The Southern Highlands Provincial Government and the United Nations have agreed to strengthen their partnership following a high-level consultative meeting in Mendi.
The meeting, held on March 4, brought together the Provincial Executive Council (PEC), the Provincial Management Team, and representatives from several UN agencies, including UNICEF, UNDP, and IOM.
Those hosted high level dignitaries such as the Mendi Munihu MP Raphael Tonpi, Vice Minister for Public and State Enterprises, all LLG Presidents, Deputy provincial administrators, Acting Provincial Administrator Dr. Emmanuel Kumpio Andrew in absence of Provincial Administrator David Kelma and UN officials including Mr. Christine Pedraza Lopez-Coordinator of the UN Highlands Joint Program, Mr. Gregory Conner – Peacebuilding Advisor (UNDP), Mr. Christopher- Advisor for Social Protection and Mr. Omer Mahmud, Highlands Coordinator for IOM.
Chaired by SHP Governor William Powi, the gathering was organized under the Law and Justice sector by Dr. Andrew.
The discussions centered on finding collaborative solutions to pressing issues plaguing the province, including escalating tribal conflicts, law and order problems, natural disasters, and the displacement of families.
The need to strengthen social protection for vulnerable groups, ensure child protection and safe education, and engage youth through training to reduce crime were also highlighted as key priorities.
In response, the UN agencies outlined a package of support that will begin at the community level and expand to district and provincial programs. The assistance will focus on four main areas:
- Health Support (UNICEF & UN Partners): Providing healthcare assistance to communities affected by conflict and disasters.
- Social Protection & Child Protection (UNICEF): Implementing programs to safeguard women and children, including those displaced by violence or accusations.
- Peace building & Law and Order (UNDP & IOM): Working with communities to resolve conflicts and support stability initiatives.
- Disaster Response & Humanitarian Assistance (IOM & UN Agencies): Delivering aid to families displaced by tribal fighting and natural disasters like landslides and floods.
Governor Powi welcomed the renewed commitment, acknowledging the province’s social challenges. He noted that while the provincial government has bolstered police recruitment and invested in infrastructure, including 55 road link projects and hospital upgrades, these developments have sometimes been undermined by ongoing instability.
UN officials confirmed this is not their first engagement in the province, having previously implemented programs in districts like Nipa-Kutubu and Kagua-Erave. They commended the PEC’s leadership and assured that their support would align with the province’s existing development plans.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to enhanced coordination, aiming to deliver practical programs that will bring direct, positive change to the people of Southern Highlands Province.