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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zimbabwe hosted its High-Level Programme Board Meeting 2025, to review 2024’s achievements and set strategic priorities for 2025.
The meeting which brought together different stakeholders aimed to align UNDP efforts in advancing Zimbabwe’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to discuss ways to enhance collaboration for the country’s growth. Senior figures from various ministries and the private sector highlighted the important role of UNDP in Zimbabwe’s development process.
During the event, attendees reflected on the progress made in 2024, with over 2.3 million people benefiting from UNDP’s initiatives. Key areas of focus included strengthening health systems, promoting climate resilience, and unlocking economic opportunities. The gathering also emphasized the need for continued collaboration in the coming year to ensure sustainable development.
Speaking during the meeting UN Resident Coordinator Mr Edward Kallon said in its delivery of development programmes, the UN’s focus on joint programmes,
“In this context, UNDP Zimbabwe plays an active role in driving development as an integrator of the SDGs. UNDP works across multiple sectors to align policy coherence, and financing, and deliver innovative solutions that create a transformative, long-term impact for Zimbabwe’s people. UNDP remains a key partner in addressing national priorities aligned with global sustainable development goals and playing a significant role in promoting localization of the SDGs and Voluntary National Review at the local level.
By Ruvarashe Gora
In his address, Dr. Ayodele Odusola, the UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative, underscored the importance of a united effort across sectors to achieve Zimbabwe’s development goals. He reaffirmed the UNDP’s commitment to accelerating sustainable development through innovation, resource mobilization, and stronger partnerships.
“In 2024, UNDP’s initiatives reached more than 2.3 million people across four strategic pillars: People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace. Notable achievements included expanding access to health services in 1,744 facilities, supporting sustainable agriculture on 572 hectares of land, and facilitating $21 million in capital investments for the Renewable Energy Fund”.
Dr. Ayodele Odusola, also outlined UNDP key priorities for 2025, which include joint resource mobilization with the government and private sector, scaling up renewable energy projects, and supporting governance reforms. He also highlighted the importance of expanding the digitalization of agricultural services and empowering local communities to achieve climate resilience.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to further strengthen programming efforts, mobilize resources for priority areas, and align strategies with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which sets the framework for the country’s long-term development goals.
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