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MBABANE – The United Nations (UN) and the Government of Eswatini have approved joint work plans under the UN Cooperation Framework for 2021-2025 to the tune of over E400 million.

A special meeting of the -oint 1ational 6teering &ommittee -16& on the 8nited 1ations 6ustainable 'evelopment &o operation, held at 0ountain 9iew hotel in 0babane on 0onday endorsed Moint work plans for .

7he Moint work plans were presented in four outcome are as in line with the cooperation framework for the period to . 7hese are 3romot ing sustainable and inclusive economic growth investing in human resources and social development accountable governance, Mustice and hu man rights and strengthening natural resource management, climate resilience and environ mental sustainability

Entities

7he meeting, co chaired by the 0inister of (conomic 3lanning and 'evelopment, 'r 7ambo *ina and the 81 5esident &oordinator, *eorge :achira, was attended by the -16& members, including heads of 81 entities, principal secretaries and directors of parastatals and civil society organisations.

In his opening remarks, :achira noted that imple mentation of the Moint work plans this year was likely to be affected by the national elections and urged partners to prepare and plan for possi ble disruptions.

+e also urged partners to re double efforts to achieve Agen da of the 6ustainable 'e velopment *oals, noting that evidence suggests that most goals will not be achieved.

³7he 81 secretary general has repeatedly emphasi]ed that without a surge in com mitment, solidarity and trans formative action, we will miss the headline targets of the

Agenda to end poverty, reduce ineTuality and protect the environment,´ he told the meeting.

In his remarks, 0inister 'r *ina emphasised the need to re evaluate, re plan and re pri oritise in light of the global, re gional and national challenges.

³:e need to be cognisant that we are beyond the mid way point of the Agenda for 6ustainable 'evelopment,´ he said.