UN stands by Zim, backs Vision 2030 

Source: UN stands by Zim, backs Vision 2030 | The Herald August 2, 2019

Mr Bishow Parajuli

Herald Reporters
The United Nations is taking an integrated three-pronged approach to strengthen the humanitarian-development-peace nexus in Zimbabwe.

The approaches are aimed at addressing short-term life-saving humanitarian needs; scaling up resilience-building activities targeting at-risk communities and social protection programmes for the poorest and most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

They are also aimed at protecting and promoting the communities’ human rights; and longer-term support to socio-economic transformation and poverty reduction, through accelerating reform measures — including anti-corruption efforts.

This comes after 5,1 million people are estimated to be in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection during drought.

Officiating at the Zimbabwe United Nations Development Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF) 2018 Annual review meeting yesterday, UN Resident Coordinator Mr Bishow Parajuli said in Zimbabwe, the UN Country Team was stronger and more united as ever to support the people towards prosperity and empowerment.

“This morning’s high-level annual review and planning meeting should be seen as the UN’s collective accountability to the people and Government of Zimbabwe,” he said.

“As a direct contribution to Zimbabwe’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5 — Gender Equality — the European Union and the UN last year developed a comprehensive four-year programme that focuses on the elimination of sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices.

“Under the overall leadership of the Government, the programme will be implemented through a broad partnership with civil society, private sector, media and others at the national, subnational and community levels.

“For the remainder of the ZUNDAF period, therefore, the UN will re-prioritise our joint efforts to better support the Government to deliver the priority economic, social and governance reforms as articulated in the TSP.”

Mr Parajuli urged civil society, the private sector, academia and development partners to join in the efforts.

“Development is everyone’s business, and participation of all stakeholders in the planning, implementation and review processes are key,” he said.

“Over the past years, we have witnessed first-hand the active participation and ownership of the citizens of Zimbabwe to do their part in making Zimbabwe a prosperous and peaceful country that leaves no one behind.

“The ambitions of Vision 2030 require that all of us play our part and are allowed and supported to play our part. Women and young people must be empowered to play an important role in defining the country’s future of peace and prosperity for all.”

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda, who was represented by his deputy Mr Justin Mupamhanga, commended the UN for its commitment towards supporting the people of Zimbabwe.

“It is gratifying that the UN has renewed its collective commitment to support the Government and people of Zimbabwe to realise their aspirations and scale up joint support for national efforts,” he said.

“On its part, the Government is committed to ensuring the achievement of equality, gender equality and inclusive society that embraces the diversity of the people of Zimbabwe through the right policies.”