Technology is crucial in accelerating SDGs—Chakwera
President Lazarus Chakwera says there is need for countries to keep pace with global advancements in technology and innovation to accelerate the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by all nations by 2030.
The President said this on Sunday in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates at the high-level Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community Conference.
In his speech made available to The Nation by the State House Press Office, Chakwera said technology and innovation are the new global currency that must be accessible to all.
He said: “The undoubtedly critical role of science, technology and innovation has been clearly defined in many development policies at global, regional and national levels.
“From the UN [United Nations] Sustainable Development Goals [SGDs], the African Union [AU] Agenda 2063 with STISA 2024 as a medium-term development plan, the Sadc [Southern African Development Community] Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan to the new Malawi 2063.”
In that regard, Chakwera said technology and innovation are the surest way of guaranteeing that no country is left behind on development.
He said while countries, including Malawi, continue facing numerous challenges like climate change, poverty and human disease, technology and innovation can help address such problems.
“Countries may unite in addressing the various challenges, but technology will still be key as it brings new and effective solutions to every challenge being encountered,” said Chakwera.
The President said Malawi was also compelled to develop the Malawi 2063 in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063 with technology at the core for the vision’s success.
The Malawi 2063 is built on three pillars of agriculture and commercialisation, industrialisation and urbanisation and science and technology. The aim is to make Malawi an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation by the year 2063.
In a tweet on the sidelines of the plenary on Sunday, President of the Flanders, a Dutch-speaking region North of Belgium, Jon Jambon said: “I believe that we can do great things with the technologies of the fifth industrial revolution, not only in terms of climate change, but also more efficient mobility, for better healthcare and to fight poverty.”
The Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community the President is attending focuses on knowledge and technologies that are crucial to achieving SDGs.
Information published on the community’s website indicates that the forum will be an accelerator and testing ground for breakthrough technological solutions that the world needs to shape a post-pandemic world.
Meanwhile, Chakwera has also announced plans for Malawi to open an embassy in Dubai to ease challenges Malawians face as well as facilitate trade and direct investments, among others. He said this when he met Malawians living in Dubai.
Malawians in Dubai chairperson Lloyd Mahowe said it is important that an embassy be set up as it will be easier in seeking help.
From Dubai, Chakwera is expected to join other world leaders in Glasgow, Scotland for the 26th Session of the Conference of Parties (CoP).
