Mako Jerera
Zimbabwe will next month assess its standing in the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) it seeks to achieve, together with the world.
SDGs are targets for global development adopted in September 2015, set to be achieved by 2030.
The country will between July 6 and July 15, conduct its second national review of the SDGs, the process is meant to be a reflection on the progress that the country has made since agreeing to pursue SDGs.
Speaking at today`s Post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Broadcasting and Publicity Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said cabinet today considered the country’s Second Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
“ It is highlighted that Voluntary National Reviews report on the status of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, is composed of the 17 SDGs and their 169 targets and 232 indicators underpinned by the core principles of leaving no-one behind,” Minister Mutsvangwa said.
Minister Mutsvangwa highlighted that the Zimbabwe 2021 Voluntary National Review is aimed at providing an opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase and share its progress and experiences in the implementation of the Agenda 2030 with other countries at global level against the backdrop of limited international support.
The country’s first voluntary national review of the SDGs was done in 2017 from which it was noted that the country was making progress in some areas that include eradicating poverty, hunger, promoting gender equality and good health and improving infrastructure.
Cabinet highlighted the progress that has been recorded in reducing all forms of violence and related deaths. This has been achieved through alignment of laws to the Constitution, improved inclusive access to justice and creation of new laws that promote human rights.
“Progress has been made towards Universal health coverage through sustained investment in public health infrastructure, equipment, capacitation of human resources for health, procurement and distribution of medicines and sundries as well as development and review of health related legal and policy frameworks. This has resulted in reduced maternal mortality ratio, reduced under five mortality and the general decline in HIV prevalence.
“In the education sector there has been increased access through inclusive programmes infrastructure, human skills capital development and innovation. Gender has been mainstreamed in most of the country’s legislative frameworks, policies and empowerment programmes which has resulted in increased participation in politics and decision making as well as access to productive and financial resources by women.”
Cabinet reported that this year’s summit will run under the theme “Sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that promotes the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development; building an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the context of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development”.
The 2021 High Level Political Forum will be held virtually, while sit-in meetings might be allowed for the three-days’ Ministerial Segment of the Forum.
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