By Sirak Gebrehiwot
A three-day workshop focussing on accelerating the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and bringing together representatives from three Southern African nations: Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe was held in Victoria Falls recently. Spearheaded by UNDESA and the involved governments, the official launch underscored the vital importance of local governance in advancing the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Honourable Edgar Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, in his keynote address emphasized the urgent need for localized action on the SDGs. “The SDGs are global objectives, but their true impact is felt at the local level,” Honourable Moyo asserted. He underscored the necessity of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) as tools for local governments to evaluate and strategize their progress, ensuring alignment with national and global priorities. Honourable Moyo’s remarks were clear: “No one and no place should be left behind.”
Supporting this, His Excellency Mr. Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, recognized the Government of Italy’s support and highlighted the necessity of local action to address global challenges. He outlined the six transitions—Food Systems, Education Transformation, Digital Connectivity, Jobs and Social Protection, Energy for All, and Climate Change, Biodiversity and Pollution—as essential pathways for accelerated SDG progress.
Key issues highlighted for successful SDG localization included capacity building, data accessibility, inclusive governance, robust financing, and partnerships. Thematic sessions at the workshop provided practical strategies for these challenges.
Honourable D. Garwe, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, lauded the progress made since the launch of the first VLRs in 2020. He noted, “Zimbabwe’s journey has been one of growth and learning. Today, we see our local authorities actively participating in the SDG dialogue.” Honourable Garwe highlighted the importance of aligning national development with local initiatives to achieve Vision 2030.
His Excellency Mr. Umberto Malnati, Italy’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, shared highlights of Italy’s strategic partnerships in Africa through initiatives like The Mattei Plan, which focuses on sectors including energy and agriculture. This plan features significant financial commitments—Euro 2.5 billion from the Italian Revolving Fund and Euro 4.4 billion from the Italian Climate Fund—to support activities in these areas.
The Mattei Plan encompasses diverse initiatives:
- Rome Process Multi-Donor Special Fund and Italy-Africa Co-Financing and Trust Fund: These aim to fortify economic partnerships with substantial investments in regional projects.
- Growth and Resilience Platform for Africa (GRAf): Designed to boost private sector investments, catalyzing up to Euro 750 million over five years.
- Plafond Africa: A financing program providing up to Euro 500 million in private sector funding.
- Lobito Corridor and Resilient Coffee Value Chain: Key projects to enhance infrastructure and sustainability in pivotal sectors.
Ms. Carol Pollack, Inter-Regional Advisor at UN DESA, detailed the workshop’s structure, emphasizing its role in bolstering regional cooperation. “Achieving SDG targets requires a localized approach that leverages national and international resources and expertise,” she explained. The workshop’s approach emphasizes peer learning and the exchange of best practices, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose across borders.
The commitments made, and knowledge shared at the three-day workshop are expected to invigorate SDG actions across Southern Africa. The pioneering spirit exhibited in Victoria Falls stands as a testament to regional cooperation’s power to effect transformative progress.
Sirak Gebrehiwot is UN Partnerships and Development Finance Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Zimbabwe.
