Juba, June 10–12, 2025 – HelpEducation South Sudan (HESS) proudly participated in the Joint United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) retreat held in Juba. The retreat brought together high-level government officials, United Nations representatives, and civil society organizations to strategize and strengthen coordination across humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan.
The gathering was graced by the presence of the Minister of Finance and Planning, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General / Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC), Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho. Representatives from UN agencies and NGOs across the country also actively contributed to this important dialogue.
HESS was represented by our Executive Director, Ms. Achol Aguek Biar, who brought the voice of grassroots and education-focused interventions into conversations centered on building a more responsive and inclusive future for South Sudan.
As the global and local landscapes continue to evolve, the retreat recognized the urgent need for both the development and humanitarian communities — including the UN — to renew their relevance and rethink their models to remain effective. The discussions aimed at ensuring that all stakeholders deliver tangible and measurable outcomes within the next 12 months, while remaining aligned with South Sudan’s National and Sectoral Development Plans and the priorities of the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP).
Beyond planning and policy, the retreat fostered deeper trust and collaboration among all participants. The atmosphere encouraged open sharing, critical reflection, and forward-looking commitment to impactful action.
At HESS, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting education and humanitarian development in South Sudan. We believe that progress comes from shared responsibility, continuous innovation, and deep-rooted partnerships.
Together, we can build a more coordinated, effective, and sustainable response that truly meets the needs of the people of South Sudan.
For more about our work, visit www.helpeducationssd.org
