Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Collen Zamba has called on the Joint National Steering Committee of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CF) to empower district councils by devolving power from the central government.
Speaking during an interface meeting with partners to assess project progress, Zamba emphasized the need for local councils to have greater authority in development implementation and monitoring.
“For this to be successful, district councils must be empowered by deliberately devolving power from the central government to local councils,” she stated.
She also highlighted the crucial role of the United Nations in supporting the Malawian government, ensuring that development efforts reach the most vulnerable, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and those in remote areas.
UN Resident Coordinator for Malawi, Rebecca Adda-Donton, reinforced the significance of the partnership between the UN and the Malawian government in advancing sustainable development and inclusivity.
“The Cooperation Framework for 2024-2028, launched in November 2023, represents our shared vision for a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient Malawi,” Donton said.
She noted that since its launch, the framework has made significant progress in promoting gender equality, social inclusion, climate resilience, and economic growth.
Donton further emphasized that the project, themed “Leaving No One Behind,” aims to ensure that all Malawians, including refugees and asylum seekers, have access to essential documentation such as birth certificates, aligning with broader efforts to protect children’s rights.
The ongoing collaboration between the UN and the Malawian government is already making a tangible difference in people’s lives, she added.
