War against poverty cheers UN
By OSCAR MALIPENGA THE United Nations (UN) says it is impressed with the Zambian government’s concerted efforts in addressing poverty.
United Nations Representative Janet Rogan said much progress had been by the government towards combating high poverty levels.
Ms Rogan said this when she closed the National Development Coordination Committee meeting to facilitate enhanced programme implementation for the 7th National Development Plan.
The NDCC meeting was officially opened by to Secretary to the Cabinet Dr. Roland Msiska.
Ms Rogan noted that during a recent global meeting on SDGs issues of inclusiveness and strong leadership should be key in implementing National Development Plans.
She observed that Zambia was ahead in the global game of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Much progress has been made since we last met and I would like to thank government for this practical and open approach and I encourage you all to strengthen this engagement.
“We are already heading down the right path with the 7th National Development Plan,” Ms Rogan said.
She said there was need to take a moment to recognise the progress made so far.
And in his opening speech, Dr. Msiska emphasized that the National Development Coordinating Committee meeting was meant to ensure the fundamentals of integration in the implementation of the 7 National Development Plan are observed and achieved.
Dr Msiska used the opportunity to instruct all Provincial Development Committees to develop inventories of Projects that show activity, duration and funding parameters.
The meeting outlined the different groups that shall constitute Cluster Advisory Groups, their mandates and clarity on 7th National Development Plan coordination. Other speakers at the meeting included Civil Society Executive Director Patrick Shindano and Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer Prisca Mwansa Chikwashi. Both speakers noted having been part of the 7 National Development Plan from inception and reiterated their continued support.