A commitment to people-centered development to Building a Better Zimbabwe

By Sirak Gebrehiwot

A significant meeting took place recently as Mr. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, along with UN Heads of Agencies in Zimbabwe, engaged in a courtesy call with Honorable Edgar Moyo, Zimbabwe’s newly appointed Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare. The meeting marked the beginning of a coordinated and collaborative partnership, highlighting a mutual commitment to fostering people-centered development amid various challenges.

The meeting facilitated by Mr. S Masanga, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Services, Labour and Social Welfare was attended by  senior officials from the Ministry,  and UN agency leaders, including Boubacar Bamba—UNHCR Country Representative; Etona Ekole—UNICEF Country Representative; Ms. Barbara Clemens – WFP Representative; Dr. Cisse Aboubakar—UNFPA OIC; Mr. Abdul Rahman Lamin—UNESCO OIC; Dr. Ayodele Odusola—UNDP Resident Representative; Ms. Diana Cartier—IOM Chief of Mission; Loveness Makonese—UN Women OIC/Deputy Country Rep; Dr. Desta A. Tiruneh—WHO Representative; and Ms. Philile Masuku—ILO Director for Zimbabwe and Namibia. They shared their expertise, mandates, experiences and reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration that prioritizes the needs of vulnerable populations.

Mr. Kallon congratulated Minister Moyo on his appointment and reflected on the importance of the Zimbabwe UN Development Cooperation Framework, which guides initiatives for 2022-2026. The strategic UN Cooperation Framework, which involves 25 UN entities, aims to raise USD 2.8 billion to enhance the well-being of Zimbabweans through the pillars of People, Planet, Peace, and Prosperity. Considering the recent Midterm Review on the UN Cooperation Framework, which reported an annual delivery of USD 500 million in support of diverse development programs and projects, Honourable Moyo underscored the crucial role of UN assistance in addressing intricate social services and protection challenges.

Mr. Kallon addressed the recent impacts of climate change, particularly the El Niño-induced drought affecting Zimbabwe. In response, the UN and partners mobilized USD 132 million for humanitarian aid, noting an additional USD 131 million is needed to support people until the harvest in March/April 2025. This highlights the urgent need for effective partnerships in addressing food security and sustainable solutions.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator emphasized the pressing need for mobilizing additional support to close the financial gap and urged the Government of Zimbabwe to reactivate the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). This internationally recognized framework is essential for evaluating food and nutrition security, playing a vital role in directing donor funding worldwide. Zimbabwe was a pioneer in Southern Africa, being the first to implement the IPC in 2008, a process that continued until 2020. These assessments proved invaluable for planning humanitarian responses and effectively allocating resources.

Discussions also addressed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a six-year countdown to the 2030 deadline. Minister Moyo’s ministry will coordinate SDG implementation, focusing on the six transitions innovative investment pathways for accelerated progress. The UN committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy, aiming for a sustainable future for all. Inclusivity and social protection emerged as crucial themes, with Honourable Moyo emphasizing comprehensive strategies for ending gender-based violence, disability inclusion, and job creation. He highlighted the ZISO programme, aimed at creating a comprehensive national social registry system for improved policymaking.

The Honourable Minister and UN Heads of Agencies agreed to enhance collaboration on various programmes, including accelerating the momentum on SDGs, social and child protection, disability inclusion, addressing substance abuse, migration, refugee protection, gender equality, decent jobs, global accelerator, and just transitions toward a green economy for job creation.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthen coordination and communication, ensuring comprehensive solutions to Zimbabwe’s social challenges. Mr. Kallon, the UN Heads of Agencies and Honourable Moyo left with a renewed purpose to strategize and uplift Zimbabwe’s citizens.

In a world of unprecedented changes, the partnership between Zimbabwe’s government and UN agencies offers hope. Their commitment to people-centered development enhances the livelihoods and dignity of individuals nationwide, laying the groundwork for a more equitable future prioritizing the wellbeing of all, especially those most in need.

Sirak Gebrehiwot is UN Partnerships and Development Finance Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Zimbabwe.