State, UN set priorities for next SDG phase

Source: State, UN set priorities for next SDG phase – herald

Takunda Gambiza and Alicia Kadzviti

Zimbabwe and the United Nations have reviewed progress under the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, with Government calling for stronger execution, balanced financing and improved data systems as the country prepares for the next development phase.

Speaking at a Joint Review Meeting in Harare yesterday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, said the platform was key to aligning UN support with national priorities as Zimbabwe transitions to the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030.

He said the review marked a critical milestone in ensuring that the UN development system remains strategically synchronised with Zimbabwe’s sovereign development trajectory and responsive to the country’s evolving needs.

The meeting assessed implementation of the 2022–2026 framework, validated priorities for 2026 and laid the groundwork for a new cooperation cycle from 2027 to 2031.

Dr Rushwaya said Zimbabwe had recorded progress in 2025, particularly in health, social protection and education recovery, but warned of persistent structural gaps.

“Financing remains heavily skewed toward the People pillar,” he said. “To succeed under NDS2, we must rebalance our focus toward prosperity and peace, prioritising structural transformation and value addition.”

He also highlighted inequalities in service delivery, noting that rural communities remain disadvantaged, adding that Government was strengthening performance‑based governance systems, including the use of performance contracts and key performance indicators to enhance accountability and results across public institutions. “While urban water access stands at 93 percent, rural access remains at 48 percent. Closing this gap is a non-negotiable priority to ensure we truly leave no place behind,” he said.

He said Government was operationalising the NDS2 Results Framework through reforms such as a National KPI Handbook, improved data management systems and streamlined monitoring of high-impact national indicators.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, described 2026 as a critical transition period, marked by declining global development assistance and increasing pressure on resources.

“Traditional Official Development Assistance is stagnating or declining in real terms,” he said. “This compels us to be more strategic, more catalytic and more innovative in how we mobilise and deploy resources.”

He said Zimbabwe had mobilised about US$2 billion of the planned US$2.8 billion under the current framework since 2022, with over US$288 million secured in 2025 alone.

“We must focus on high-impact, scalable interventions, underpinned by innovation, data and new forms of finance, ensuring every dollar delivers the greatest possible SDG impact,” he said.

Mr Kallon, who indicated this would be his final steering committee meeting ahead of retirement, also reflected on Zimbabwe’s progress in responding to crises, including COVID‑19, cholera and climate shocks.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director for SDGs, Ms Sylocious Chaturuka, said Zimbabwe had improved SDG reporting, with indicator coverage rising from 62.8 percent in 2024 to 86.2 percent.

However, she raised concerns over data quality and coordination challenges.

“As we speak, we are still making reference to 2019 statistics, yet we are now in 2026. That is not a true reflection of where we stand,” she said.

She added that a lack of disaggregated data and inconsistent reporting structures were limiting effective decision‑making.

“We have data, but it is aggregated. You cannot inform decisions without knowing who is affected—whether they are youth, persons with disabilities or the elderly,” she said.

She said Government was rolling out initiatives to improve SDG implementation, including a national schools competition, development of a sustainability policy and digital tools for local authorities.

“This is meant to ensure that our reporting is consistent, evidence‑based and reflective of realities on the ground, as we work towards a more inclusive and responsive SDG framework,” said Ms Chaturuka.