United States Hosts International Engagement Conference for South Sudan AN OPEN DIALOGUE WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH SUDAN ON DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT
President Salva Kiir Mayardit, of the Republic of South Sudan, speaking at today's International Engagement Conference for the Republic of South Sudan. Photo Credit: Angela Stephens
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The U.S. Government hosted the International Engagement Conference for South Sudan December 14-15, 2011 in Washington, D.C. to support the world's newest nation as it unveiled its vision for development and economic growth priorities. Co-sponsored by the governments of the United Kingdom, Norway, and Turkey as well as the European Union, African Union, United Nations, World Bank, International Finance Corporation, Corporate Council on Africa, and InterAction, the conference brought together government ministers as well as leaders of international, private sector, and civil society organizations, to discuss opportunities for collaboration and investment in South Sudan. The conference focused on responsible management of oil revenue and natural resources; effective social services delivery; investments in education, health and agriculture; human capital and institutional capacity development; promotion of women, youth and respect for diversity; and efficient coordination of international assistance. South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit emphasized his government's commitment to promote a climate conducive to attracting and retaining new investment, including taking specific legislative actions and encouraging regional and international trade. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton noted the U.S. commitment to partnering with South Sudan as it works to develop its economy and strengthen its institutions of government for the benefit of its people. "We have come together in the past through decades of war; we have come now to raise up a generation of South Sudan who will not know war. That is our pledge and our promise," Secretary Clinton said.
Conference Outcomes
Continued development in South Sudan will require dedicated action and commitment from a wide variety of actors from both the public and private sectors. Recognizing this, the sponsors of the International Engagement Conference for South Sudan have outlined specific activities they will support in order to promote broad-based economic growth in the country.
- USAID is working with a range of partners to strengthen economic growth in South Sudan through agricultural development, including John Garang University, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC). Goals include increasing agricultural resiliency, supporting high-quality agricultural inputs and services, and building an enabling agricultural infrastructure.
- Working with AGRA, USAID’s Development Credit Authority plans to mobilize $7 million in private financing for agriculture lending from Equity Bank and Finance Sudan.
- USAID is partnering with the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, the World Bank, and the donors of the Health Pooled Fund to expand essential primary health care services.
Download the complete set of commitments from the conference.
Conference Materials and Speeches | 
