UN-ZIM Evaluate 4-year-$600 Million Dollar Program

By Shingirai Vambe

Zimbabwe- Government (GOZ) and the United Nations met in Harare last week to discuss, share and evaluate a $600 million 4-year program being implemented using the sustainable development goals template.

Dr Jajudeen Oyewale, Chairperson of the UN Programme Management Team and UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe addressed journalist and said this was the first meeting after the launch of the programme which is expected to end in 2026.

“We are here to discuss the achievements of the National Development Strategy 1 of the government of Zimbabwe. This morning was able to share the key results that we achieved in 2022, specifically in 2022 with the partnership we have with the government that stability and contribution from all partners, young partners, Civic Society Organizations and communities where we were able to spend US$450 million in support of different agenda in this country,” Oyewale said.

He added and said their work is couched around four key pillars, First being people where they are investing in support the strategy and direction of state around health, education, sanitation and social protection.

Other programmes being looked at are on planet, biodiversity, clean energy water infrastructure and also support natural resource management and the economic development, on income generation and peace.

Oyewale said in 2022 they have made it possible to ensure that independent commissions and institutions in the country that are strong in line with the justice system which is child friendly. Area of attention and according to the framework, though disturbed by natural disasters, Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine, UN in Zimbabwe needs more resources to sufficiently meet the 2026 target.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet of Zimbabwe, Dr Misheck Sibanda said the GOZ and the UN have shared commitment to leaving no one through delivering concrete results that ensure inclusive participation and reaching the people typically left behind the furthest.

“Residents Coordinator and distinguished participants, this High-Level Joint Steering Committee meeting presents a unique opportunity to review and assess existing strategies under the Zimbabwe, UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022-2026”.

“Creating enabling environment that promote human development, climate resilience, natural resource management and sustainable food systems and economic transformation, equitable and inclusive growth,” Sibanda said.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, His Excellence Edward Kallon said there are data gaps existing for monitoring progress on vulnerable population groups.

“At a global level, data are available for only 33% of the indicators that require disaggregation by both sex and age and 80% of the indicators that require disaggregation by disability status do not have data. The scenario is not very different from the National SDGs progress reports, Voluntary Local Review reports and ZUNSDCF report,” Kallon said.

“There are opportunities for strengthening our monitoring systems, data, and statistical systems to address the prevailing data and statistics challenges. The 2021 Voluntary National Review report highlighted the need for strengthening statistics and data, build capacities, standardize methodologies, and enhance the coordination and management of data. Greater collaboration of Government and UN on these aspects is of paramount importance,” added Kallon.

Meanwhile, the country, Zimbabwe is waiting for the President, Emmerson Mnangagwa to sign the fast-tracked Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) Bill which will see quite a number of developing partners and organizations closing and shunning away of the country.