Statement of the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinato

Statement of the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Mr. Ali Al-Za’tari

UN DAY, 24 October 2013

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. Allow me to extend my gratitude to the government and people of Sudan, for celebrating the UN day in such delighting expressions that bring happiness to the eye, heart and soul. Perhaps while at the podium and having your good attention to mention, though in brief, my own remarks reflecting my experience during the past year and half since my arrival to Sudan in March, 2012.



2. Sudan and the United Nations are friends. Having differences does not, necessarily reduce from this friendship. All aspects of our joint collaboration are managed in a thorough, and wise action-oriented approach. Issues unresolved are quietly set aside, for a while, until such a time and space come for their timely resolution.



3. Despite collective efforts, the need for developmental and humanitarian collaboration has increased. However, brothers fight in different parts of Sudan, on purely tribal grounds, that leave no room for wise people, add fuel to the fire of vengeance and intensify blood thirst. Hence, neither those killed know the reasons for their murder nor the killers know the driving force for their action. As a result innocent people are displaced, and loss of decent livelihoods has resulted. The government and partners, backed with their humble capacities, extend a temporary helping hand. Such can only be resolved only by giving wise people an upper hand over ignorance and the ignorant and to bring about tribal peace and reconciliation.



4. Acting in disagreement outside a peaceful framework has gone for long. In spite of political desires and pains, and the power of the government with its responsibility of maintaining order, the truth is that Sudan is in a fighting mode when Sudan should reach instead political and development stability. Energy consumed in fighting should be spared for development, bringing back a bright Sudan. Sudan is every village, locality and city looking forward for the much needed integrated services required for personal integrity, sound minds, allowing students to focus on their studies and bread winners to exert their efforts with available assets to develop the land.



5. Certainly, great efforts are being exerted in various fields to develop Sudan. The list will be too long if we are to enumerate achievements made: telecommunications, mobile phones, roads, access to electric services, etc. Nevertheless, such remain restricted by ingrained bureaucracy, investors coming then seeping out and a continuous drain of the government spending, mostly on itself. There is, in my opinion, a dire need to re-engineer bureaucracy to be a force of facilitation of attracting and keeping investors, and questioning and rationalizing public spending. Then recreating the academic system on a twenty second century model, to be inspired by the creativity of youth without limitations and to open the generous Sudanese spirit on the footsteps of responsible advances. There is an evident need to uplift ethos of the people through a steady collective organized campaign or Nafeer towards a future Sudan that shall not only be the bread basket, but as well a fountain of knowledge, a wealth of creativity, a connecting bridge, an oasis for artists and a refuge for the weary.



6. I offer my greetings and salam, not just on behalf of the UN, which constantly upholds peace, succeeding here or failing there as per conditions prevailing in different countries and not because it is the UN day in Sudan, but also by virtue of being a citizen of this region that has been grieving and suffering for decades and whose time to relish the tranquility of the future is to be achieved only through free knowledge, responsible participation and an infinite tolerance and acceptance of the other. This has been our guide in our golden time. Let us be that nation.



Salam Alikum.