Stakeholders observe slow pace in SGDs implementation
Malawi’s implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is sluggish, stakeholders have observed.
Speaking at a forum in Mzuzu, officials for Youth SDGs Corps Malawi, a consortium of youth organisations, said it was sad that, four years down the line, Malawi was still doing awareness campaigns yet other countries are at implementation stage.
The SDGs, which were adopted in 2015, are a blueprint for achieving a better and sustainable future for all.
The sustainable goals address global challenges people face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice.
The youth group’s spokesperson, Blessings Sambo, said there were knowledge-gaps among the youth on the SGDs as those in the know are reluctant to share information.
Sambo said, previously, she only knew Goal 3 of the SDGs which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote the wellbeing of all.
“If it were not for this meeting today, we would always feel the SDGs are not our thing. But I now understand how they relate to us. I am now aware that the goals interconnect. In order to leave no one behind, it is important that every goal is achieved,” she said.
One of the volunteers of Youth SDGs Corps Malawi, Matthews Malata, said it was sad that, four years down the line, Malawi had not made much progress in the implementation of the development goals.
“Other countries are in the implementation phases but we are still doing awareness. We feel that we still have a long way to go because 2030 is not as far as it may sound. We are running out of time and let our impatience grow every day. Others are resisting, protesting and mobilising against oppressing and non-inclusive approaches to implementation of SDGs. We must all push for accountability in the way we are implementing SDGs in the country. We must take the necessary action and be part of the solution,” he said.
Information Minister and government spokesperson, Mark Botomani, asked for more time to consult on the progress made in the implementation of the goals.
The SDGs were adopted in 2015 to build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals.
