Returning from COP30, the Government of South Sudan announced concrete actions in climate adaptation and the inclusion of refugees in partnership with UNHCR and WFP

Alongside UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the World Food Programme (WFP), the Government of South Sudan’s Minister of Environment and Forestry yesterday officially announced the approval of a US$50 million climate change adaptation project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), to assist flood-affected communities in the states of Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap. This large-scale initiative will be implemented jointly with the Government of South Sudan, WFP and UNHCR with activities expected to begin in early 2026.

As part of this nationwide effort, Japan is providing co-funding through a contribution of USD 2.5 million programme implemented by UNHCR, which is fully aligned with and complements the Green Climate Fund investment. UNHCR’s Japan-funded programme will be implemented in the same states and focuses on flood preparedness, climate-resilient shelters, sustainable agriculture, and support for businesses led by refugees and nationals alike.

South Sudan is among the world’s most flood-exposed countries, with 1.4 million people displaced in 2024 due to flooding. The states of North Bar El Ghazal and Warrap, which also host refugees and returnees from Sudan, are particularly exposed to severe climate hazards such as flooding and heat stress impacting the livelihoods of populations who depend mainly on agropastoral activities.

The GCF-funded initiative aims to strengthen community-led water management, climate-smart agriculture, early warning systems, and local capacities to manage disaster risks. UNHCR’s complementary project will reinforce these efforts by targeting over 20,000 displaced people and 6,000 members of host communities with practical, community-led climate solutions. Its integrated approach is expected to benefit displaced persons and host communities alike by building community-shared assets and easing tensions among communities.

UNHCR expressed its appreciation to the Green Climate Fund, the Government of Japan, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and WFP for joining forces to support climate-affected families in South Sudan.

"We reiterate our full commitment to working alongside the government, partners and host communities of South Sudan and hope that this project can also be implemented in other states of the country," said Mesfin Degefu, UNHCR’s acting representative in South Sudan.

Prior to this press conference, the UNHCR team met bilaterally with the new Minister of the Environment and Forestry, Mr. Mabior Garang de Mabior, to present the project currently being developed under the Adaptation Fund. The Minister confirmed his full support for UNHCR in the upcoming submission process.

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For more information, please contact:

Carla Calvo, [email protected], +211 927 141 812