Story by Memory Chamisa
THE United Nations Development System says it is ready to partner with the government and other stakeholders to make the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a reality for all Zimbabweans.
The past three years have witnessed stalling progress in the attainment of SDGs in most countries, Zimbabwe included, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the United Nations family has come out to support the government in implementing policies and programmes that envisage their attainment by 2030.
United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, Dr Edward Kallon stressed the need for concerted efforts in policy design, sustained implementation and allocation of funds to line ministries in ensuring the target is reached by 2030.
“After the SDGs summit, we have come to realise that there is a lot to be realised. To start with education, bridging the digital divide, jobs and social protection, we are talking about climate change and biodiversity pollution, these are multipliers that will help in achieving the 17 SDGs. And that action should be together with the government in ensuring we get back on track in Vision 2030 of attaining SDGs.”
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted the significance of partnerships with the UN family in bench-marking progress made.
“Working together with development partners is very critical in ensuring that these SDGs are attained especially SDG number 5 on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment. As we work towards attaining them, we must include everyone especially now that the world is seized with many calamities including climate change, droughts and so forth.”
Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 ambitious targets to improve livelihood that United Nations member states are expected to use to frame their agendas and political policies.
