Collaboration and partnership key to achieving SDGs and Malawi 2063

Lilongwe 14 December, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized on the importance of partnerships between Government and Non-Governmental Organization (NGOS) in achieving Sustainable Development Goal and Malawi agenda 2063.

He made the remarks when he presided over the commemoration of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Day at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe

“I have been inspired by the power of transparent and transformative partnerships between government, NGOs and development partners in serving the most vulnerable Malawians

There are stellar examples in the sector of NGOs that are delivering clear outcomes, constructing schools, hospitals and homes for the vulnerable; educating the masses in line with the country’s human capitalization agenda among other things.

“These exemplary NGOs are critical to setting the pace on how to partner and collaborate with government to bring tangible and lasting transformation,” he said

The President further commended the organisations for the support which they rendered when Malawi was hit by Cyclone Freddy saying through the partnerships thousands of lives were saved.

“We learnt so much about ourselves during that operation and one of the lessons for me is that the achievement of the SDGs and Malawi 2063 requires an NGO sector that has capacity,” said Chakwera.

AS one way of building stronger NGOs, the President called on NGORA and Ministry of Gender, Community development and Social Welfare to consult key players in the sector in the design and development of a comprehensive capacity building programme for the NGO sector.

There is need to create a stronger, more independent, vibrant and robust civil society that can respond to shocks and disempower Malawians and jeopardize their enjoyment of their rights.

The President also urged Council for Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi (CoNGOMA) and the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare to consult key players in developing comprehensive capacity-building programs to create a vibrant civil society.

In his remarks, CONGOMA Chairperson, Adir Chingo said that collaborations and partnerships are catalysts towards the synergy that creates meaningful impact and greater efficiency.

"Through collaborations, we maximize positive outcomes of collective efforts, this is why CONGOMA calls for collaborations between NGOs, Government, and the public sector to develop Malawi," he said.

Chairperson for the Foundation for Civic Education and Social Empowerment, who is also the Chairperson of Local Government Organizations, John Bamusi called on the government to empower NGOs to enable them to complement government initiatives and contribute effectively to national development.

"We call for the government intervention in building the capacity of local NGOs and communities so that any form of partnerships would indeed be meaningful," Bamusi said.

The commemoration ceremony was held under the theme: "A strong and Vibrant NGO sector towards Accelerated Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Malawi 2063,"

Earlier, Chakwera toured the pavilions of several NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The ceremony brought together government officials including Vice President Saulos Chilima, scores of NGO and CSO representatives.

President Chakwera is expected to present awards to some NGOs during a Gala Dinner at Kamuzu Palace.