Tanzania eyes policy gains from UN SDG forum in New
Planning Commission executive secretary Dr Fred Msemwa attending UN conference on SDG's in New York .PHOTO/COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The forum, which runs from July 14 to 24 under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), brings together 37 countries to assess progress, share experiences, and address common challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s participation in the ongoing High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development at the United Nations Headquarters in New York is expected to bring substantial benefits in policy alignment, international collaboration, and SDG implementation.
The forum, which runs from July 14 to 24 under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), brings together 37 countries to assess progress, share experiences, and address common challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speaking to The Citizen on Tuesday, Planning Commission Executive Secretary Dr Fred Msemwa said Tanzania’s engagement this year, despite not presenting a Voluntary National Review (VNR), remains strategic.
“Although we are not submitting our VNR in 2024, our presence is critical,” said Dr Msemwa, who is representing the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment). “We are here to learn, engage, and refine our approach by learning from others.”
Tanzania’s next VNR is scheduled for 2026, with early preparations already underway. Dr Msemwa noted that the process is inclusive, involving government, private sector, and civil society actors under the principle of Leave No One Behind.
He said the country’s participation in the forum is also aligned with Tanzania’s long-term development blueprint. “The SDGs are not external obligations—they are embedded in our national plans, including Vision 2050,” he said. “Progress on the SDGs is progress toward our national development goals.”
Beyond planning, Tanzania is using the forum to gather lessons and build partnerships. “This forum shortens our learning curve and allows us to adapt effective strategies to local realities,” he added.
Dr Msemwa also stressed that active global engagement helps attract donor confidence, technical assistance, and international collaboration. “As we demonstrate our commitment, we create opportunities for new partnerships and resources to support our development,” he said.
The Tanzanian delegation is expected to return with actionable insights to advance inclusive, evidence-based, and sustainable development.
