Bujumbura — Burundi was last week promised $2 billion by the international community after a donors conference here.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had called on the international community to help Burundi continue its path towards peace and sustainable development.

"Today, more than ever, Burundi needs support," he said in a message to the first Sectoral Conference in the country, held in the capital, Bujumbura and delivered by his Special Representative for Burundi, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga.

"The country has already progressed along the long and difficult path towards peace and sustainable development. Now all stakeholders must come together to implement the recommendations of the Geneva Conference," he said.

In his remarks, Ban also called on inclusive participation from all sectors of society, stressing this is essential to fight poverty and promote growth.