REALISE Team ends weeklong conference in Kigali-Rwanda

Monrovia: February 17,2025-Last week, The REALISE Project Coordinator, Jesse Bengu, Deputy Project Coordinator for Economic Inclusion, Anita Marshall, and the Executive Director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), Julius Sele, participated in the South-South Learning Forum (SSLF) event on Social Protection, Climate Resilience, Jobs, and Economic Empowerment, organized by the World Bank in Kigali Rwanda.

During a briefing with his project management team (PMT), Project Coordinator Jesse Bengu shared, “The conference was a wonderful experience for social protection actors like us.”

He further emphasized, “Job creation is a key element of social protection, and we are glad that our project is contributing to this important effort.”

Key topics discussed at the forum included:

Social Protection Programs: Rwanda’s programs, like the Vision Umurenge Program (VUP) and Gira Wigire, were showcased as models for addressing poverty and building resilience. These programs provide direct support to vulnerable populations through cash transfers, food assistance, and other services.

Job Creation and Women’s Empowerment: Discussions also centered around creating economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth, who are often marginalized in traditional labor markets. Rwanda has made strides in fostering inclusive job growth, and this was a core topic of exchange during the event.

Climate Resilience: Given the growing importance of climate adaptation, the conference also discussed how social protection programs can help communities build resilience to climate change. Rwanda’s approach to integrating climate resilience with development programs was a key focus.

Global Collaboration: The forum emphasized the need for South-South cooperation in addressing shared challenges. Participants discussed strategies for scaling up successful programs and ensuring that they are contextually relevant and sustainable.

The event provided a platform for countries to share their experiences and learn from one another, promoting practical solutions to the complex issues faced by the Global South. It also reinforced Rwanda’s position as a leader in driving forward social and economic policies that prioritize the well-being of its citizens, especially vulnerable groups.

The conference showcased not just Rwanda’s successes but also the broader regional potential for collaboration and mutual support in tackling development challenges.

The South-South Learning Forum (SSLF) is a global platform organized by the World Bank, designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among countries, particularly focusing on economic inclusion and social protection strategies.