Efforts led by 25 UN agencies and many partners for the past four years, it has been showing efforts to achieve the country’s sustainable development priorities that tap into Mozambique’s great resources and potential.
Myrta Kaulard, United Nations Population and Humanitarian Coordinator for Mozambique from July 2019 to June 2023.
“Mozambique and Mozambicans are amazing. The potential for sustainable development is great, considering its population, the incredible wealth of natural and mineral resources, and the geographical location of the country.
However, to be sustainable, development must be resilient to all kinds of shocks. Since mid-2019, my work and the UN Country Team’s effort has been to support Mozambican institutions, civil society, and people to achieve sustainable development while responding and overcoming the shocks due to climate change, COVID -19, and conflict.
The start of the assignment coincides with the reform of the UN development program and the formulation of the new Sustainable Development Cooperation Strategy 2022-2026 by the Government of Mozambique and the UN. This led to a collaboration that focused on the joint engagement of the UN in Mozambique with national institutions, civil society, and the private sector.
I see my role as someone who listens and unleashes strengths and resources to achieve priorities and overcome challenges. Four years on, through institutional will and leadership, civil society engagement, and the efforts of the UN and the international community, I can say that much has been achieved.
UN Secretary-General Myrta Kaulard speaks with people affected by Cyclone Freddy in Quelimane, Zambezia region, Mozambique. Freddy, the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded worldwide, hit the country twice in early 2023.
Early warning systems have saved lives
With UN support, public investments in early warning systems are developing sophisticated forecasting and anticipatory action capabilities, strengthening effective evacuation strategies and evacuation plans, and expanding resilient building technologies and planning. .
In early 2023, Cyclone Freddy, the longest-lasting and most powerful tropical cyclone ever recorded, hit the country twice, causing far less loss of life than in the previous year. 2019, when more than 600 people were killed by Cyclones Idai and Kenneth.
My first field visit, a few days after accepting my duties, was with António Guterres, Secretary General of the UN, to meet the survivors of Cyclone Idai.
Every year since then, extreme weather events have devastated parts of the country. Mozambicans’ energy and commitment have left a great impression on me.
Therefore, one of my main priorities is to use the conference and my role, increasing the capacities of the whole UN system for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
Currently, climate stabilization and disaster risk reduction is one of the four strategic priorities of the Cooperation Strategy, and of the international community’s coordination platform, with phenomenally growing success, despite titanic challenges.
Strategies to combat COVID-19
Through a similar partnership, Mozambique implemented one of the most successful COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in Africa. Safety net plans target the most affected populations and small businesses helping to absorb the shock of the crisis and reduce negative impact patterns. Programs addressing gender-based violence are improving their outreach despite transportation limitations.
As the UN Population and Humanitarian Coordinator, and thanks to the guidance and support from the new UN Development Cooperation Office, I was able to contribute to the coordination of the UN units to respond to the pandemic through the UN multisector response plan to COVID-19. The program is a tool to develop UN support to institutions, civil society, and international community achievements.
Reconstruction efforts
In northern Mozambique, through our joint efforts under the framework of cooperation and humanitarian response plans, the UN and its partners have provided immediate support to more than a million displaced people and host communities.
In parallel, we have been supporting Mozambique’s program for the reconstruction and integrated development of the north and the reconstruction program for Cabo Delgado to rebuild and expand basic services, with opportunities for all people as a way for sustainable peace.
Cecília Valentim, standing with four of her seven children in front of her new renovated house under construction in the Mandruzi rehabilitation center in Dondo district, Sofala region, Mozambique, is among the 1.8 million people in need of aid people following Cyclone Idai.
Gender advantages and challenges
Gender parity in the Council of Ministers has been achieved by 2021, placing Mozambique among the top three countries in Africa to have 50 per cent or more women in ministerial positions.
Women are true leaders and role models in Mozambique, at all levels, from important state institutions to the community and family level. My highest love and respect goes to them, for their courage, strength, and wisdom.
However, gender-based violence is very widespread. As a national priority, a wider commitment to women’s equality is empowered to combat gender-based violence based on the strong results of the UN-European Focus initiative to eliminate violence against women. and girls.
Support landscape development
These are some of the many examples of the instrumental role played by the UN’s commitment to unity, through its reform efforts and the strengthening of the Population Leadership program to support important progress in the sustainable development and integration of Mozambique.
It is an honest and authentic reflection of the Nations of the Nations on how they can successfully achieve the values of the UN Charter.”
UN Resident Coordinator
- The UN Resident Coordinator, sometimes called the RC, is the highest-ranking representative of the UN development program at the country level.
- In this occasional series, UN News invites RCs to blog on issues important to the UN and the country where they work.
- Learn more about the UN’s work in Mozambique here.
- Find out more about the UN Development Coordination Office here.
