SDGs key to tackling global challenges-PM

NEW YORK: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa yesterday addressed the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), insisting  that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a basis of hope in addressing global challenges.

Majaliwa becomes the second Prime Minister to address the international body after ex-Premier Mizengo Pinda, who also addressed the UNGA65 on September 27, 2010.

The Premier made the address on Friday while addressing UNGA79 in New York City, US where he is representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

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He said that under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania is determined to achieve sustainable goals in economy, livestock, investment in infrastructure and digital systems, fisheries and energy.

“Our goals is to be assured of reducing poverty, creating new jobs and accelerating inclusive economic development in various sectors… there are many testimonies regarding the growth in these sectors in the country which resulted from strategies such as Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) which focuses on agriculture in Mainland and empowering women engaging in seaweed farming in Zanzibar,” Majaliwa said.

He said Tanzania, like many other countries, has been grappling with various challenges such as COVID 19 pandemic in the health sector and climate change which is manifested by increasing severe weather events such as destructive rains, drought and other issues which have impacted the attainment of SDGs.

Majaliwa also discussed Tanzania’s Foreign Policy on human dignity, saying that on December 14, 1961, while serving as the Prime Minister of Tanganyika, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere said: ‘the foundation of our actions, both within and outside the country   will be to strive to respect human dignity.’

He said Tanzania has maintained its stance in the fight against colonialism and racial discrimination and that, based on such context, Tanzania hosted the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Liberation Committee, including  supporting the freedom fighters of various African nations.

Majaliwa further said that despite gaining independence, those nations still face economic challenges and economic sanctions and unconducive environment for human dignity that hinder real development.

“Therefore, we call for self-determination for those still under colonial systems and for the removal of economic sanctions imposed on countries like Cuba and others,” he said.

He also informed the General Assembly about the upcoming local government election and the general election expected to be held in the country next month and next year respectively.

“As the country prepares for these elections, I would like to inform this general assembly that democracy, human rights and rule of law will be respected in line with President Samia’s vision as outlined in the 4Rs philosoply which entails: Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Reconstruction, “PM Majaliwa said.