Sustainable Development Means Nothing if People are not Involved

“Sustainable/economic development means nothing if people are not involved”. This came out in an animated presentation by Mr Bishow Parajuli, the UN Resident Coordinator to Zimbabwe. Mr Parajuli was giving a Special Lecture on “United Nations Role in Promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Zimbabwe” on 5 July 2018 at the Institute.

In his keynote address, the UN Resident Coordinator noted that the Sustainable Development Goals are bold, ambitious and transformational. They are holistic in nature and can be adopted by less developed and developed countries. The Agenda 2030 human development goals are complemented by goals promoting inclusive growth; decent work; essential infrastructure – including energy and information communication technologies (ICTs); and, that fundamental precondition for sustainable development, peaceful and inclusive societies.

The Ambassador alluded that through the SDGs; UN is providing a unique opportunity to put the whole world on a more prosperous and a sustainable development path. The United Nations in Zimbabwe through the Zimbabwe United Nations Development Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF), continues its support in poverty reduction, advancing good governance, gender equality and enhancing service delivery in education, health, water and sanitation as well as food security.

He urged Zimbabweans and Africans to be united, peaceful and take responsibility for some of the problems that the continent is currently facing. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.