The government and One UN-Rwanda have signed a five-year deal worth US$ 400 million (Frw 240 billion) to implement a United Nations Development Plan (UNDAP) to support Rwanda's efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS II), and Vision 2020.

"Our development results are due in large measure to strong and innovative government leadership and the support of our development partners as we embarked on widespread macroeconomic and structural reforms at a time of great national need guided by a bold vision for development," said Claver Gatete, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

According to the Minister, the successfully implementation of EDPRS I (2008-2013) has seen poverty levels reduce by 12%, lifting a million of Rwandans out of poverty. He said that the United Nations Development Assistance Fund (UNDAF) played an important part in this success by providing the strategic framework for the One UN Support in the focus areas of governance, health, HIV, nutrition, population, education, environment, sustainable growth and social protection, among others.

Gatete noted that in the past, UN agencies used to assist in various domains but each on its own, and sometimes not focusing on the country priorities. By creating the One UN, he said, there is a clearer focus on the country's plans.

He added that the new agreement also shows One UN's approval of Rwanda's achievements and programs.

This was confirmed by Lamine Momodou Manneh, the UN resident coordinator. "Rwanda has registered very positive development results reflected in high levels of inclusive economy growth, significant poverty reduction, notable gains in human rights, gender empowerment and measurable progress towards the MDGs," he said.

According to him, Rwanda continues to own and lead its development process in a particular innovative and committed way, as underscored by consistently high policy implementation rates as well as raising the levels of aid and effectiveness.

Manneh explained that the Frw 240 billion five-year assistance program (2013-18) aligns with the national planning cycle and has to focus on key areas that include inclusive economic transformation which will be allocated US$ 80m, accountable governance with US$ 42m, and human development and foundation issues to be allocated US$ 276m.

"UN impacts haven't been as good as they could but we have started to maximise the change by joining our effort. It wasn't easy to bring the UN agencies together but I'm happy we've managed to do it," Manneh explained. "We never forget the commitment, the intelligence, and the leadership of Rwanda that is eager to transform the lives the people. We won't be left behind in this struggle of transforming people's lives for this five years period."