By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, December 9, Mana: The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) has underscored the importance of the strategic plan and communication strategy in promoting peace building and use of amicable conflict in the society.

Chairperson for MPUC, Impi Bishop Mary Nkosi, said during the launch of the launch in Lilongwe on Thursday that the strategic plan will serve to provide strategic direction for the work of the Commission for the medium term.

"I am, therefore, confident that the implementation of the two strategic documents will strengthen the Commission’s performance, enhance its ability to meet stakeholder expectations, and fulfil its mandate.

“In this regard, I would like to request all stakeholders, including government, development partners, community leaders and other peace building agencies, to give the Commission support in the implementation of its strategic plan and communication strategy, for the realization of national peace and development objectives,” she said.

Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo, said the strategic plan will set a clear goal for the Commission to achieve in the next five years as it pursues it's vision of enduring peace and unity for robust political stability and socio-economic prosperity for all.

"I commit that government would provide financial and technical support for the implementation of the two strategic documents. I, therefore, would like to take this opportunity to request the Commission to ensure that all its future planned activities are based on the strategic direction provided through the two strategic documents,” she said.

United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Shadrack Omol, said the communication strategy on the other hand will provide direction to the Commission on how it can manage its communication functions in order to enhance its visibility, reduce tensions and promote peace, strengthen partnerships with existing peace actors, build trust and enhance its credibility.

"I would like to emphasize that our commitment as UN to preventing conflict and building peace in Malawi goes beyond the Peace Commission although it forms a major part of our support. For instance, the UNDP’s current Country Programme Document 2024 – 2029, which is UNDP’s Strategic Plan for the next four years, affirms our commitment to strengthening the Malawi peace building ecosystem,” he said.

As part of the launch of the strategic documents, UNDP donated a vehicle to the Commission.