UNDP driving development as an integrator of the SDGs in Zimbabwe

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zimbabwe plays an active role in driving development as an integrator of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

This was revealed today by His Excellency Mr. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in his remarks at UNDP Zimbabwe Programme Board Meeting held at the Country Club, New Lands, Harare.

UNDP works across multiple sectors to align policy coherence, and financing, and deliver innovative solutions that create a transformative, long-term impact for Zimbabwe’s people. UNDP remains a key partner in addressing national priorities aligned with global sustainable development goals and playing a significant role in promoting localization of the SDGs and Voluntary National Review at the local level.

HE Kallon said in its delivery of development programmes, the UN’s focus on joint programmes is evident, with an active portfolio of 11 Joint Programmes in 2024 with a total outlay of USD 169 million. These initiatives include the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund, Health Resilience Fund, SDG Fund for Renewable Energy, Together for Sexual Reproductive Health Rights, Gender Equality, Anti-Microbial Resistance Project, and Zimbabwe Electoral Process Support (ZIMECO).

“In this context, UNDP Zimbabwe plays an active role in driving development as an integrator of the SDGs. UNDP works across multiple sectors to align policy coherence, and financing, and deliver innovative solutions that create a transformative, long-term impact for Zimbabwe’s people. UNDP remains a key partner in addressing national priorities aligned with global sustainable development goals and playing a significant role in promoting localization of the SDGs and Voluntary National Review at the local level.

“Through targeted initiatives, UNDP has helped strengthen governance, promote economic empowerment, advance climate resilience, and improve access to essential services for the most vulnerable communities. The partnerships between various UN entities and the Government of Zimbabwe are vital in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 goals,” he said

UNDP has also forged strategic partnerships with multiple stakeholders, leveraging expertise, resources, and innovative solutions to drive impactful change.

The private sector plays a crucial role in driving inclusive economic growth and creating jobs, making collaboration with businesses a priority. Partnerships with local communities and grassroots organizations ensure that development programs are contextually relevant, inclusive, and sustainable.

International partnerships are crucial for mobilizing financial and technical resources to support Zimbabwe’s development agenda. The presence of Dr. Jo Abbot and others here is a testament to the strong partnerships we have built.

“Looking ahead, in the evolving global context of growing nationalism, challenged global rule-based architecture, raging conflicts, and the planet in peril due to climate change, we must do more with less, Forster strategic, inclusive leadership that inspires trust, amplifies diverse views, and ensures accountability. Innovate, prioritize, and work genuinely together with each organization focusing on what it does uniquely well. Work more effectively and efficiently and reduce duplication and bureaucracy, Act collectively, share more information and data and being humble about what we can do better, and communicate more clearly the impact we make and the cost of inaction, with humanity not institutions at the heart of the story.

“Developing grassroots and innovative partnerships approaches, enhancing domestic resource mobilization, South-South Cooperation, and advocating for free movement of people and goods and services under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area are crucial to addressing emerging challenges and leveraging new opportunities,” HE Kallon added.

He said to accelerate progress on SDGs in the next five to six years, it is vital to strengthen partnerships between the government, private sector, development partners, and civil society to achieve national development goals.

The Zimbabwe UN Cooperation Framework’s mid-term review held last September provided entry points for integrating the six transitions as investment pathways to accelerate progress on the SDGs.

HE Kallon’s discussions with government officials emphasized adopting these six transitions as investment pathways for the second National Development Strategy (2026-2030). The Cooperation Framework reports progress on these transitions as revealed by HE Kallon below:

First, Food System transformation: UN agencies have facilitated several policies and strategies changes, such as the review of the Agrifood Systems and Rural Transformation strategy (AFSRTS) and the finalization of national investment plans in line with Malabo commitments. Notably, a national food safety strategy was launched in 2023. The Government has developed investment cases targeting USD 925 million, focusing on smallholder micro-irrigation systems, local tractor assembly plants, and decentralized mechanized hubs.

Second, Transforming Education: In response to TES Summit commitments in 2022, the Government launched new funding from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), with USD 48.8 million for 2023-2026 to support inclusive education. UNICEF, as a partner, is leveraging its collaboration with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to connect all Zimbabwean schools to the internet by 2030.

Third, Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Pollution: The UN supports government efforts through an NDC and LT-LEDS Investment Framework, estimated to require USD 12 billion across various sectors. Our agencies, including UNEP, UNDP, FAO, WFP, and UN Women, facilitate regional climate links.

Fourth, Energy Access and Affordability: The UN facilitates solar power projects for irrigation, water supply, and public institutions. The USD 10 million SDG RE Fund, in partnership with Old Mutual, is expected to leverage USD 100 million to support a National Renewable Energy Fund.

Fifth, Digital Connectivity: Zimbabwe’s National ICT Policy (2022-2027) outlines roles for key organizations and includes the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan. The plan focuses on infrastructure and security, while ITU’s support through the GIGA project aims to extend ICT infrastructure to the 6,611 unconnected schools in rural areas.

Sixt, Jobs and Social Protection: Despite not being a pathfinder country, the UNCT has supported Zimbabwe through skills audits and harmonized social protection information systems. Contributions by the ILO and UNDP supported strategy development.

Finally, and aligning with the six transition, ending Violence Against Women and Girls/Gender Equality: Building on the Spotlight Initiative, USD 2 million has been secured from the EU with Switzerland considering an additional USD 2.5 million. The programme targets legal reforms, economic empowerment, and gender-disaggregated data for decision-making.