UN launches intelligence lab to collect views to strengthen peace in S.Sudan

JUBA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The UN Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday laUNched the first ever intelligence lab to gather local, regional and diaspora views to strengthen peace in South Sudan.

UNDP said in a statement that the accelerator lab which will be led by three South Sudanese professionals is dedicated to growing a solutions-focused diverse network of yoUNg change makers to tackle grand challenges.

"The accelerator lab in South Sudan will serve as a center of excellence for gathering local, regional and diaspora collective intelligence which challenges, rethinks and scales up approaches to build resilience, strengthen peacebuilding, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in South Sudan," said Kamil Kamaluddeen, the UNDP Resident Representative.

It disclosed that the work of the accelerator lab is symbiotic to UNDP's commitment to empowering youth, mobilizing non-traditional development partners, and leaving no one behind.

UNDP added that it aims to re-imagine development for the 21st century and South Sudan has been selected as one of 60 coUNtries leading this change worldwide.

"We are looking for people who are inspired, who think differently, and who want to be a part of something transformative for the benefit of the people of South Sudan. There are local solutions to big challenges that are already working in South Sudan," it said.

"There are bright and motivated people in South Sudan and the diaspora who are leading this change," it added.

UNDP is currently focused on building resilience and strengthening livelihoods to expedite post-conflict recovery in the coUNtry.

South Sudan is hoping to implement the revitalized peace deal signed in September last year to end a five- year-old conflict that killed tens of thousands and devastated its economy.