Zimbabwe is ready to host the Sixth Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) Minister said.
The forum will be held in Victoria Falls in February from 24 to 27 under the theme ‘2020-2030: A Decade to Deliver a Transformed and Prosperous Africa through the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.” said Sekai Nzenza, the acting Labour, Public Service and Social Welfare Minister Zimbabwe.
“The Forum gives Zimbabwe an opportunity to showcase itself, especially that the country is really open for business and also what the country can offer in terms of tourism. It is also a great opportunity for the country to establish strategic alliances on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as we continue to reengage with the rest of the world,” said Ms Nzenza.
She said Zimbabwe is fully committed to achieving the sustainable development goals agenda and the 2063 African Union Agenda.
Also Read: Zimbabwe is open for business, says president Mnangagwa
“In addition to economic benefits such as revenue inflows which accrue from hosting more than 1,200 delegates, the Forum presents various opportunities for the country such as sharing success stories in the implementation of SDGs in other countries on the continent; leadership at the High-Level Political Forum; and marketing our tourism industry,” she said.
The Chief of Sub-Regional Initiatives in the Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA) Southern Africa Office, Mr Sizo Mhlanga said noted that the available assessments showed that most African countries were off track in achieving the SDGs and goals of Agenda 2063 within the set time frame in spite of progress in the implementation of the Agendas 2030 and 2063.
Also Read: African Trade Insurance Agency officially open for business in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe
Mr Mhlanga added that a lot of work needs to be done to ensure they are back on track to achieve the SDGs and goals of Agenda 2063.
The Sixth ARFSD forum will review all the 17 SDGs and corresponding goals of Agenda 2063. The goals will be clustered around the five Ps – People, Peace, Prosperity, Planet and Partnerships.
The ARFSD is an annual multi-stakeholder platform organized jointly by the ECA and the host government in collaboration with the African Development Bank, the African Union Commission and other entities of the United Nations System.
