Islamabad, July 13, 2011: Three of the United Nations Agencies currently engaged in the rural aspects of the post-flood Early Recovery and manmade emergencies in Pakistan namely, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) envisaging joint implementation of projects valued at US$ 300 million in affected areas across the country. This is in the spirit of the OneUN agenda for Delivering as One. Pakistan is one of the original eight OneUN pilot countries. The agreement reconfirms the ideals that it is better to work together, sharing relative strengths. The agreement is expected to improve UN ability to support Government leadership in a more coordinated and effective manner.

This is a warm and sunny day in June in village Chakdada of Subdivision Alipur, district Muzaffargarh in South Punjab. The high fertility of this land is evident from the flamboyant colours of sprouting fields here. Situated at the verge of river Chenab, this small village has a population of 2100 people with 300 households. Agriculture is the major source of income.

The first batch of 25 students have received certificates from the Noor Konno Vocational Centre for Women in Haripur where they have acquired skills in sewing and dressmaking. The Vocational Centre aims to help thousands of vulnerable and women of the area in acquiring livelihood skills and become productive members of the society.

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today signed an agreement on the EU’s contribution of 40 million Euros in support to the Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas (RAHA) Programme in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.