UNGA

Prime Minister, Adriano Maleiane says it’s time for the world to adopt new funding models to fast track the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. Maleiane made the challenge during his speech at the General debate of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly underway in New York under the theme ‘ A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.’ He assured that Mozambique still views the SDGs 2030 as relevant to design collective solutions for the challenges facing the world. Therefore, according to Maleiane, the government shares the view that the SDGs should be not be scrapped because they are still valid. However, finance is still confined to domestic funds and each country is expected to mobilise its own to cover the expenses to meet the set targets.
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‘We are working to reach the targets, but facing major difficulties. Therefore, we propose a model that will incorporate multilateral financial institutions, such as those linked to the United Nations, to also provide funds for this agenda,’ he said.Speaking at a press conference, which marked the end of his participation in the event, Maleiane explained that this was one of the motivations for Mozambique’s participation. Another reason was to express Mozambique’s gratitude for the country’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

‘We achieved our independence years ago, but we had never been to this forum. One hundred and ninety-two countries out of a total of 193 voted in favour of Mozambique and that is very good for the country and for Mozambicans,’ he said.Naturally, Maleiane said, the Mozambican government reaffirmed its position that peace and sustainable development are sacred values. It was precisely for this purpose that the United Nations Organisation (UNO) was created, Maleiane said, stressing that this was also the content of the message of his speech delivered at the General debate. Asked about Mozambique’s position on the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Maleiane said that the Constitution of the Republic is very clear on the matter.

‘Our Constitution is very much for peace and dialogue and everything we are doing is in line with these principles and values, but also this institution where we are present was precisely designed to guarantee peace and stability,’ he stressed. Mozambique, Maleiane said, argues that it is necessary to give dialogue a chance rather than embark on violence. ‘We are not taking sides. We are doing what our constitution says to do. It is good for the country and for the interests of Mozambique. Maleiane took the opportunity to announce that he was the bearer of a message from the Mozambican President, Filipe Nyusi, addressed to the Secretary General, António Guterres, who played a very important role in consolidating peace and reconciliation in Mozambique and invite him to visit Mozambique.   ‘We believe that its important to invite him to witness the end of this first phase of demobilisation and reintegration of the residual force of Renamo, the largest opposition party in Mozambique.