The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, has observed a steady progress in Zambia’s efforts towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, especially on upholding of the rule of law.
UNDP Zambia Resident Representative, James Wakiaga, says Zambia has done a lot towards attaining SDGs particularly in upholding democracy and human rights but that a lot more needs to be done to sustain such progress.
Speaking at the just ended Timbuktoo Strategy Retreat which was held in South Africa, Mr. Wakiaga also noted that Zambia has made progress over time, when it comes to upholding democratic principles and human rights.
He said Zambia is one of the countries that are highly regarded when it comes to respect for democratic principles and human rights but that this calls for continuous investment in the rule of law and administration of justice in ensuring that the country continues making progress and sustaining the gains that have been made over the years.
Mr. Wakiaga however, said there is a need for more investments in other areas such as Universal Health Coverage and environmental indicators despite the noted progress towards the attainment of SDGs.
“There is quite appreciable progress made both in terms of SDGs and the human development index. In the country’s SDGs, as much as the there is progress particularly in the area of education, health, as well as other indicators such as access to energy and issues of maternal mortality rate, there is still also some progress to be made,” said Mr. Wakiaga.
He also called for concerted efforts in poverty eradication where he says more improvement is needed if the country is to realise its goal of eradicating poverty.
“On the issue of addressing poverty where we are talking about zero tolerance with the aim of total eradication, we find that this is an area where we still need to improve on income as well as other dimensions of poverty,” said Mr. Wakiaga.
This is contained in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today by First Secretary Press and Public Relations at the Zambia High Commission in South Africa, Tamara Nyirenda.
By Eva Hatontola
