UN Resident Coordinator & MoPED Minister exchange ideas on National Development Plan.
These transitions are considered as investment pathways for countries to deliver the SDGs, with catalytic and multiplier effects across all the 17 Goals.
During a courtesy call on the Minister of Planning and Development, Ms Kenyeh Barlay, yesterday, UN Resident Coordinator (RC) Seraphine Wakana congratulated her on consultative efforts underway for developing the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030).
The RC observed that the national document priorities closely mirror the six transitions prioritized by the UN Secretary-General. These transitions are considered as investment pathways for countries to deliver the SDGs, with catalytic and multiplier effects across all the 17 Goals.
Similar to the Government's Big Five Game Changers – Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Youth Employment Scheme, Revamping the Public Service Architecture and Tech and Infrastructure, the UN’s six transitions are (1) food systems; (2) energy access and affordability; (3) digital connectivity; (4) education; (5) jobs and social protection; and (6) climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
Ms Wakana emphasized the importance of the Government’s national development plan as an input for the UN Country Team to produce the next UN Cooperation Framework, ensuring the UN Framework is aligned with the development priorities of the country, as well as the SDGs. She informed Minister Barlay that the UN counts on MoPED to work with the Country Team on consultation efforts and other processes during the development stages of the Cooperation Framework, which will have a timeframe from 2025 to 2030.
In discussing the role of the Resident Coordinator office, the RC explained, "My office is at the strategic level to ensure that the UN Country Team works in synergy." She promised to work towards that objective so that the UN coordinates its development support to the Government.
In her response, Minister Barlay explained that the Plan is centered around the Big 5 Game Changers, plus enablers such as governance and accountability, diversifying economic growth, environment and climate change, and implementation partnerships and financing.
She noted that she ‘hit the ground running’ in her new role due to her development background and having worked in the same Ministry several years back. She mentioned that she had a very good working relationship with the previous RC, whom she worked with for only 100 days when she assumed office.
Minister Barlay also said she looks forward to working with the RC and the World Bank as co-chair of the Development Partnership Committee (DEPAC).
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