Leading the efforts of 25 United Nations organizations and a number of partners over the past four years, she has reflected on efforts to achieve national sustainable development priorities exploiting resources and potential. the greatness of Mozambique.
Myrta Kaulard, United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Mozambique from July 2019 to June 2023.
“Mozambique and the people of Mozambique are amazing. The potential for sustainable development is huge, considering the population, the incredible wealth of natural and mineral resources, as well as the geographical location of the country.
However, to be sustainable, development must be resilient to all kinds of shocks. Since mid-2019, my efforts and the UN Country Team have been to assist Mozambican organizations, civil society and people to achieve sustainable development while responding to and overcoming shocks caused by climate change. climate change, COVID-19and conflict.
The beginning of my assignment coincided with the reform of the United Nations development system and the formulation of a new policy. Sustainable development cooperation framework 2022-2026 of the Government of Mozambique and the United Nations. This led to a collaboration focused on the collective engagement of the UN in Mozambique with national organisations, civil society and the private sector.
I see my role as a listener and catalyst of capabilities and resources to achieve priorities and overcome challenges. Four years on, through institutional will and leadership, civil society engagement and the dynamic efforts of the United Nations and the international community, I can say that much has been achieved. .
United Nations Resident Coordinator Myrta Kaulard speaks to people affected by Cyclone Freddy in Quelimane, Zambezia province, Mozambique. Freddy, the highest energy-producing tropical storm ever recorded worldwide, hit the country twice in early 2023.
Early warning system saves lives
With UN support, public investments in early warning systems have established sophisticated predictive and predictive action capabilities, underpinning evacuation protocols and relocation plans. efficiency, while expanding resilient planning and engineering.
In early 2023, Hurricane Freddy, the longest-lasting and highest-energy-producing tropical cyclone ever recorded worldwide, hit the country twice, causing significantly less human damage than with 2019, when more than 600 people were killed by Hurricanes Idai and Kenneth.
My first field trip, a few days after taking up the assignment, was with António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, to meet with the survivors of Hurricane Idai.
Every year since then, an extreme climate event has devastated many parts of the country. The strength and resilience of the Mozambican people have left a huge mark on me.
One of my top priorities, therefore, is to promote my convening and influencing role, enhancing the capacity of the entire UN system for climate resilience and disaster risk reduction. .
Now, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction are among the four strategic priorities of the Cooperation Framework, as well as of the international community’s coordination platform, with success increasing by level. multiplier, despite the enormous challenges.
Strategies to deal with COVID-19
Through a similar partnership, Mozambique has launched one of the most successful COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in Africa. Safety net programs targeting the most impacted populations and small businesses help absorb the shock of the crisis and mitigate negative coping mechanisms. Programs addressing gender-based violence have increased their access despite restrictions on mobility.
As the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, with guidance and support from the new UN Office for Development Cooperation, I have been able to contribute to the close involvement of the UN organization to respond to the pandemic through UN multi-sectoral response plan to COVID-19. The Plan is instrumental in shaping UN support for organisations, civil society and the achievements of the international community.
reconstruction efforts
In the north of Mozambique, through our joint efforts within the framework of cooperation and humanitarian response plan, The United Nations and partners provided immediate assistance to more than one million internally displaced people and host communities.
In parallel, we have been supporting Mozambique’s integrated reconstruction and development plan in the north and Cabo Delgado’s reconstruction plan to rebuild and expand basic services throughout, with opportunities for everyone as the path to lasting peace.
Cecília Valentim, standing with four of her seven children in front of a new permanent home under construction in the Mandruzi resettlement camp in Dondo district, Sofala province, Mozambique, is among the 1.8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance following Typhoon Idai.
Gender benefits and challenges
Gender equality at the Council of Ministers was achieved by 2021, making Mozambique one of the top three countries in Africa with 50% or more women in ministerial positions.
Women are the real leaders and shapers in Mozambique, at all levels, from key public institutions to the community and household level. My greatest admiration and respect is for them, for their courage, tenacity and wisdom.
However, gender-based violence is extremely common. As a national priority, expanding commitment to equality for women is being leveraged to address gender-based violence based on the strong results of the United Nations Spotlight initiative- European Union to eliminate violence against women and girls.
Support landmark progress
These are just a few of the many examples of the instrumental role that close United Nations engagement is playing, through reform efforts and an enhanced Resident Coordinator system to support progress. the landmark ministry in the sustainable and inclusive development of Mozambique.
It is a real and concrete demonstration of the Member States’ vision for how to successfully achieve their values. uncharted.”
UN Resident Coordinator
- The UN Resident Coordinator, sometimes referred to as the RC, is the highest level representative of the United Nations United Nations development system at the national level.
- In this occasional series, UN News invites RCs to blog about issues important to the UN and the countries in which they serve.
- Learn more about UN work in Mozambique This.
- Learn more about UN Development Coordination Office This.
