United Nations in Sudan

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Sudan:

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Publication

14 July 2026

UN Sudan Annual Results Report 2025

As 2025 drew to a close, the war in Sudan continued unabated. The largest humanitarian emergency in the world outpaced available funds to address needs, with the Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2025 receiving only 40 percent of requested funds.The people of Sudan continued to pay the highest price in this war. They were displaced and lost their homes, jobs, family members, and their own lives. In 2025, the number of civilians killed in this brutal war increased significantly, and violations of international humanitarian and human rights law continued to deepen the crisis. Millions of children were not able to attend school and malnutrition rates increased. Conflict-related sexual violence continued to be used as a weapon of war and compound broader patterns of gender-based violence. The health system was heavily disrupted and overwhelmed with the increasing health needs and recurrent outbreaks, limiting people’s access to life-saving and essential health services. Agriculture was disrupted in parts of the country as farmers left their land or were not able to cultivate because of conflict. Drone strikes intensified, with a devastating impact on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Overall needs continue to grow, trauma is widespread, and service provision continues to be crippled. This is now a common refrain globally: war, violence, suffering, and a lack of funding to respond to the most basic of human needs. The lack of accountability for the serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses perpetuates further violence and strikes a chord of despair and disappointment. Once, a group of Sudanese women asked me why they don’t matter to the rest of the world. Despite these challenges, the United Nations and its partners—local, national, international—continued to reach hard-to access areas, delivered assistance, and, where security permitted, began to work with local communities and authorities on providing durable solutions for those who wanted to return home and for those who never left. The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and its partners now encompass not only the initial humanitarian response, but also the efforts to strengthen systems broken or weakened by the war, support access to services, and strengthen protections. Mine action plays a critical foundational role in the work of the aid community. Demining offices, homes, and institutions allows the rest of us to do our work. Sadly, this work, which is gaining momentum, still faces an uphill challenge. Key to mine action is protecting children who represent the highest number of victims of unexploded remnants of war. I visited one of these mine fields in Khartoum and was struck by the determination and bravery of the national deminers. Every day, they wake up and go to work clearing mines.The UN must be present in the most challenging of contexts, and in 2025 we expanded our presence across Sudan. My responsibility is to ensure that the UNCT is present to provide much needed support to all Sudanese affected by the war, no matter where they are in the country. That said, localization is also a must in Sudan. The traditional humanitarian architecture needs to come down and a context-specific coordination system must be built together as the work of local and national organizations is fundamental to saving lives. As we enter 2026 and approach the beginning of the fourth year of war, it is essential that humanitarian truces take place to allow access to communities that have been cut off. These are the communities where malnutrition is pervasive. Ultimately, the only solution is to end the war.

