HOW UNA TANZANIA THROUGH THE TANZANIA SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM LED THE 2023 CSOs VNR CONSULTATIONS
For the first time since the inception of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, Tanzania reported the progress of SDGs implementation in 2019. This was a landmark milestone in the history of the country in which not so many UN member states had conducted such an important national-led process by that time. Globally, this process is convened under the authority of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and presented at the UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF) annually since 2016.
Every member state is voluntarily required to report on the progress that it made on the implementation of SDGs from local, regional to national level, involving stakeholders such as the Government, civil society organizations, media, local governments, private sector, UN agencies, development partners, Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), community based organizations (CBOs), etc. The voluntary national reviews (VNRs) aim to facilitate the sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned, with a view of accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The VNRs also seek to strengthen policies and institutions of governments and to mobilize multi-stakeholder support and partnerships for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In Tanzania, this process is coordinated by the Government through the Ministry of Finance and Planning (MoFP). The Ministry of Finance and Planning (MoFP) is the custodian of the national plans and budget which are important tools for the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In regard to the principle of inclusivity while preparing the Voluntary National Review, civil society organizations working towards the achievement of fulfilling the SDGs are coordinated through the Tanzania Sustainable Development Platform. which was established in 2015 and is convened by UNA Tanzania and Africa Philanthropic Foundation (APF). The platform operates according to the National Coordination Framework for the Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting of SDGs (NCF-SDGs), which aims at facilitating smooth, efficient and effective coordination of the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the SDGs and other international and regional development commitments.
Tanzania Sustainable Development Platform self-organizes, coordinates and documents CSOs’ contributions towards the implementation, follow up and monitoring of the SDGs. The platform is part of the Africa Civil Society Working Group (AWG). Members of Tanzania National CSOs Platform on Sustainable Development consist of diverse civil society organizations from grassroots organizations to international non-governmental organizations and representing different constituencies seeking to contribute meaningfully towards the implementation and follow-up and review of sustainable development in Tanzania.
In 2019, the Platform conducted national CSOs consultations which led to Tanzania´s first CSOs VNR report and CSOs contribution into the national VNR report. At that time, the national review indicated that of the 17 Goals, the United Republic of Tanzania was doing reasonably well in addressing eight goals (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 16). With commensurate domestic partnerships, efforts and international support, four goals (7, 9, 11, 12) were expected to be achieved by the target year 2030. Five goals (1, 13, 14, 15, 17) were considered to need extra efforts to be achieved.
In March 2022, Tanzania was accepted by the UN ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) to submit its second VNR report to the High Level Political Forum in July 2023. The Ministry of Finance and Planning therefore informed the Tanzania Sustainable Development Platform to start the national CSOs VNR consultations.
The 2023 Voluntary National Review marks the second time that Tanzania is reporting the progress of SDGs at the High Level Political Forum (the first time being 2019). This year’s theme is “Accelerating the recovery from COVID-19 and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels.” All goals will be under review with a special focus on SDG 6 (water and sanitation), 7 (Clean Energy), 9 (Industrialization, Infrastructure and Innovation), 11 (Sustainable Cities), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals). As stated previously, the Ministry of Finance and Planning started the national process by sharing the roadmap for 2023 VNR, in particular the timeframe for stakeholders consultations. There on, The Tanzania Sustainable Development Platform commenced the 2023 national CSOs VNR consultations.
However, before commencing national consultations, Tanzania Sustainable Development Platform conducted a series of preparatory VNR multi stakeholder workshops aimed at receiving feedback, experiences, and lessons learned on the implementation of SDGs, Analyzing progress, achievements and critical success factors to attain the sustainable development including best practices by CSOs, Discussing challenges and gaps in implementation and any new and emerging issues concerning SDGs implementation in Tanzania. Moreover, through the platform’s consultations, CSOs had an opportunity to identify ways and techniques on how marginalized and vulnerable groups would be involved in the 2023 VNR processes, created a CSOs data collection tool and an improved 2023 CSOs VNR report structure. One of the outcomes was a national CSOs VNR roadmap to lead the process in the country.
