daniel chigunweMukudzei Chingwere in DUSHANBE, Tajikistan
ZIMBABWE will be part of the acceleration and implementation of internationally agreed water-related goals and targets at regional and national level during the third conference of the Dushanbe Water Action Decade in Tajikistan next week.
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga is expected here tomorrow where he is scheduled to lead the country’s delegation at the conference, which runs from Monday to Thursday.
This year’s conference will build on the 2022 meeting of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) Sector Ministers in Indonesia where Zimbabwe presented its commitment and roadmap to attaining universal access to WASH as prescribed by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Zimbabwe’s roadmap is premised on four key pillars: institutions and mutual accountability; planning, infrastructure and service delivery; monitoring, information and knowledge management; and sustainable sector financing, policies and strategies.
“The third Dushanbe Water Action Decade conference is the next in a series of conferences held every two years by the Government of Tajikistan in co-operation with the United Nations to support the implementation of the goals of the International Decade for Action, ‘Water for Sustainable Development’ 2018-2028,” reads part of an advisory by the organisers. As part of the third Dushanbe Water Action Decade conference, the Government of Tajikistan aims to provide a platform for following up, promoting, and supporting the implementation of voluntary commitments registered in the water action agenda of the UN 2023 Water Conference, as well as stimulating new partnerships and accelerating actions to achieve the goals of the agenda in the field of sustainable development for the period 2030.
The conference is expected to discuss and share notes on establishing sustainable ways for climate-resilient water and sanitation systems which strengthen economies, help prevent future pandemics and reduce the negative impacts of climate change.
This with a view to foster the best global practice in the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene.
Clean water provision to the populace and sanitation and hygiene are key components to any thriving economy and Zimbabwe, which is driving towards an empowered upper middle income society by 2030, is prioritising WASH best international practices.
Away from the conference business, a number of economic engagements have been lined up for VP Chiwenga in line with President Mnangagwa’s economic diplomacy thrust. He is expected to meet several senior officials from the Tajikistan Government and tour some private companies.
Online Reporter