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Publication

12 November 2024

The Socio-Economic Impact of Armed Conflict on Sudanese Urban Households

New Study: Short-term humanitarian aid alone insufficient to address severe deterioration in employment, income, access to essential services and food security.Economic revival, social protection, and infrastructure rehabilitation are critical for urban recovery in Sudan.Nairobi, 12 November 2024 – Eighteen months of war have deeply affected urban households in Sudan: 31 percent have been displaced, full-time employment has plummeted by half, over 70 percent of the urban households in Sudan had all or some of school-aged kids stop attending school, and only one out of seven urban households can access full health services—concluded a new joint study from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), launched today."The Socioeconomic Impact of Armed Conflict on Sudanese Urban Households" study provides a comprehensive assessment of how the ongoing conflict affects urban households in Sudan. With two-thirds of the fighting concentrated in cities of over 100,000 people, understanding impacts of the war on urban livelihoods is crucial for addressing both immediate economic challenges and long-term development obstacles. The study is based on analyses of a comprehensive survey of urban households across the country that both organizations conducted between May 2024 and July 2024, including 3,000 households."The ongoing conflict is intensifying already critical challenges, including widespread food insecurity," said Khalid Siddig, Senior Research Fellow and Program Leader for the Sudan Strategy Support Program at IFPRI. "In 2022, before the conflict began, only half of the population reported being food secure. Since then, the proportion of food-secure urban households has plunged from approximately 54 percent to just 20 percent.”The study observes that while the share of the population receiving assistance has increased overall during the conflict, a substantial 76 percent of the population reported receiving no assistance at all. Most reported relying on personal networks of family members and friends, rather than government institutions, international humanitarian agencies or domestic civil society organizations.“This study reveals significantly deepening vulnerabilities that Sudanese urban households are facing today on many fronts. No single intervention can adequately address this unfolding and multifaceted development crisis” stressed Luca Renda, UNDP Resident Representative in Sudan. “Expanding immediate short-term humanitarian relief is critical to help people survive and cope, but it will not be sufficient. It must be coupled with longer-term, development focused interventions that can help foster resilience and enable recovery.”The study emphasizes that addressing the challenges facing urban households in Sudan requires comprehensive, holistic multi-sectoral responses that go beyond a focus on alleviating immediate suffering to lay solid foundations for a sustainable recovery and durable resilience. Key actions required include:Implementing economic recovery programs that prioritize microfinance and business development services for more stable self-employment, support to small business, and vocational training.Expanding urban agricultural initiatives to help diversify food sources and offer sustainable access to the components of nutritious diets.Improving healthcare access by immediately deploying mobile health clinics while restoring and expanding affordable healthcare services.Restoring remote learning solutions and platforms as well as community-based centres to ensure that Sudan’s human capital is not irreversibly harmed, while working on rebuilding the education system with a focus on providing financial assistance to affected families.Increasing private-public partnerships and investment in decentralized systems, such as solar energy, rainwater harvesting and local sanitation solutions while working on restoring water, sanitation, and electricity infrastructure systems.Expanding and strengthening formal social protection programs to foster greater economic resilience, reduce reliance on informal networks and ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable.Prioritizing housing, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities for displaced households.Additional Key FindingsThe proportion of urban households reporting having no income or employment has " surged to 18 percent compared to 1.6 percent pre-conflict. Unemployment is projected to surpass 45 percent by the end of 2024.While Sudan is now among four countries in the world with the highest prevalence of acute malnutrition, estimated at 13.6 percent, nearly half of the urban population faces moderate to severe food insecurity.Over 56 percent of urban households reported being in poorer or much poorer health than they were pre-conflict, as access to full health services dropped dramatically from 78 percent to 15.5 percent.While 63.6 percent of urban households reported that all school-age children in the household have ceased attendance, over 88 percent had at least one school-aged child ceased attending school since the conflict began.Access to piped water has decreased from 72.5 percent to 51.6 percent, while nearly 90 percent of households reported deteriorating reliability of electricity supply. The Arabic version of the report will be available shortly For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact:UNDP | Robert Few | UNDP County Office in Sudan Robert.Few@UNDP.orgIFPRI | Evgeniya Anisimova | Media and Digital Engagement Manager | IFPRI – Washington DC e.anisimova@cgiar.org | +1 (202) 726-4394 About IFPRIThe International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI’s strategic research aims to identify and analyse alternative international and country-led strategies and policies for meeting food and nutrition needs in low- and middle-income countries, with particular emphasis on poor and vulnerable groups in those countries, gender equity, and sustainability. It is a research centre of CGIAR, a worldwide partnership engaged in agricultural research for development. www.ifpri.org About UNDPUNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. http://www.undp.org

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Story

16 June 2026

Turning skills into income

In the remote village of Alsifira in White Nile State, the sound of metallic tools signals something unusual.A group of young women are at work.Elsadiqque, Nazir, Amna, Kulthum, Sidiga, Hawa and Malaz – members of the new Siana group of female mechanics are defying the odds in a field previously dominated by men.Early in the morning, the team arrives at a house after a call to restore a faulty generator. Quickly, they get to work.The huge machine lays in front of them. Spanners in hand, sleeves rolled up, they dismantle the generator. Getting their hands dirty is not one of their concerns.After a few hours of work in between whispers, chuckles and exchanging ideas, the generator is repaired, reassembled and now functional.“Initially things looked difficult,” Nazir whispers. “But with continued practice, it has become easier.”But this is just one of the smaller jobs they now handle. Together they have repaired cars, tuk tuks and motorcycles across the village.With more work coming their way, the team is sharpening their craft.“Now, we know everything about mechanics,” Amna says with pride. “People call on us to repair vehicles – anything.”The group’s growing reputation is not only improving their income but also reshaping perceptions in their community.How it startedTheir journey begun in 2025, when UNICEF and partners through the PROSPECTS programme introduced vocational training opportunities for out-of-school youth including internally displaced families, refugees and those from host communities in White Nile. The programme provided options – mechanics, baking, wielding, plumbing, electrical work, hair dressing, tailoring, pastry production, make up and more. The young women chose mechanics. An unusual field for girls and women in Sudan.People around them, including their peers, doubted their choice, but they persisted.“They said, it was not suitable for women,” said Kulthum.Reflecting on the programme that has skilled hundreds of youth, Musab, the coordinator from Green Dream Organization, UNICEF’s implementing partner, recalls the group’s registration. “In our community it is rare to find girls choosing a career in mechanics,” he said.“It was their choice from the beginning. Our role was to support them,” he added.After 40 days of intense hands-on training, they learnt how to identify problems, dismantle machines, and then reassemble them back. Upon completion of the programme, they received starter kits containing all the tools they needed to start work right away. They have never looked back.“We learnt about the different parts of machines, how to disassemble and reassemble them,” Amna explained.Breaking barriersIn White Nile, the Siana group of female mechanics is creating a new narrative.But these pioneers are not only earning an income, they are also challenging norms and opening doors for other girls to follow.“We now believe that girls can do whatever they want,” says Hawa. “There is nothing difficult.”Building back with the right skillsThe three years of war have disproportionately affected children and young people, leading to prolonged disruptions in education - with millions still out of school - and limited access to skills development, contributing to unemployment. Girls are particularly affected with many facing barriers to accessing work opportunities. The PROSPECTS Partnership funded by the Netherlands and implemented by ILO, UNHCR and UNICEF, is changing this. The partnership is expanding access to technical and vocational training, apprenticeships and youth engagement programmes and equipping young people with market-relevant skills to shape their futures. Beyond vocational training, the programme also strengthens access to rights, supporting inclusive national systems, and helping young people move into education and employment pathways while fostering social cohesion.Today, Alsifira village is home to hundreds of skilled young people - electricians, tailors, technicians and mechanics, who are now earning an income and contributing to their communities.

