KHARTOUM, 11 August 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of the Republic of Korea today launched the Sudan component of the Relief, Employment and Vital Infrastructure for the Vulnerable in Emergencies (REVIVE) initiative, Phase II. The 12-month programme will help conflict-affected communities restore access to water, revive livelihoods and rebuild local capacities for recovery.

Activities in Sudan will expand safe access to water for an estimated 500,000 people through the solarization of 20 water irrigation sources and the clearance of debris and explosive ordnance at 20 sites. The programme will also restore livelihoods through cash-for-work projects to rehabilitate water yards and the provision of 10 agro-processing units to strengthen value chains for small-scale farmers. 

To lay the ground for sustainable recovery and strengthen local capacities, the programme will engage an estimated 9,000 people in community-led recovery planning and build the skills of 90 local officials and community leaders to support the humanitarian response and recovery efforts.

“Korea knows what it means to rebuild from crisis, and we believe Sudan’s communities deserve that same chance,” said Park Sang-tae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sudan. “Through REVIVE, our support is designed to complement humanitarian assistance with the kind of catalytic, nationally led investment that helps communities restore their own livelihoods and services. This is a partnership built on solidarity with the people of Sudan.”

The launch in Sudan is part of a wider, USD 50 million REVIVE Phase II partnership between UNDP and the Republic of Korea to support early recovery for approximately 3.8 million people across six crisis-affected countries: Afghanistan, Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, South Sudan and Syria. Phase II builds on the results of REVIVE Phase I, implemented in 2026, which cleared more than 719,000 tonnes of debris, rehabilitated over 10,000 community infrastructure assets, and expanded access to essential services for more than 508,000 people.

“After three years of conflict, Sudanese communities need more than emergency relief,” said Luca Renda, UNDP Resident Representative in Sudan. “This partnership with the Republic of Korea allows us to restore water and incomes, but it also strengthens the local capacities that will carry recovery forward long after the programme ends.”

Sudan programme highlights

• 12-month programme, funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea

• 20 water irrigation sources solarized; debris and mine risk clearance at 20 sites, providing water to 500,000

• Emergency cash-for-work and 10 agro-processing units to restore livelihoods for small-scale farmers

• 9,000 people engaged directly in community-led early recovery planning; 90 local officials and community leaders trained

• Part of a six-country, USD 50 million global REVIVE Phase II partnership between UNDP and the Republic of Korea

Media contacts

Abdullah Ismail, UNDP Sudan, Communications Analyst, abdullah.ismail@undp.org (mobile and WhatsApp +249 96 060 1747)

About REVIVE

REVIVE (Relief, Employment and Vital Infrastructure for the Vulnerable in Emergencies) is UNDP's flagship global partnership with the Government of the Republic of Korea for advancing early recovery in crisis-affected countries. Phase II expands the programme to Sudan and South Sudan while continuing support in Afghanistan, Gaza, Myanmar and Syria.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries and territories, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.