By Dorica Mtenje
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In an effort to implement the country’s Sustainable Development goals (SDGs), over 30 Malawi Civil society Organizations (CSOs) are expected to participate in a Southern African Development Community (SADC) region integration project.
Executive Director for Center for Youth and Development( CYECE),Lucky Mbewe disclosed the move in Lilongwe on Wednesday August 17, 2022 during a hybrid platform for national civil society organizations and their networks for effective participation in the SADC region integration project.
Mbewe said the training is very important as it will help the CSOS to enhance government in implementing the SDGS.
He stressed that Malawi has not been effective enough in the contribution of ideas for the project despite heading SADC for the past 2 years.
In her remarks On behalf of the speaker of National Assembly ,represantativeve for SADC forum Joyce Chitsulo said CSOs need to come out and effectively assist the integration process as Parliament focuses on the legislative and oversight mandate bestowed according to the law.
Chitsulo said despite having a mandate to legislate several projects, Parliament must work hand in hand with CSOs to educate citizens on what entails regional integration, “So that when Parliament is moved to legislate, informed citizens would not have difficulties in accepting and embracing the regional integration drive”.
She urged CSOs in the country to address issues of national interest in the same way they do at the regional level.
Chitsulo observes that Malawi can not to remain silent at regional level.
“Let us harness all our efforts towards ensuring that Malawi and its partners in collaboration with CSOs, in the region are working effectively and efficiently towards the achievement of regional integration,” said Chitsulo.
She then concluded that Parliament is more than ready to ensure SADC embraces the integration process as Malawi Parliament is an active member of SADC Parliamentary Forum.
On his part SADC Regional Director Ambrose Aheisibwe said the training will help CSOS target communities than it was before so as to help them in advocacy and monitoring.
Four countries are expected to be represented by their CSOs including Malawi,Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The project is funded by EU through SDG Centre of Zambia to the tune of US$415,000 for 17 months
