Chakwera champions global solutions
President Lazarus Chakwera has emphasised the significance of this year’s United Nations General Assembly (Unga) high-level conference in addressing global challenges.
Speaking at the ongoing 78th UN deliberative conference in New York, he called upon world leaders and international institutions to translate their words into action by providing urgent assistance to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The President said: “Amid emerging challenges such as conflicts, natural disasters, rising living costs and pandemics, people need solutions. Therefore, there’s a critical need for financial interventions to uplift struggling countries. I urge donor partners to consider cancelling debts owed by these economies, as they hinder progress.”
Chakwera commended international institutions for their support to Malawi and urged those who pledged support in various sectors to honour their commitments for the country to achieve its development goals.
He added: “The outcomes of my bilateral discussions with world leaders and heads of institutions affirm the confidence development partners have in Malawi’s journey towards achieving the SDGs.”
Chakwera assured Malawians that the country’s active participation in these deliberations would yield positive outcomes in various areas.
The 78th UN High-Level Deliberative Conference began with a call from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for member States to work collaboratively to revive lagging SDGs.
He stressed the need for practical solutions, urging advanced nations to demonstrate their commitment by helping LDCs graduate to middle-income status.
Malawi’s UN representative, Ambassador Dr Agnes Chimbiri Molande, welcomed Chakwera’s participation in the UN General Assembly Conference, highlighting its importance in garnering financial support for post-Cyclone Freddy survivors and addressing national challenges.
She pledged that commitments made by donor partners and international financial institutions would be followed up.
She revealed that Malawi had received substantial financial support and investments during the conference, with more pledges continuing to pour in.
On the sidelines of the conference, Chakwera also engaged in several meetings, particularly bilateral discussions with fellow heads of State and heads of international institutions, aimed at strengthening diplomatic, trade ties and securing financial resources for Malawi’s rebuilding and reconstruction efforts following the devastation of Cyclone Freddy.
The theme for this year’s 78th United Nations General Assembly Conference was “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals for Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability for All.” Chakwera was expected to return home tomorrow.