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15 June 2026

UNESCO stands by the people of Sudan as it enters its fourth year of war and calls for greater mobilization

Sudan remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis since the start of the war in 2023. Continued hostilities across several parts of the country, combined with the collapse of essential services, is having a devastating impact on the population. Cultural, educational and scientific institutions have come under increasing strain, putting at risk the foundations of identity, learning and knowledge that communities rely on to survive and rebuild. The conflict has severely disrupted learning nationwide. 19 million children are currently out of school, including three million of them displaced within the country. Higher education has also been severely affected, with around 80 per cent of institutions no longer operational. Against this backdrop, the education sector faces a USD 312 million financing deficit.In response, UNESCO has introduced community learning centres in internally displaced persons-hosting and coastal areas, supported reforms to ensure timely, reliable data in emergencies and to inform sector priorities and policy decisions.UNESCO is also expanding technical and vocational education (TVET) to support youth, offering specialized training in fisheries, greenhouse production, livestock, solar water pumping, water desalination, and recycling.Safeguarding heritage and identitySudan’s cultural and natural legacy, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, - is under growing threat, with over 100 cultural sites damaged, and at least 22 museums looted or destroyed since the onset of the conflict. The cultural sector currently faces an estimated funding gap of USD 30 million.UNESCO, together with national partners, has taken urgent steps to protect heritage, contributing to the recovery of 570 objects looted from the Sudan National Museum. More than 1,700 museum objects have been documented, and 11 heritage sites assessed. In parallel, over 400 cultural heritage professionals and law enforcement officers have been trained in heritage protection, risk management, and safe handling of collections.In Port Sudan, UNESCO’s cultural initiatives have benefitted more than 350 artists, women, girls and internally displaced culture professionals. Ensuring access to reliable informationAmid ongoing turmoil, Sudanese media have been deeply affected. Around 90% of the country’s media infrastructure has been destroyed, some 1,000 journalists have been displaced since the conflict started and 15 have been killed. Large segments of the population do not have access to lifesaving information. UNESCO has trained over 100 journalists and content creators on safety and security, countering hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, and media and information literacy. To counter hate speech and support social cohesion, UNESCO is leading national efforts through school and community level initiatives. This includes nationwide awareness sessions in safe states and cultural initiatives co-organised with artistic communities in areas where hate speech is most prevalent. Still, the sector requires an additional USD 3 million to sustain and expand ongoing activities.Rebuilding foundations, restoring the futureThe war has severely damaged Sudan’s higher-education and research infrastructure, with 124 universities and colleges destroyed or looted, 1,880 laboratories damaged, and 241 libraries, 2,550 halls, and 6,175 offices lost across Khartoum and six other states. The sector needs USD 1.5 million in additional resources.In response, UNESCO is driving targeted recovery efforts, including the establishment of a UNESCO Chair at Red Sea University, capacity building for over 500 professionals, development of a national Water Sector Policy Brief, and nationwide assessment of the science, technology and innovation system and landslides risks. Coordination across national institutions continues to be strengthened.Sustaining engagement for recoveryAs Sudan enters its fourth year of war, UNESCO remains fully committed to continuing its work in partnership with national authorities, local communities, cultural professionals, educators, scientists and media actors. These efforts aim to safeguard essential services and preserve the foundations for recovery, resilience and lasting peace. As requested by its Member States, UNESCO set up an Emergency Action Plan for Sudan covering all UNESCO’s areas of competences and established a Special Account for voluntary contributions. UNESCO thanks all donors contributing to its emergency activities in Sudan including Luxembourg, Switzerland, Slovakia, Norway and Japan and calls on all Member States to support the implementation of this emergency programme.

