Watmore Makokoba

The inclusion of all stakeholders in the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the missing link that might weaken the processes and stall realisation of positive outcomes in Zimbabwe.

Speaking during a media workshop themed “leaving no one behind, SDGs and inclusive Development: Strengthening Media Community in Zimbabwe”, Judith Kaulem ,Executive Director of Poverty Reduction Forum said government needs to urgently set in motion the implementation of SDGs as a matter of urgency

“Government needs to urgently speed up the process of launching the National Strategy on SDGs (which is not yet launched by now) and inclusively involve all stakeholders so that the implementation action plan produce desired positive results”, said Kaulem.

Peter Bare, programme Manager for Sightsavers Zimbabwe said, “the implementation of SDGs especially in Zimbabwe is very critical at this moment in time when developing countries are already affected by problem these goals seek to alleviate such hunger, climate change and poor health facilities”.

Dr Tsitsi Chataika, Coordinator for Zimbabwe Disability Inclusive Forum (University of Zimbabwe) said for inclusiveness to achieved, people living with disabilities must also be given equal opportunity to participate and be part of the implementation processes.

G Nyaguse from the Ministry of Macro Planning and Investment promotion said country’s’ action plan for the implementation of SDGs is primarily anchored on ZimAsset because it encompasses most of what is required towards the fulfilment of the goals.

“The government of Zimbabwe blueprint for the implementation of SDGs is premised on the current sustainable economic growth ZimAsset , because it was agreed that as a country we cannot be producing more and more action plans before implementing what we already have at hand”,  Nyaguse said.

Njabulo Ncube, a veteran Journalist and   media practitioner said “the media plays a big role in the implementation of SDGs hence there is need for collaboration between media and civil society for sustainable development to be achieved”

The workshop organised by Sightsavers and jointly facilitated by Ministry of Macro-Economic Planning and Economic Promotion and the University of Zimbabwe was aimed at reinforcing the capacity of media to cover and analyse themes linked to the achievements of the UN SDGs in Zimbabwe.