Govt, UN partner to attain SDGs

Remember Deketeke, Herald Reporter

Government has commended United Nations efforts in addressing challenges faced by the country by coming up with programmes that assist in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In a speech read on his behalf at the 79th Anniversary of the United Nations held in Harare yesterday, Acting Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the country remained grateful for the UN’s continuous support.

This year’s event is running under the theme, “Sustainability in Action.”

“Zimbabwe, along with other countries in the Southern African region, are testament to the positive impact of multi-stakeholder collaboration on the lives and livelihoods of our people,” Minister Ndlovu said in a speech read on his behalf by the acting chief director for political affairs in the ministry, Mr Mqabuko Dube.

“The Government and people of Zimbabwe remain grateful for this support, and for the commitment by the UN in Zimbabwe to continue to support Zimbabwe, within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).”

The theme, Minister Ndlovu added, reminded the region not only of the potential positive impact of the collective work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, but of the potential cost of non-action on people.

He said that the cooperation framework between the Government of Zimbabwe and the UN in Zimbabwe aligns with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

“There is synergy between the priorities of both the NDS1 and the UNSDC, which both set out strategies aimed at achieving economic growth and stability, food and nutrition security; structural transformation and value chains; among many common priorities,” said Minister Ndlovu.

“A healthy population is, indeed, critical to the attainment of Zimbabwe’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030.”

Geo Pomona Waste Management Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr Dilesh Nguwaya said his organisation is committed to aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We operate a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant that effectively treats leachate, ensuring clean water management and protecting our water resources; ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all,” he said.

“Our upcoming Waste-to-Energy Plant will convert 1 000 tonnes of solid waste daily into clean energy, generating between 16 and 22 megawatts of electricity. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

“Our workforce has expanded significantly this year, increasing from 61 to 188 employees. This growth creates more opportunities for decent work and contributes to economic  growth.”