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Story

27 April 2026

The journey to stop measles in West Darfur

As the rest of the country slept, a small team moved quietly through the darkness toward Mestura, one of the most hard-to-reach-areas in West Darfur State.Their mission was simple, but urgent: reach children before measles did. Located 36 kms from Kulbus town, Mestura, is home to nearly 21,000 people. Months of active conflict had cut it off completely. Roads were unsafe. Shelling and bombardment occurred daily. Movement was restricted. Health services had all but collapsed.And amidst all this, another threat was spreading – Measles.With no access to routine immunization, children were left vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. In 2025 alone, over 1,600 suspected measles and rubella cases -and 15 deaths - were reported. For survivors, the consequences can last a lifetime.Since the onset of the conflict, childhood vaccinations have not stopped despite continued bureaucratic and access challenges. "We could not stand by as measles continued to spread." "We just couldn’t wait for the fighting to stop,"Mohammed Sanossi, UNICEF’s health extender.Together with the state immunization team, Mohammed embarked on an ambitious mission to save children during the Measles and Rubella catchup campaign across Darfur, launched by the Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF and Gavi. Across Darfur more than 6.6 million vaccine doses were dispatched, to protect over 6 million children aged 9 months to under 15 years.Reaching Mestura, seemed impossible.The journey before sunriseWith fighting ongoing, the team had to adapt. For days, they studied patterns of attacks, searching for the safest window to move.Before dawn one morning, they set off.Led by Maken, the local immunization team lead, the group traveled under cover of darkness using horse-drawn carts packed with vaccines and other supplies- faster than the donkey, yet less risky than the vehicles. Along the way, they stopped repeatedly, taking cover at the sound of distant gunfire. The risks were high. But so was the urgency.For the team, the memory of children already lost to measles—a preventable disease—was impossible to ignore. Many more were still at risk. A milestone for the children and communityIn Mestura, news of their arrival spread very quickly. By the time the horse carts arrived, mothers and caregivers were already waiting with their children. Fear of disease had kept many awake through the night.Vaccination points were set up wherever possible- even under the shade of a tree. One by one, children were vaccinated. By the end of the campaign, 7,036 children in Mestura—previously cut off by conflict—had been vaccinated against measles and rubella.For families, it brought relief. For the team, it was a moment of quiet triumph.More than a missionBut the work is far from over.As conflict continues across Sudan, millions of children remain at risk. Sustained, safe and unimpeded access is critical to prevent further outbreaks and protect every child.For Mohammed, Maken and their colleagues, the journey to Mestura was more than a successful campaign.It was a reminder of what is possible—even in the most fragile settings—when determination, partnership and community come together for children."Every child has the right to be vaccinated anytime, anywhere," affirmed Sanossi.

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05 January 2026

Rebuilding Trust Amid Crisis: Local Peace Efforts Take Root in Kassala, Sudan

Over two and a half years into Sudan’s armed conflict, the scale of the crisis continues to deepen. As of November 2025, nearly 12 million people have been forcibly displaced by the ongoing war, both inside and outside the country. Famine has been confirmed in 10 areas, and the economy has contracted by more than 30% in just two years. The conflict has become one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters.In emergencies of this scale, the international response understandably focuses on lifesaving assistance. But in communities where the conflict has fractured families, inflamed ethnic tensions, and eroded trust, one essential ingredient is often overlooked: social cohesion. As the fabric of Sudanese society unravels, hidden within this crisis are stories of resilience — where people are rebuilding trust, solidarity, and shared purpose, one initiative at a time.Since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) has prioritized efforts to strengthen social cohesion and foster peaceful coexistence in conflict-affected communities.In Sudan, this work is not a long-term aspiration; it is an immediate necessity. Without trust between communities, humanitarian assistance risks being politicized or rejected, inter-communal conflicts escalate, and peace efforts struggle to take root. Kassala State offers a window into what’s possible when social cohesion is strengthened during crisis rather than after it. The PBF–funded project Strengthening Capacities for Peace and Social Cohesion in Kassala and Red Sea States, with an investment of USD 5 million and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF, has supported social cohesion, youth engagement, gender equality, governance, and livelihoods.Women Across Divides: Rebuilding Peace Through Trade In Kassala town, 25 women — some displaced from Kadugli in South Kordofan, others belonging to the host community — have come together to run a petty trade initiative supplying essentials like sugar, flour and cooking oil. Supported through a PBF-funded micro-grant via UNDP, the business has grown into a shared livelihood for women who once lived on opposite sides of the conflict divide.But the impact goes far beyond economic survival.“We used to look at each other as strangers,” says Amani, a participant originally displaced from Kadugli. “But through this project, we became partners. Now, we share not just goods, but goals and respect.”Weekly meetings have become safe spaces where the women resolve challenges, bridge mistrust, and reinforce social ties weakened by displacement and fear.“I used to worry about the future, about division,” says Gisma, from Kassala. “But this project gave me hope. We now have a reason to work together, to support each other. It has changed how we see ourselves — not just as tribes, but as women with a common purpose.”What started as a micro-enterprise has become a model for how community-led livelihoods can stabilize tensions, replace suspicion with solidarity, and build peace that is rooted in daily life.Youth Leading the Way: Khawla’s Story Young people in Kassala are also stepping into roles traditionally reserved for community elders, helping to mediate disputes and counter rising crime, drug use, and misinformation.Khawla, originally from Kadugli, is one of the Youth Ambassadors trained under a Peacebuilding Fund project implemented by UNDP and UNICEF. She organizes open-air awareness sessions in markets, youth centres and cafes, speaking about peacebuilding, crime prevention, and drug awareness.“During the war, many of us felt hopeless, but being part of this group gave me purpose,” Khawla shares. “When I see young people listening, asking questions, and starting to believe that peace is possible, I know our work matters. It’s not just about awareness—it's about restoring trust and rebuilding our communities from the ground up.”As a member of the Peace and Reconciliation Group - a respected body of elders - Khawla also helps mediate local disputes, bridging generational divides and strengthening communal resilience.Rebuilding from the Ground UpSudan’s emergency demands immediate humanitarian assistance— but it also demands investment in the social bonds that prevent violence from spreading. In Kassala, community-level efforts are helping contain inter-communal tensions that might otherwise escalate into broader conflict. These initiatives show that even during active war, small interventions can create pockets of stability and reduce the risk of further mobilization along ethnic lines.Social cohesion is not an afterthought. It is a prerequisite for humanitarian access, community resilience, and lasting peace.Scaling Up: New Partnerships and Catalytic ResultsBuilding on PBF’s initial investment in the Strengthening Capacities for Peace and Social Cohesion project, UNDP has mobilized significant additional funding:$3.5 million from KSRelief to expand access to water in 36 communities across Aroma, Kassala, and New Halfa, reducing tensions over scarce resources.$4 million from Switzerland to reinforce livelihoods support in targeted areas. Beyond financial resources, the programme has generated significant catalytic effects:Community-Based Reconciliation Mechanisms and Youth Peace Ambassadors have become central to mediation and conflict prevention.Youth in New Halfa helped reconcile four historically divided tribes, a major shift in a region long marked by local disputes.Local authorities are increasingly favouring community-led approaches over military responses, contributing to a noticeable reduction in tribal conflicts.Across Kassala, small acts of cooperation are offering a counter-narrative to the violence that has defined Sudan’s recent years. Women rebuilding livelihoods together, youth mediating disputes, elders and newcomers sharing resources: these efforts may not make headlines, but they are strengthening the social fabric where it is most fragile.

