The Government through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has met with Cooperating Partners to review progress on Phase Two of the GRZ-UN Joint Programme on Social Protection (GRZ-UNJPSP) with a focus on strategic areas aimed at significantly reducing poverty and vulnerability.

The meeting also focused on the proposed thematic areas and interventions for possible support under Phase Three of the programme scheduled for implementation next year from 2025-2028.

Ministry Permanent Secretary Ms. Angela Kawandami, officially opened the 11th steering committee meeting, emphasizing that the government’s focus is to accelerate the reduction of poverty, vulnerability, and inequalities in the immediate and near future aimed at promoting equity, human rights, and dignity.

She reiterated the need to build on the gains achieved under the current phase in terms of system strengthening, institutional capacity, coordination, and disability inclusion mechanisms amidst the transition to the next phase of the programme.

Meanwhile, various Cooperating Partners, led by UNICEF Country Representative and steering committee co-chairperson, Ms. Penelope Campbell, stressed the need to enhance climate resilience and adaptation strategies to shield vulnerable populations from the adverse impacts of various economic shocks.

She praised the collaborative efforts that have characterized the GRZ-UNJPSP Phase Two, citing numerous milestones achieved, with a call on all stakeholders to sustain their support which is pivotal for continued cooperation in advancing social protection initiatives across the country.