UN, Government approve 2023 joint work plans

A special meeting of the Joint National Steering Committee (JNSC) on the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation, held at Mountain View hotel in Mbabane, has endorsed joint work plans for 2023.

While funding gaps exist, and both parties have committed to undertake joint resource mobilization, the total value of the joint work plans is USD 22, 676,652.50 (SZL 408,179,745).

The meeting, co-chaired by the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Dr. Tambo Gina and the UN Resident Coordinator, George Wachira, was attended by the JNSC members including Heads of UN entities, principal secretaries and directors of parastatals and civil society organisations.

In his opening remarks, Wachira noted that implementation of the joint work plans this year were likely to be affected by national elections and urged partners to prepare and plan for possible disruptions.

He also urged partners to redouble efforts to achieve Agenda 2030 of the Sustainable Development Goals, noting that evidence suggests that most goals will not been achieved. “The UN Secretary-General has repeatedly emphasized that without a surge in commitment, solidarity and transformative action, we will miss the headline targets of the 2030Agenda to end poverty, reduce inequality and protect the environment,” he told the meeting.

In his remarks, Minister Gina emphasized the need to re-evaluate, re-plan and re-prioritize in light of the global, regional and national challenges. “We need to be cognizant that we are beyond the mid-way point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” he said.

The joint work plans were presented in four outcome areas in line with the Cooperation Framework for the period 2021 to 2025. These are: (i) Promoting Sustainable & Inclusive Economic Growth; (ii) Investing in Human Resources & Social Development; (iii) Accountable Governance, Justice & Human Rights and (iv) Strengthening Natural Resource Management, Climate Resilience  & Environmental Sustainability.