The government of Lesotho in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) launched the United Nations Sustainable Development Corporation Framework 2024-2028 (Ka Lebelo la Ntšoekhe) at the event held in Maseru on Wednesday.
Speaking at the launch, the Prime Minister, Mr Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane said this event marks an important milestone in our journey, towards sustainable development and partnership with the United Nations.
He expressed gratitude to the United Nations, through the leadership of Ms. Amanda Khozi Mukwashi for the continued support and efforts tailored towards achieving the Lesotho we want.
He stressed this document comes at a very opportune time when Lesotho is confronted with many social and economic challenges, which are both external and domestic in nature.
The Prime Minister noted that the main macroeconomic risk facing Lesotho is the fragile fiscal position, which is worsened by the spill-over effects of the Russia-Ukraine war and is experiencing increasing inflation and a weak exchange rate, which pose a threat to demand for Lesotho’s exports.
He stressed that the government is committed to uplifting the economy of Lesotho out of the slum, through amongst other things, private sector development and support.
“The new Cooperation Framework has key pillars that go well with the extended NSDP II and their implementation and achievement will lead to private sector development, as a necessary condition for the country`s development,” he said.
The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane said the UNSDCF is a five-year strategic plan aimed at accelerating Lesotho’s economic development and people’s well-being, strengthening equitable food systems, enhancing environmental sustainability, climate action, and supporting good governance and social equity for the benefit of all Basotho.
Also speaking, the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Amanda Khozi Mukwashi said this momentous occasion allows both parties to celebrate the remarkable achievements that have been accomplished over the past four and a half years while acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead.
She stressed that Lesotho holds immense potential, and it is through collective efforts that we can unlock this potential and pave the way for a brighter future, saying this Cooperation Framework serves as the guiding instrument, aligning the collective actions to support Lesotho’s development agenda.
She noted that during the previous United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) period, the collaboration and collective efforts have yielded remarkable outcomes, adding that together, they have faced major emergencies including droughts, floods, and the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, with unwavering determination and solidarity.
“Lesotho still grapples with high youth unemployment, gender-based violence, food insecurity, and low human development. However, let us not be disheartened but rather embrace the immense potential that lies within this great nation,” she stressed.
In developing the Corporation Framework, the Un in Lesotho and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning implemented an inclusive process that brought together representatives from the government, private sector, trade unions, academia, and development partners.
By Staff Reporter: ‘Maphoka Likotsi
