Launch of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Lesotho (2024-2028)

His Majesty King Letsie III

The Right Honourable the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho

Honourable President of Senate

Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly

His Lordship the Chief Justice

Honourable Deputy Prime Minister

Honourable members of his Majesty’s Cabinet

Honourable Ministers present

Excellencies Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International

Organizations

Honourable Members of Parliament

Distinguished Guests, today, as we gather here to launch the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Lesotho, I stand before you with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection. This momentous occasion allows us to celebrate the remarkable achievements we have accomplished over the past four to four and a half years, while acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead.

Lesotho holds immense potential, and it is through our collective efforts that we can unlock this potential and pave the way for a brighter future. This Cooperation Framework serves as our guiding instrument, aligning our collective actions to support Lesotho's development agenda.

During the previous United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) period, our collaboration and collective efforts have yielded remarkable outcomes. Together, we have faced major emergencies, including droughts, floods, and the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, with unwavering determination and solidarity.

• In response to the devastating impact of the 2018 drought, we swiftly developed a national drought response plan, which received substantial funding through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and other generous contributions.
• Our joint interventions in sectors such as agriculture, food security, social protection, health, nutrition, education, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) have brought much-needed relief and support to affected districts
• In 2020, the UN repurposed US$9.7 million to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Inclusive of this amount, a total of US25.5 million was mobilised for the UN support to the government’s  response to the COVID-19 pandemic
• We have also focused on decentralizing HIV services through capacity building of healthcare workers for treatment services; establishing community support groups (to strengthen differentiated service delivery), and roll out of 3 to 6 months multi-month dispensing of anti-retroviral medicines;improving access to education through innovative distance learning initiatives- learner packs delivered through digital platforms and the media were developed to reach learners across the country, and enhancing early childhood care and development.
• We have supported Lesotho to address political instability by focusing on root causes through the support of national reforms and support for the peaceful elections of 2022.
• Our commitment to sustainable development is evident through the establishment of renewable mini-grids, distribution of clean energy stoves, and promoting natural resource management and climate change adaptation.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges, particularly in the education sector. However, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to ensuring continued access to quality education for all. Through digital platforms, media outreach, and comprehensive safety measures, we have enabled students across the country to continue learning even during school closures.

While we take pride in our accomplishments, we recognize that our work is far from complete. 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.

To tackle these challenges head-on, we are committed to leveraging the following key enablers to achieve transformation:

1. Reliable data and statistics: Let us prioritize the collection and analysis of accurate data to guide evidence-based decision-making and effectively track our progress. This will allow us all to target interventions where they are most needed as well as where they will have the impact.
2. Digital transformation and innovation: This is not the time to be afraid of new ideas.  We must embrace new ideas, take calculated risks and harness the power of digital technologies to drive development, foster innovation, and create value across diverse sectors. Our ultimate objective should be to ensure that all Basotho able to live a life of dignity and wellbeing.
3. Behavioral science: The nature of today’s challenges and opportunities has not just changed over the decades, it is continuously evolving.  This means that to address complex challenges and be able to identify and take advantage of local, regional and/or global opportunities, requires a fundamental shift in mindsets and behaviors. Both of those who are helping to make the change as well as those who must make the change.  We need to be able to understand deeply what makes people change their behaviours, and how we can help to de-risk the processes of development so as to reduce the fear of changing. Let us unite in promoting positive attitudes and behaviors that contribute to sustainable change.
4. Performance and results orientation: Our focus should always be on achieving meaningful outcomes that positively impact the lives of the people of Lesotho. We must remain accountable, monitoring progress, and ensuring transparency in our actions. To this end, I welcome the Government’s initiative to ensure that accountability is the central pillar of delivering results.  We look forward to answering questions on why we are here, what we are doing, what impact we are contributing to and who we are reaching with the resources that we have been entrusted. Results should be about people.
5. Strategic foresight: We have been designing policies and programmes for the last so many decades.  If we continue to do the same thing and hope that we will achieve different results, we fall into Einstein’s definition of insanity.  What we must do is adopt a forward-looking approach that anticipates future needs and challenges as much as possible. Strategic Foresight is looking beyond the needs of the current generation and planning for several generations ahead.  We must evaluate our choices and decisions using the lens of our great great great grandchildren. Safeguarding their future and ensuring that we leave a legacy that is worthwhile demands that we strategically respond, adapt, and shape the future we envision for Lesotho, knowing that we will not be there to enjoy the fruits of our labour but we would have left behind a legacy of equality, peace and prosperity for Basotho.

Winter is almost over. As August approaches, a new season is beginning for Lesotho. Selemo se secha.  A season that heralds the beginning of new life after a hard winter.  Blooming, greening, it is a season that is filled with tremendous opportunities for growth and development. For us, the CF is a new season. The United Nations stands ready to collaborate with the government, in every sector , with civil society, the private sector and development partners to contribute towards the creation of new growth and inclusive development that leaves no one behind. A new season that acknowledges that everyone is born equal in dignity and in rights and delivers for all.

Let us move forward together with unwavering purpose, speed, and inclusivity. The challenges we face may be great, but our determination to overcome them is even greater. By working hand in hand, we can build a prosperous and sustainable Lesotho that fulfills the aspirations of its people.

To the Government of Lesotho, I want to emphasize that the United Nations is here as your partner, supporting your vision and your development priorities. We are here when you need us to help with implementation. We are here when you need us to partner with you in resource mobilisation. We are here to share knowledge and explore innovative and creative solutions.  We are also here to advice when you invite us to do so.  And rest assured that we will be true and will share not just what we think you want to hear but what we believe you should hear from us without fear or favour.  Together, we can help build a Lesotho that flourishes and provides opportunities for all its citizens.

To our esteemed partners, those in the public and private sectors, including traditional and religious institutions, your engagement and collaboration are vital. You are key in implementing the change that is needed and you are able to reach the hardest to reach in our communities because you are the communities. To our fellow development partners, domestic and international, let us work in concert to find ways of leveraging each other’s strengths and continue to unite our efforts, forging strategic alliances, and using our collective resources to maximize impact.

In conclusion, I want to reiterate the unwavering commitment of the United Nations to the Government and the people of Lesotho. Re mona molemong oa lona, ho tsamaea le lona mohato o mong le o mong oa tsela ha feela re khona (corner). Ha re matheng ‘moho ka lebelo la Ntsoekhe.

In conclusion, I want to reiterate the unwavering commitment of the United Nations to the Government and the people of Lesotho. We are here for you, and we will continue to journey with you every step of the way for as long as we are able. Thank you for allowing us to share this experience with you. Let us walk together and let us do so ka lebelo la Ntsoekhe!