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29 November 2025

UN Country Team Meets Sudanese Women Leaders in Khartoum to Strengthen Collaboration Amid Ongoing Conflict

Port Sudan – Khartoum, 25 November 2025 –The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) held its first meeting in Khartoum since the 2023 conflict began, engaging directly with 13 Sudanese women leaders from across the country to hear directly about their experiences and the support they require from the UN amid the ongoing crisis. The dialogue reaffirmed the UN's commitment to this critical agenda, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.Women leaders highlighted the resilience of Sudanese women and the critical role of Women-Led Organizations (WLOs), which often serve as the sole providers of assistance despite severe challenges. Participants raised urgent concerns, calling for strengthened protection and services for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, enhanced accountability, and full, meaningful inclusion of women in all decision-making and peace processes. They further requested increased, flexible funding and sustained engagement for WLOs. Denise Brown, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, emphasized that “The voices of Sudanese women are indispensable to shaping solutions for Sudan’s future. We are committed to turning today’s dialogue into concrete actions.” As a next step, the UNCT and women leaders will jointly develop a follow-up plan detailing specific actions on protection, participation, and expanded support for WLOs, guiding coordinated UN efforts in the months ahead.

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Press Release

07 July 2026

Education Is Not a Cost—It Is One of Sudan's Most Strategic Investments

UNESCO, in partnership with the Sudanese National Commission for Education, Science and Culture (NATCOM) and the Federal Ministry of Education, convened a High-Level Meeting on the Price of Inaction Study in Omdurman, bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Interior (Departments of Social Services and Correctional Services), the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Welfare, the Department of School Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, members of the National Technical Team, academia, and development partners. The Price of Inaction Study is a UNESCO-developed analytical approach that measures the economic and social costs of failing to invest in education. Implemented by UNESCO in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, the study provides evidence to support informed policymaking and demonstrates why education should be recognized not as a cost, but as one of Sudan's most strategic investments. Opening the meeting, Mr. Mohamed Elmustafa, Secretary-General of the Sudanese National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, highlighted the strategic importance of the study and emphasized that its value is strengthened through broad intersectoral engagement. He praised the study for successfully quantifying the cost of failing to invest in education in what he described as "a language that decision-makers will listen to." Mr. Junaid Sorosh-Wali, UNESCO Representative to Sudan and Head of Office, reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to supporting the Ministry of Education in strengthening evidence based policymaking and ensuring that education remains a strategic priority for Sudan's recovery and sustainable development."The Price of Inaction Study quantifies the economic and social costs of failing to invest in education. It demonstrates why education should be viewed not as a cost, but as one of Sudan's most strategic investments." – Stated Mr. Sorosh-Wali.Dr. Umsalam Elameen, Head of the Policy and Planning Department at the Federal Ministry of Education, reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to conducting an in-depth analysis of the study to maximize its use in informing future education policies and planning. The meeting showcased the findings of the Sudan Price of Inaction Study, presented by the national consultant, followed by technical reflections and recommendations from members of the National Technical Team. A key strength of the study lies in its strong national ownership, having been reviewed and contextualized by experts from the Ministry of Education, government institutions, academia, and development partners to ensure that it reflects Sudan's realities and national priorities. Discussions focused on how the study's evidence can strengthen national planning, policy dialogue, advocacy, and resource mobilization across sectors. Participants also agreed on the importance of convening an annual inter-ministerial forum to review progress and continue using evidence to guide investment in education.

