Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, has praised the United Nations and SDG pillar Chairs for their co-leadership in advancing Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
Speaking at the as the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) Steering Committee in Harare yesterday, Dr Rushwaya said, “I extend the Government’s gratitude to the UN family and the Chairs of the SDGs pillars. Your co-leadership through the Resident Coordinators’ architecture has ensured strong policy coherence and national ownership of the UNSDCF.”
He added that the partnership has been central to ensuring that Zimbabwe’s development programmes remain aligned with both national priorities and global frameworks.
“The UNSDCF has provided a platform for coordinated action, ensuring that interventions across sectors are integrated, sustainable, and responsive to our national needs,” Dr Rushwaya said.
The meeting is reviewing progress in the fourth year of the current UNSDCF implementation cycle. Dr Rushwaya highlighted that the Steering Committee provides an opportunity to assess achievements and identify areas requiring intensified focus.
“This meeting allows us to validate priorities for the final year of implementation and to ensure that our collective efforts translate into tangible results for our people,” he added.
On the preparation for the next cycle, Dr Rushwaya emphasised continuity and forward planning.
“We are laying the foundation for the next Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2027-2031, drawing lessons from the current cycle to strengthen future programming,” he noted.
He reaffirmed that the collaboration has enhanced accountability, policy coherence, and resource mobilisation.
“Our engagement with the UN system has strengthened coordination at all levels, improved implementation efficiency, and enhanced monitoring mechanisms to ensure impact,” Dr Rushwaya said.
Dr Rushwaya also stressed the importance of collective ownership in sustaining development gains.
“The strong partnership between government and the UN demonstrates that when we work together, we can achieve significant progress towards our national development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals,” he added
The UNSDCF serves as Zimbabwe’s blueprint for UN cooperation, guiding support aligned to national priorities and the SDGs. The current framework is in its fourth year, with preparations underway for the next cycle spanning 2027 to 2031, designed to strengthen programme impact and continuity.
