Norwegian Government pledges continued support to UNDP’s flagship SDG16 Portfolio

Pictured here (L-R): Trine Jøranli Eskedal, Ambassador of Norway to Sri Lanka and Maldives and Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka Colombo.

The Government of Norway has further extended its support to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka’s flagship portfolio on SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions project for the period 2023-2026, advancing efforts to strengthen a strong foundation to support efforts through a multi-stakeholder approach in Sri Lanka.

The Ambassador of Norway to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Trine Jøranli Eskedal and UNDP in Sri Lanka’s Resident Representative, Ms. Azusa Kubota signed the partnership agreement recently, amounting to NOK 12 million (approximately US$1.2 million), a UNDP media release said.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka’s Flagship Portfolio on SDG 16: on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, provides a cohesive and integrated framework that guides support to the Government of Sri Lanka working closely with stakeholders including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

The Portfolio which was first formulated for the period 2018-2022, and amended to respond to changes in the operating context, supports the strengthening of key institutions to be more people-centred, responsive, transparent and conflict-sensitive; providing vulnerable communities with increased and equitable access to justice so as to strengthen the social contract between the Government and its citizens; and address conflict drivers and thereby contribute to achieving sustainable peace and development in Sri Lanka.