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Press Release

06 July 2026

Renewing Commitment to Sudan’s National Museum

Today, the Sudan National Museum hosted an event organised by the UNESCO Sudan Office, the Ministry of Culture, Information and Antiquities, and the National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums (NCAM), with the online participation of the Embassy of Italy in Khartoum and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), marking the successful completion of the project "Protecting and Promoting Sudanese Cultural Heritage from a Social Development Perspective: Rehabilitating the Sudan National Museum" while reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding Sudan's cultural heritage and advancing the rehabilitation of one of the country's most important cultural institutions.Mr. Junaid Sorosh-Wali, UNESCO Representative to Sudan and Head of Office, expressed his deep appreciation to the Ministry of Culture, Information, Tourism and Antiquities, NCAM, AICS, and the Government of Italy for their longstanding partnership and continued support. He noted that, despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sudan's political transition, and the outbreak of armed conflict in April 2023, the project delivered substantial results before activities were interrupted."Protecting cultural heritage is fundamental to preserving Sudan's identity, collective memory, and social cohesion. Safeguarding heritage is not only about protecting monuments and museum collections—it is about preserving the history, identity, and resilience of the Sudanese people. UNESCO remains fully committed to working alongside the Government of Sudan and international partners to support the recovery and rehabilitation of the Sudan National Museum as a symbol of hope, learning, and cultural renewal." – further added Mr. Sorosh-Wali“This project is also a testament to continuity and resilience. Despite the outbreak of the conflict, AICS has never suspended nor downsized its activities in Sudan. The Italian Cooperation adapted its way of working but has always remained determined to support the Sudanese people in this critical circumstance. Our presence today confirms that Italy remains a reliable and long-term partner, committed not only to preserving Sudan's extraordinary cultural heritage, but also to accompanying the country's recovery and future reconstruction” - stated Mr. Simone Corsale, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Italy in Khartoum, during his intervention.In his remarks, H.E. Khalid Ali Aleisir, Minister of Culture, Information, Tourism and Antiquities, expressed his deep appreciation to UNESCO Sudan Office for the continued support to Sudan's cultural sector throughout the conflict. He highlighted UNESCO's key role in maintaining international attention on Sudan's heritage and mobilising resources and technical expertise at a time of immense need. The Minister also extended his gratitude to the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Government of Italy for their longstanding partnership, noting that their support has been instrumental in advancing the rehabilitation of the Sudan National Museum and safeguarding Sudan's cultural heritage as a cornerstone of national identity, resilience, and social recovery."We reaffirm our determination to work hand in hand with UNESCO and Italy to restore the Sudan National Museum as a symbol of national pride and a beacon of culture for future generations." - further stressed H.E. Khalid Ali Aleisir, Minister of Culture, Information, Tourism and AntiquitiesLaunched in 2018 with the support of the Government of Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the project aimed to modernize the Sudan National Museum by strengthening collections management and documentation, improving conservation conditions, enhancing the visitor experience, and reinforcing the Museum's role as a centre for culture, education, and social development.Among its key achievements were the completion of a new exhibition design based on the documentation of more than 2,000 objects in accordance with international standards; the preparation of detailed architectural and engineering designs for the Museum's rehabilitation, including the roof restoration; the installation of fire protection and IT security systems; and the conservation of mural paintings alongside specialised capacity-building in wall painting conservation and building rehabilitation.Following the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, UNESCO, in agreement with the project partners, adapted the project to respond to the urgent needs of safeguarding Sudan's cultural heritage, including the Sudan National Museum and the wider heritage sector.Emergency interventions focused on the production of analytical reports on the illicit trafficking of Sudanese cultural property through online platforms and social media and strengthening national capacities and securing the museum environment. More than 500 museum professionals, customs officers, law enforcement officials, and members of the judiciary received specialised tailored trainings to prevent and combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property in Port Sudan, Khartoum, Dongola and Cairo, which led to the recovery of 570 stolen objects from the museum by the national authorities. In addition, rubble, war debris, and unexploded ordnance were cleared, and three essential office spaces were rehabilitated and equipped to enable safe access and operations for museum staff.The provision of three sets of IT equipment enabled museum personnel to document more than 10,000 objects, supporting the recovery of museum records and the identification of missing artefacts. At the same time, comprehensive architectural and structural damage assessments were undertaken to evaluate the impact of the conflict on the museum's integrity and to guide a phased comprehensive rehabilitation strategy in accordance with international standards once funding is made available. Furthermore, the project initiated the revision of national antiquities law to incorporate the provision of the UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, which is being ratified by Sudan.These interventions demonstrate UNESCO's commitment to safeguarding Sudan's cultural heritage under emergency conditions while laying the foundations for long-term recovery.In the face of the urgent increasing needs that are facing Sudan's cultural heritage, and in line with UNESCO's Emergency Action Plan for Sudan prepared with and endorsed by Sudan's stakeholders, UNESCO calls on all the donor communities and partners to support the urgent protection and safeguarding of Sudan's unique cultural heritage for future generations.

