The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Deputy Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Ms. Giovanie Biha, has concluded today a three-day visit to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

The visit focuses on familiarization and outreach within the ongoing partnership between the UN system in Guinea-Bissau and UNOWAS, as part of overall efforts in support of implementation of activities under UNOWAS mandate. This mission is also a follow-up to the good offices of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mahamat Saleh ANNADIF undertaken from 28 to 30 September 2021.

During her visit, Ms. Biha was received in audience by the Secretary of State for Communities, Ms. Salome dos Santos Allouche, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Suzi Carla Barbosa. She also met the Minister for Public Administration, Ms. Maria Celina Vieira Tavares. The Deputy special Representative held meetings with the UN country team to assess progress as well as consider avenues to address challenges and seize opportunities for enhancing partnerships in support of peace and development efforts.

Discussions focused on strategies to strengthen coordination and improve synergies for implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022 – 2026. Further, Ms. Biha got updates from involved UN agencies on the implementation of Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) projects to support national efforts on stabilization and reforms, strengthening the justice and security sector response to combating transnational organized crime, and improving youth leadership and participation in the democratic process.

As part of outreach efforts, Ms. Biha also held consultations on partnership and cooperation with the representatives of ECOWAS, EU, the World Bank, as well as women and youth representatives.

At all levels, the Deputy special Representative reiterated continued engagement of UNOWAS to support peace and development in Guinea-Bissau.