lead in the resilience, reintegration, and stabilization of their communities. This approach aligns with IOM’s strategic objective to ensure that local stakeholders are at the forefront of the development and implementation of initiatives that address the complex challenges facing South Sudan.

For further information, please contact:

Programme Support Unit – IOM South Sudan
isspsu@iom.int