Efforts needed to implement SDGs: Minister

MARONDERA- There is need for accelerative actions by all Zimbabweans if the nation is to attain the Vision 2030 agenda, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Dr Aplonia Munzverengwi has said.

Zimbabwe’s progress on implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been negatively affected by illegal economic sanctions imposed on the country, sundry pandemics, climate change and global conflicts.

Dr Munzverengwi made these remarks in a speech read on her behalf by the Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Tavabarira Kutamahufa during the 2024 Voluntary National Review Consultation workshop organised by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare in Marondera recently.

The workshop is part of the follow-up and review mechanisms in the implementation of the (SDGs), whereby United Nations member states are encouraged to conduct Voluntary National Reviews.
To date, Zimbabwe managed to conduct two Voluntary National Reviews.

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution said reiterated that there is need to take cognisance of emerging issues such as drug and substance abuse which are negatively affecting societies hence the need for collaborative efforts to deal with these issues.

Regardless of the challenges, she said, Mashonaland East registered notable progress through various programmes.

“Besides the challenges, registered notable progress through mining and success of high agriculture production using the adoption of smart agricultural innovations like Pfumvudza/Intwasa.

“Furthermore, improved performance of the mining sector and increased value addition and beneficiation in the province have contributed to the progress being registered in several goals such as SDGs 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 13 through increased output, improved incomes, participation of women, youth and other marginalised groups and increased throughput to mining and agro based business in all nine districts,” she said.

Touching on the issue of the reviews, Dr Munzverengwi said they are critical as they enable the nations to see its performance since the inception of the goals.

She stated: “Voluntary National Reviews allow us to take stock of SDGs implementation progress, identify gaps, opportunities as well as challenges. This will allow us to see how we have been performing since the inception of the goals in 2015 as well as compare ourselves with our counterparts.

“As underscored by the last year concluded September 2023 summit, President Mnangagwa indicated that there is a strong impetus for undertaking urgent, bold, ambitious, accelerated, just and transformative action necessary to reverse declines, get back on track and accelerate progress to achieve the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.

“Ideally, President Mnangagwa’s policy directive for his second term in office is focusing and emphasising on production of results. This shows the country’s commitment to the attainment of the 2030 Agenda.”

She said at large, the nation has hosted several programs to raise awareness on SDGs which include radio programmes and SDGs Exhibition Park which saw the participation by Government Ministries, Councils, Civil society Organisations, Universities, private sector and organised labour.