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Press Release

03 July 2026

MEDIA STATEMENT - Türk calls for strong action at the highest level to prevent atrocity crimes in Sudan

Mr President, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, The signs from El Obeid are clear and unmistakable: another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan, this time in the capital of the strategic state of North Kordofan.Civilians have been subjected to siege-like conditions for 18 months, battered by relentless drone strikes as the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces battle for control over areas surrounding the city.My Office documented 15 drone strikes on El Obeid and surrounding areas between 6 and 28 June, which killed at least 45 civilians and injured 41. The actual number of civilian casualties is likely higher. Across the Kordofan region, drones launched by both sides have repeatedly struck markets, schools, fuel stations, water infrastructure, and civilian vehicles. In recent weeks, we documented damage to at least 13 fuel stations in El Obeid and Al Rahad from RSF drones.These attacks, and fuel shortages, have a compound impact, making it difficult for civilians to access clean water, food, transport and healthcare, and to communicate with each other and the outside world.Shortages of clean water are reaching a critical point in El Obeid. As the rainy season starts, this puts people at risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera. An influx of tens of thousands of people fleeing violence in other parts of Kordofan is straining resources even further.Some people are selling their belongings to finance their escape from the city. For many, the exorbitant cost of transport, and constant attacks on vehicles along exit routes, make leaving impossible.We have documented patterns of summary executions, abductions, torture and ill-treatment, sexual violence, and looting along the routes taken by displaced people across the Kordofan region.Those who stay in El Obeid are also at risk of arbitrary arrest and detention. People who have fled areas controlled by the RSF and allied forces are frequently accused of collaboration. All this takes place against a backdrop of rising hate speech. Mr. President, The international community cannot allow a repeat of the widespread atrocities that took place in Zamzam camp for displaced people, and in El Fasher in North Darfur last year.My Office assessed that at least 6,000 people were killed in the span of just three days when the RSF captured El Fasher. We found the RSF and allied militia committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including mass killings, summary executions, sexual violence, and torture.These crimes were foreseen, with repeated warnings by myself and my Office. But they were not prevented.This is not a drill. It is a red alert that needs to land on the desks of Heads of State and government around the world. Their phones should be running hot in the coming days and weeks, with ideas on how to prevent atrocity crimes in El Obeid and in other places in Kordofan, where the same strategies are being deployed.Reports by my Office and others, and this Urgent Debate, call for strong action at the highest level. The UN Security Council needs to fulfil its responsibilities to prevent atrocity crimes. El Obeid is a classic case that shows why the use of the veto should be limited, as proposed by France and Mexico more than ten years ago. All leaders must use their influence to exert pressure on all parties, and particularly the RSF, to stop an offensive on El Obeid; to end strikes on civilians and essential infrastructure; to stop the flow of weapons; and to comply with their obligations under international law.There also needs to be accountability for the crimes that have been committed. I welcome the continued engagement of the International Criminal Court on Sudan as a path to that end, in addition to efforts based on universal jurisdiction.The safe and voluntary movement of civilians out of El Obeid must be guaranteed. We urgently need a humanitarian pause to allow for the unhindered delivery of food and humanitarian aid into the city and its surroundings. Mr. President, We also need to pay far closer attention to the political economy of this war. The leaders of the warring parties bear the greatest responsibility for three years of appalling suffering. But behind them, domestic and foreign players are benefiting from the carnage.Our upcoming report will focus on how conflict resources, specifically the trade in gum arabic, are fuelling the war economy in Sudan. Other key commodities include gold and livestock.My Office records and publishes information on business interests in other situations around the world; we are ready to do the same on Sudan. We also need to end the steady supply of weapons from outside the country to all sides, which continues with complete disregard for their use in contravention of international law. Without action to end this, the conflict risks continuing indefinitely. I repeat my call for the arms embargo on Darfur to be extended to the whole country. And I urge concerted efforts by the international community to assume its responsibilities to protect the people of Sudan, and support their efforts to build a peaceful, inclusive and democratic future. Thank you. ENDS For more information and media requests, please contact: In GenevaShabia Mantoo - shabia.mantoo@un.orgThameen Al-Kheetan - thameen.alkheetan@un.orgIn NairobiSeif Magango - seif.magango@un.org

