UNDP hails govt for policy documents

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has hailed the Malawi Government for launching three policy documents to guide and improve activities of the Ministry of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development.

UNDP Malawi economic adviser Alka Bhatia said this during the launch of the ministry’s Strategic Plan, National Community Development Policy and National Cultural Policy in Lilongwe on Friday.

The UNDP official said while good governance—especially accountable and transparent governance—is a hallmark of vibrant democracies, maintaining an accountable government requires citizens full understanding of issues.

Said Bhatia: “The UN recognises the importance of the strategic plan in guiding implementation of the new ministry’s activities from 2016 to 2021.

“The strategic plan and the policies being launched today will be instrumental in acquainting the citizens with the development priorities as outlined in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III which has incorporated the global development agenda implemented through the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs].”

In her remarks, Minister of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development Grace Chiumia urged officials in her ministry to hit the ground running after the launch of the documents.

She said: “They [policy documents] are not flowers to decorate our shelves and tables. We need to take them on the ground buy implementing every aspect of it.”