UNDP and Puntland authorities review projects

Nairobi, Garowe - Thursday 31 January 2008  Prison construction, police training and the reintegration of almost 400 ex-combatants into civilian life were among the highlights of UNDP’s activities this year in Puntland, north-east Somalia. These and other development projects were reviewed at a recent meeting in Garowe by Puntland’s President, vice-President and Ministers together with senior UNDP management, which looked at progress this year and set out priorities for 2008. UNDP’s work in Puntland focuses on rule of law, governance and sustainable livelihoods, with projects which aim at building capacity in the region’s government and civil society institutions, legal, police and prison services as well as reintegration of former combatants. Speaking at the meeting, UNDP Country Director, Bruno Lemarquis, said, ‘We will continue to build our collaboration with the Puntland authorities throughout 2008, putting more experts on the ground to work to achieve our joint goal of developing the state in line with the needs identified in Puntland’s 5-year development plan.  Working towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals remains a top priority.’ Lemarquis and Puntland Minister of Women’s Development and Family Affairs, Hon Ashe Gelle also signed a letter of agreement covering areas of programme implementation, strategic review and capacity-building with particular emphasis on increasing participation of women in government. Ends Note to editors: For more information on these projects and on UNDP’s other work in Somalia please contact Sue Morrell – This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Tel: +254 20 4255209