This note outlines elements for the establishment of a long term strategy to promote a transition from post-conflict recovery and towards resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development in Southern Sudan.

These elements intend to serve as a foundation for initiating a policy dialogue between the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) and national and international development partners, as well as to support the production of additional in-depth analytical work, leading to the finalization of a nationally-owned long term development strategy for Southern Sudan.

The long-term development strategy would complement on-going efforts by the international community and the GoSS to support the process of independence of Southern Sudan. Independence is expected for July of this year, following the announcement of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission that the overwhelming majority of Southern Sudanese had voted for secession during the January 2011 referendum.