Governors of the ten states have gathered today in Juba to attend the annual Governor’s Forum.

The Forum is organized by the office of the President and this year the theme is “Transparent and Accountable Service Delivery for Local Development”.

Members of parliament, government ministers and government development partners will study developmental policies, and government priorities in the country.

Addressing the opening session of the forum, President Salva Kiir outlined the importance of the conference.

“It’s the gathering where the stakeholders and policy makers review all their areas of their successes or any areas of drawback in order to readjust themselves and their programs accordingly,” said President Kiir.

“It is also an opportunity of gathering where key players in decision making share the ideas and explore all the challenges and come back with the new solution.

“This forum should be a mare platform for discussion and consultations on the issues related to decentralization and inter –governmental matters only .It is not intended for other politics or anything.”

President Kiir also called on state governors to discuss ways of improving services in their respective states.

“As you continue to discuss and share ideas in the next three days, I would like you to be very vigilant about the priorities in your states for the benefit of our citizens.

“Let’s take seriously the issues of education, health, agriculture and infrastructures.

“Time has come for us not to send our children for education outside our country. Let’s us concentrate on our education so that we improve our schools so that our children get their education in their country.”

A report into South Sudan’s progress in the Millennium Development Goals will be launched during the 4 day forum.