Graca Machel says SDGs key to better future
United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocate Graca Machel says the new set of targets to facilitate the development of countries and improve people’s welfare hold the key for a better future for countries such as Malawi.
Machel, who is founder of the Graca Machel Trust, said this at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe yesterday where she was the guest of honour and panellist during a panel discussion aimed at domesticating the recently adopted SDGs which replaced Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
She said: “Achieving Sustainable Development Goals is a sure way of eradicating poverty at all levels making it a highly inclusive and collaborative agenda that should involve the whole Malawian society, from the remotest areas to the non-governmental, government and even those in the private sector.”
Other panellists included Mzimba North member of Parliament (MP) Agness Nyalonje who elaborated the role of lawmakers in implementing MDGs, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Allan Chiyembekeza, business mogul Thomson Mpinganjira sector, Bridget Shumba representing the youth and Chikosa Silungwe, a legal scholar.epresenting the private
In her contribution, Nyalonje urged all politicians to develop a sense of political will which acknowledges that MPs have a critical role to play in making sure that the SDGs become a reality by the end of the next 15 years.
She also called on MPs to start respecting data and statistics for equitable distribution of the national cake by not just looking at them as meaningless figures.
Shumba said the inclusion of youth policies in SDGs is an opportunity for the youth to take part in the development of their country.
Machel, who was appointed SDGs advocate in January 2016, said she hosted the conference in Malawi because she believes charity begins at home and she will be heading to other countries, including her native Mozambique
