UN convenes first annual stakeholder forum

On 22 March, the UN in Lesotho convened a Stakeholder Forum aimed at engaging with the various organizations and institutions the UN works with, including government, private sector entities, development partners, youth & women groups, religious leaders, academia, persons with disabilities and many more who work with the UN as it delivers its mandate in Lesotho.

Together the forum discussed various issues affecting the country including the current scourge of gender-based violence, the socio-economic outlook of the country and the impact of COVID19. Other topics included understanding and mobilizing domestic and international resources as well as avenues for improving living conditions of rural communities and the impact of climate change.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Amanda Khozi Mukwashi opened the meeting emphasizing that every voice mattered, “we are gathered here today as a diverse group of people, representing many organizations, and coming from various walks of life. The reason you are here is because your voice matters, and it needs to be brought to the table and considered as we plan for the year ahead.”

The bold Agenda 2030 indicates that the sustainable development goals cannot be achieved with sole actions but demands for creation and fostering of multi-stakeholder partnerships that will have a common vision to lead the implementation of the SDGs.

“The discussions today were fruitful, and we welcome more of these stakeholder sessions. I think we are on the right track because we can now see the benefits of collective action, transformational and systemic change is on the horizon,” remarked Dr Moeketsi Ntho, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation.

As the stakeholder forum drew to a close and upon reflection, it was again evident to the UN Country Team that galvanizing and convening stakeholders to co-create effective partnerships is an essential leadership imperative for the 21st century.