The government through the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thursday solicited input from the private sector and the academia in Bulawayo ahead of the Stockholm environmental conference slated for June.
The crucial international environmental meeting will run from June 2 to 3 in Stockholm, Sweden.
Anchored in the decade of action, under the theme “Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity,” the indaba will follow months of consultations and discussions with individuals, communities, organisations, and governments around the world.
The objective of the Bulawayo consultative meeting, which is the third and last of such, was to stimulate an inclusive whole-of-society and whole-of-government dialogue on the main themes of Stockhom+50 as they relate to the Zimbabwean context.
The meetings have been held with support from Sweden.
“The UN General Assembly agreed through two resolutions to convene an international meeting entitled Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity in Stockholm on 2 and 3 June 2022, during the week of the World Environment Day,” said Joseph Shoko from the Ministry of Environment.
“The meeting will commemorate 50 years since the convening of the UN conference on the human environment. It is also designed to help accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development goals during the decade of action including through a sustainable recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic+50. There can be no doubt that as we work towards addressing some of our pressing environment and development management issues we are also being faced with newly emerging challenges.”
He added: “The consultation process that we have today provides us with an opportunity to share our views, ideas, and experiences on some of the environmental issues. It is also an opportunity for us to explore and define practical ways and solutions – to address these issues in an integrated and holistic manner that is relevant and appropriate to our own country’s context – and provide input to the different international and regional processes that we are party to.”
Speaking at the same consultative meeting, UNDP resident representative, Mia Seppo said the private sector was a key player in achieving a demonstrated climate ambition in Zimbabwe.
“Engaging the private sector is critical for multiple reasons,” said Seppo.
“It can mobilise financial resources and technical capabilities, leverage the efforts of governments, engage civil society and community efforts, and develop innovative climate services and adaptation technologies.”
Swedish Embassy Environment officer, Lucinda Tyser, said Stockholm +50 is about accelerating the green revolution.
