President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opens the International Inter-Ministerial Conference on South-South and Triangular Cooperation in Population and Development in Victoria Falls
The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa officially opened the 20th edition of the International Inter-Ministerial Conference on South-South and Triangular Co-operation in Population and Development in Victoria Falls on the 9th October 2023.
By Donald Dube (ZNFPC)
The two day conference will witness more than twenty Partners in Population and Development (PPD) member countries and organizations gathered to review progress and map way forward in preparation for the upcoming International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD@30) scheduled for next year. In his key note address, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe highlighted the need for closer cooperation among member states. President Mnangagwa highlighted that, “South-South Cooperation is essential in population and development if countries are to meet the Sustainable Development Goals”
On gender equality and women empowerment, the President said Zimbabwe was dedicated to achievement of gender equality and empowerment of women. “The National Constitution of Zimbabwe specifically prohibits discrimination based on gender and outlaws all forms of Gender Based Violence. My Government has made bold decisions to ensure the inclusion of women in Parliament, Cabinet, local authorities as well as other decision making entities across national institutions. The Constitutionally established Gender Commission is entrusted with monitoring the effective implementation of gender-responsive laws and policies.”
Speaking at the opening day of the conference, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the ICPD Programme of Action acknowledged South-South Cooperation as a key strategy for achieving ICPD goals. “Indeed, South-South Cooperation promotes sharing of good practices and experiences and supports member states to realize their national aspirations and development goals in reproductive health, population and development.