Africa-Press – Zambia. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Jack Mwiimbu says government will support the successful implementation of the ninth United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country programme with a proposed assistance to Zambia worth over 32 million United States dollars.
Speaking during the presentation of credentials by UNFPA Country Director, Seth Broekman, Mr Mwiimbu thanked UNFPA for the invaluable support it has rendered to Zambia in achieving its ambitions of improving the quality of life of vulnerable groups.
Mr Mwimbu who is also Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security said government remains committed to continued collaboration with agencies of the United Nations system and development partners in implementing national programmes.
Mr Mwiimbu further reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that the national development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are achieved.
He stated that government through the Eighth National Development Plan has integrated population issues to ensure that no one is left behind in the country’s development agenda.
Mr Mwiimbu disclosed that for the period of 2023 to 2027 under the ninth country programme, government and UNFPA have partnered on enhancing integration of population factors and support in generation of population data.
He explained that the two parties have focused on harnessing demographic dividend by promoting girl’s education, enhancing family planning provision and scaling up skills development for quality jobs.
Mr Mwiimbu added that prevention of child marriages and reduction of teenage pregnancies as well as gender based violence are among other areas of focus for the period.
“I want to assure you that this partnership of so many years has led to great aspirations, achievements by this country in improving the quality of life for our women, young people and the communities in Zambia,” he said.
Meanwhile, UNFPA Country Director, Seth Broekman reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to Zambia in an effort to improve the quality of life for the people. Mr Broekman assured that UNFPA’s will support the achievement of Zambia’s development aspirations.
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