UN Country Team Lesotho convenes its annual retreat

The purpose of the retreat was to learn   lessons from the implementation in 2019 of the  UN Development Assistance Framework (2019-2023) , and to agree on UNCT priorities in 2020. This  UN  cooperation framework represents UN’s contribution to the implementation of  SDGs in Lesotho, though, NSDP II.  The UNDAF has  three key pillars: Accountable Governance, Effective Institutions, Social Cohesion and Inclusion; Sustainable Human Capital Development; and Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth for Poverty Reduction. The UNDAF includes also  preparedness and resilience interventions.  Through |UNDAF, the UN plans to invest  an estimated USD 256 M over 5 years. Out of this amount, USD 159 M is projected to be available through  agency’s regular funds and USD 97 M to be mobilized.  

During the retreat, UNCT members engaged dialogue on the Repositioning of the UN Development System, with a focus on how to implement it in a way that supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Lesotho. 

 “We have just completed the first implementation year   of the UNDAF (2019- 2023),;  it is  therefore important for us to take stock of  results  achieved and to make plans to improve  efficiency and effectiveness as we step into 2020”, remarked the UN Resident Coordinator in Lesotho Mr. Salvator Niyonzima.

The retreat involved a joint session with H.E. Ambassador of USA Ms. Rebecca E. Gonzalez and the European Union Head of Delegation, H.E Dr. Christian R. Manahl who shared valuable insights on how partnerships between all development partners in Lesotho can accelerate  the SDG agenda in Lesotho.