#una-zimbabwe

[wfunayouth]

Zimbabwe’s SDGs Generation

SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals

"Partnerships are becoming increasingly important in today’s society. Globalization is changing the world and we have come to a point where no state is an island. I first realized the strengths of partnerships as a member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations Youth Advisory Council. Youths from all over the world are represented in the Council and by working together we give the young people a voice in the international arena. Together we are stronger and more influential. Goal 17, Partnerships for the Goals, is my favorite SDG."

Mcleo Mapfumo

[wfunayouth]

Zimbabwe’s SDGs Generation

SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

“World peace begins at a personal level. First of all you have to find peace within yourself, that will enable you to have peace with the person next to you. As the head of the Peace Department at Zimbabwe United Nations Association I have worked a lot with inter-religious peace to create mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims. We need to understand that we are all human beings. We are born free and equal.”

Bernard Bebe

[wfunayouth]

Zimbabwe’s SDGs Generation

SDG13: Climate Action

“Zimbabwe is an agro based economy. Most people here are farmers. The past year our climate has changed significantly. We have had droughts that have been followed by floods and the agricultural sector has suffered severely. We need to look after the environment - then the environment will look after us. People need to be educated on how they are contributing to climate change and what they can do, themselves, to mitigate their environmental impact. We also need to adapt to the changing climate by planting crops that can survive in this new, warmer climate.”

Nyasha Shoriwa

[wfunayouth]

Zimbabwe’s SDGs Generation

SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production

“We must bear in mind that this planet is borrowed from future generations. Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG12, is important because how we consume and produce today will affect our children and grandchildren and all coming generations. We need to increase our production in Zimbabwe -right now we import 70-80% of the things that we consume - but production must be conducted in a responsible way. For example, wetlands should not be used for agriculture since it is damaging for the whole ecosystem. Destruction of wetlands is a big problem here in Zimbabwe and with the Zimbabwe United Nations Association, I work on a program where we visit schools in these areas and teach the students about the importance of preserving the wetlands.”

Tino Tinofara

[wfunayouth]

Zimbabwe’s SDGs Generation 

SDG4: Quality Education

“Goal 4: Quality Education is a prerequisite for all the other Sustainable Development Goals. In order to alleviate poverty, Goal 1, children must be sent to school so that they can make a living in the future. In order to accomplish gender equality, Goal 5, girls must be educated about their rights. Education constitutes the foundation for development. One week ago I graduated from University of Zimbabwe. All the early mornings, the stressful days and the sleepless nights I had to study - the hard work finally paid off. Education has offered me so many opportunities in life. If we want a better future, all children should be sent to school.”

Brighton Musevenzo

[wfunayouth]

Zimbabwe’s SDGs Generation

SDG3: Good Health and Well-being

“Goal 3: Good health and well-being is a fundamental human right. And so is life a fundamental right. Everyone has the right to live. My mother passed away because of cancer. I believe her death was preventable, but because of lack of passion, negligence, lack of expertise, my mother was subjected to an early death, while she had the right to live. We need to raise our level of expertise, invest more money in research and raise the salary of the doctors and nurses. Good health has a ripple effect. Healthy people are happier, they work harder, they remain in peace. Good health is good for society.”

Sakhile Ndingindwayo

[wfunayouth]

Zimbabwe’s SDGs Generation

SDG2: Zero Hunger

“Hungry children cannot go to school. Hungry people cannot go to work. Goal 2 Zero hunger is a prerequisite for development. I study at Midland State University, which is located in an area where many people are starving. The agriculture in that part of Zimbabwe has suffered severely from climate change, as the temperature has risen and the last years’ rainfall have been very poor. The government needs to promote agriculture and food security. They should build dams in the areas with low rainfalls and provide machines, seeds and fertilizers.”

Tanyah Makwangudze