MDG�s Attained In Botswana, Masisi
Staff Writer | Monday September 28, 2015 16:08
Speaking at the UN Assembly in New York last week, Masisi however acknowledged that despite the notable achievements of the MDG’s, serious challenges exist to close the gaps and disparities that still remain.
“It will take the concerted efforts of national governments, close cooperation and collaboration of the international community, civil society, private sector and all relevant stakeholders to complete the job left undone during the lifespan of the MDG’s and realise the targets of the SDG’s by 2030,” he said.
Masisi said Botswana have reached universal access to education and almost closed the disparity between girls and boys in schools.
Masisi told the UN Assembly that in Botswana health services are practically free and have been brought within an 8km radius of each community across the country, while HIV anti-retroviral drugs are provided freely for all Batswana and transmission of the virus from mother to child is almost at zero.
He added that Botswana has adopted focused interventions for youth employment and income-generating opportunities have resulted in the improved quality of life of Batswana. ”One notable area of success worthy of singular mention has been the national flagship programme for the complete eradication of poverty.
Through the deliberate actions of this strategy, evidence is beginning to show that steady progress is being made,” said the vice president.
“Interestingly, the evidence also shows that women are greater beneficiaries of the programme and achieve significantly better results that actually transform their livelihood and that of their families.”
Masisi added that this has been a patent reminder of the role women can play in national development, when given the opportunity.
“In this connection, the Botswana government continues to be firmly committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as well as the elimination of all forms of discrimination against them.”
He also noted that the means of implementation of the SDGs are a crucial element for success and welcomed the Addis Ababa Action Agenda adopted in July during the Third World Conference on Financing for Development.
“The robust financing mechanisms for the SDGs must mobilise international action around very specific initiatives which have the potential to generate positive results; beyond the financial support, it will also be critical for technology cooperation which promotes the development, transfer and dissemination of clean and environmentally sound technologies,” Masisi said.
He called on development partners to assume their role in supporting efforts by developing countries such as Botswana to implement the SDGs.