Jorge Moreira da Silva, esteemed UN Under-Secretary-General and the Executive Director of UNOPS, is embarking on an enlightening five-day tour to the heart of Africa—visiting Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan. The journey, crafted with care and deliberate foresight, promises to be more than a mere diplomatic visit; it is a deep dive into the intricacies and challenges faced by these vibrant nations.

“In every visit to Africa, I learn something new. It is a continent of vast potential and unmatched resilience,” said Moreira da Silva before heading out.

During this critical visit, Mr. Moreira da Silva will engage with national authorities and development partners. The primary agenda? To unpack and discuss the practical solutions that UNOPS stands ready to offer, aiming to amplify the impact of humanitarian, development, and peace operations while steadfastly supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Immersing in Ground Realities

The visit, scheduled from April 13 to April 17, extends beyond mere dialogues. It’s a sincere effort to comprehend intimately the needs at ground level and to brainstorm on scaling UNOPS operations to meet these demands. After all, how do you tailor solutions without understanding the fabric of challenges?

Key Initiatives and Ongoing Support

Let’s delve into the heart of each region’s unique undertakings:

• Sudan: Where an astonishing 25 million people—representing half of the population—are in dire need of humanitarian aid. UNOPS is weaving a fabric of support by strengthening health infrastructure, ensuring access to life’s basic necessity: clean, safe water. Moreover, our involvement extends to backing peacekeeping operations which shield civilians—a crucial step to an eventual serene coexistence—and fostering the sustainable use of natural resources.
• Somalia: This nation is a mosaic of hope amidst adversity. Here, UNOPS collaborates relentlessly to empower Somali institutions. By supporting governance, enhancing health services, and bolstering peace and security sectors, we aim to transform and build resilience. Our approach encompasses disaster preparedness, crisis recovery, and fortifying the security framework—a bundle of efforts steering Somalia towards prosperity.
• Ethiopia: Our journey in Ethiopia reflects a partnership that breathes life into national and international development priorities. Together with our diligent partners, we’ve propelled advancements in health and education systems and championed food security. Through innovative strides, such as modernizing the agricultural sector, deploying eco-friendly solutions, and enhancing health services across the nation, UNOPS is contributing to Ethiopia’s evolving narrative of progress.

This journey is not just a visit; it’s an alliance with Africa’s spirit of innovation and potential. How does one not feel the weight and excitement of such a collaborative mission?