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Press Release

18 June 2026

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Sudan

He is particularly alarmed by reports of the deployment, by the Rapid Support Forces, of substantial military reinforcements around El Obeid which may indicate an imminent ground offensive on the city, potentially placing yet another major population centre in Sudan at grave risk of large-scale violence.The Secretary-General calls for restraint from all parties and urges them to take all necessary measures to respect and protect civilians.Far too many times in this conflict, clear warnings have failed to trigger concerted action by the international community. The Secretary-General urges all those with influence over the parties to exert it to prevent further bloodshed. We must not allow the horrors of El Fasher to be repeated in El Obeid.The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He urges the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to engage with international efforts, including those of his Personal Envoy for Sudan, to facilitate de-escalation and a negotiated settlement to end this devastating conflict.Humanitarian organizations continue to provide assistance in El Obeid and across the Kordofan region, despite the deteriorating security situation. A humanitarian worker was among the civilians killed by drone strikes in residential neighbourhoods in El Obeid over the past week.The Secretary-General stresses that humanitarian workers and supplies must be able to move safely. Humanitarian operations must be protected and facilitated. El Obeid is a crucial hub for humanitarian response efforts across the broader Kordofan region.Civilians who wish to leave must be allowed to do so safely. Those choosing to remain must be respected, protected and have access to the humanitarian relief they need.The Secretary-General reminds all parties of their clear obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including to respect and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to facilitate rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access.Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-GeneralNew York, 18 June 2026

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Press Release

21 May 2026

UNOPS and the Government of Italy sign €4.5 million agreement to expand life-saving dialysis services in Eastern Sudan

Today, UNOPS and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) officially signed a €4.5 million agreement to launch Phase VI of the Kassala Health Citadel development. The 36-month initiative, titled "Promoting Healthcare Services for Dialysis Patients," will drastically expand and modernize renal care access for vulnerable populations in Kassala State. Sudan is currently navigating a severe humanitarian crisis, with ongoing conflict leaving 70% to 80% of healthcare facilities non-operational across affected regions. Kassala State, which hosts millions of residents alongside over 108,000 refugees and a growing number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), has experienced a massive surge in demand for specialized medical treatments. Currently, the dialysis centre at the Kassala Health Citadel operates at only 40% of the actual need. Dedicated healthcare staff work extended shifts for over +20 hours/ day.Through this new €4.5 million contribution from AICS, UNOPS will address these critical gaps by executing a comprehensive infrastructure and procurement strategy. Key project deliverables include: Infrastructure Expansion: Constructing a new extension to the existing dialysis centre to accommodate additional dialysis units and relieve severe overcrowding.Specialized Care Units: Building a new emergency unit and a dedicated isolation area to safely treat infectious patients.Medical Equipment: Procuring and installing six new dialysis machines, which includes portable water systems specifically designated for emergency and isolated patients.Operational Support: Providing essential transport vehicles, including a minibus and a pickup truck, to facilitate facility operations, supply transport, and emergency case logistics.This agreement marks the sixth phase of a highly successful, long-standing partnership between the Government of Italy and UNOPS aimed at transforming the Kassala Health Citadel into a premier healthcare hub. Since 2017, this collaboration has successfully delivered the master plan design, rehabilitated the Diagnostic Center and Blood Bank, and advanced the construction of a new General Surgery Unit.“Italy remains firmly committed to supporting the Sudanese people during this challenging period by investing in essential services that directly improve lives and strengthen local resilience,” said H. E. Michele Tommasi, Ambassador of Italy to Sudan. “Through our partnership with UNOPS and the Kassala State Ministry of Health, we are contributing to expand access to critical dialysis care for the most vulnerable communities, while reinforcing healthcare infrastructure that will continue serving the population in the years ahead. This initiative reflects Italy’s broader commitment to humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and solidarity with Sudan.”“Amid a protracted humanitarian crisis that continues to place immense pressure on Sudan’s healthcare system, ensuring access to life-saving services remains a collective responsibility,” said Michele Morana, Head of the AICS Addis Ababa Office, responsible for Sudan. “Through this partnership with UNOPS and the Kassala State Ministry of Health, Italy is contributing to strengthen essential dialysis services while investing in resilient healthcare infrastructure capable of serving host communities, refugees, and displaced populations alike. This initiative reflects our long-term commitment to supporting Sudan’s health sector through coordinated, locally anchored interventions.”Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, Director of the UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office and Representative to the African Union, on her part added: “We are deeply grateful to the Government of Italy and AICS for their steadfast partnership and generous contribution. This project goes beyond infrastructure, it is a life-saving intervention that will bring dignity, hope, and critical dialysis care to thousands of vulnerable people in eastern Sudan. Together, we are building resilient, inclusive health systems that leave no one behind”. The Phase VI project directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and prioritizes Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI). The newly designed facility will incorporate universal access standards for persons with disabilities and feature dedicated, dignified spaces for women, including separate dialysis areas, rest zones, and facilities.ENDS Press contact details:Doaa Tarig Khider Abdin, Communications, UNOPS Country Office in Sudan (Doaaab@unops.org) About AICS The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) is the public agency responsible for promoting international development, poverty reduction, and humanitarian assistance on behalf of the Italian Government.About UNOPSUNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners, such as the European Union and its Member States, to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement across the world. Read more: www.unops.org.

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