Domestication and Joint Planning for the UNSDCF 2021-2025 Implementation Begin

The United Nations Development System in Eswatini is holding workshops with the Government and various sectors as part of an inclusive process to domesticate the United Nations Development Cooperation Framework for the period 2021-2025 as well as develop joint work plans for its implementation, effective 1st January 2021.

The workshops and joint planning sessions, taking place at the Royal Swazi Sun, Ezulwini, from the 16th to the 27th November 2020, follow the signing of the Cooperation Framework by the Prime Minister H.E. Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini (together with his Cabinet team) and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Eswatini, H.E. Nathalie Ndongo-Seh (with members of the UN Country Team) on the 22nd October 2020.

UNSDCF 2021-2025 is the primary instrument for planning and implementation of UN development activities in Eswatini, in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Mr. Bheki Bhembe, who officially opened the workshop on behalf of the Minister, Dr. Tambo Gina, highlighted that the UNSDCF is a strategic instrument that supports the main thematic goal of achieving economic recovery focusing on sustainable and inclusive growth, driven by a strong private sector capable of creating jobs, raising incomes and leaving no behind.

“This document is framed around three (3) main Ps, prosperity (which means growth), people (meaning sustainable livelihoods) and planet (for climate change, environmental and disaster management)” he stated.  “This will be unpacked further with activities and ensuring that plans for  implementation are developed in an inclusive and transparent manner for an effective implementation from January 2021.”

He then  urged all partners to double efforts towards the implementation of the CF leading to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. “It (the CF) will be implemented during the last Decade of Action and we therefore need to all stand up and double our efforts towards attainment of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development,” he said.

In her opening statement, the UN Resident Coordinator highlighted that Eswatini has achieved a “wonderful and commendable achievement to be among the first 10 African countries to develop a UNSDCF, transitioning to the aspirations of the World Leaders, as reflected in the Reform of the UN Development System.”

She noted that the Reform of the UN Development System acts as a new pathway to achieve the SDGs.  “It is therefore of paramount importance that we embrace this unique opportunity to recover better from COVID-19 and ensure the protection of our most vulnerable communities,” she stated. She added that despite the fact that the Framework was developed under strenuous and difficult circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, “it represents an inclusive promise to the people of Eswatini and the planet, acting as a strategic instrument in the implementation of the National Development Plan, His Majesty’s Vision 2022, Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063.”