“During the last quarter of 2022 until March 2023, the platform started national consultations which have already involved more than 2,720 civil societies, community based organizations, local groups and faith based organizations from 6 zones of the country at all levels from village, ward, district, region and national level which is a major improvement from the 2019 VNR report where only 500 CSOs were reached. The CSOs involved are working in diverse sectors such as agriculture, water, climate, gender, education, energy, mining, peace, justice, infrastructures, innovation, industrialization, economics development and health” (Reynald Maeda, UNA Tanzania’s Executive Director and co-convener of the platform)
Reynald Maeda presenting a brief of the VNR process during the People Living with Disabilities consultation
During the consultations, thematic leads led sessions for specific goals. For example, Hakielimu led Goal 4 (Quality Education), Forum for Climate Change led Goal 13 (Climate Change), TGNP led Goal 5 (Gender Equality and Women Empowerment), Policy Forum led Goal 17 (Partnership for the Goal), HAKI RASILIMALI led Goal 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production) and THDRC led Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) to mention a few.
Since the fundamental principle governing the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development; “Leave no one Behind” calls for inclusiveness in the implementation, monitoring and reporting of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Governments and other stakeholders are obligated to respect this principle by ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable groups such as women, youth, people with disabilities, children and others are actively engaged towards attaining these global goals.
In ensuring that the principle of ‘Leave No One Behind’ is realized, the Platform organized Leave No One Behind (LNOB) Hearings aimed at amplifying the voices of vulnerable groups in the VNR process in Tanzania. Thematic leads led sessions for specific groups as well. To cite a few, Save The Children led consultations for children, UNESCO Tanzania led consultations for media and UNOHCHR supported consultations for PWDs. This ensured that the VNR process was inclusive, captured their specific needs and that the needs were integrated into the CSOs VNR Report as well as the national VNR report 2023.
The Voluntary National Review Report provides a range of opportunities to stakeholders working toward SDGs implementation, monitoring and reporting. These include CSOs 2023 VNR Shadow Report (which will be used as an advocacy tool), participation in regional and global forums such as Africa Regional Forum on SDGs and High Level Political Forum respectively. These platforms offer Side Events, VNR Labs, Special Events, and Exhibition in which CSOs discuss their progress, challenges, lessons learnt, best practices and experiences on SDGs. Further, VNR is a platform where CSOs can form new partnerships, networks, and alliances necessary for SDGs implementation, monitoring and reporting.
Shamim is 24 years old from Dar es salaam region. She is an Environmental Activist and a Social Scientist. Through her climate activism she managed to become a YOUNGO Youth delegate for the Climate Finance Academy 2022, Tanzanian Female Youth Water Runners up winner on Water = Life photo exhibition organized by the Netherlands ministry of Water at The Hague ahead of COP27 and a TEDx Youth Speaker as well as Board of Youth in Our Resilient Project in the United Kingdom. She is also one of the Tanzanian Young female delegates at COY17 and COP27 in Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt.
Ebenezer is 21 years old from Dar es salaam region. He is an aspiring social entrepreneur. He was part of the 2nd best team at the Kesho Yetu Climate Hack 2022 under UNA Tanzania. Currently he is serving as the Secretary General of the United Nation Chapter at The University of Dar e salaam as well as a member of the 2030 SDGs working group at the university. He also volunteers as the development officer at Lake Tanganyika Family Rehabilitation helping to build up the capacity of small-scale farmers to undertake climate-smart agriculture. Ebenezer hopes to one day be a leader, leading positive social change, influencing policy, connecting resources, driving partnerships and motivate people through his actions.
Abdul is 22 years old from Dar es salaam region. He is ambitious with a burning desire to achieve individual, firm, institutional, community and global development, thus awarded as a Global Goals (SDGs) champion by United Nations Tanzania in 2019. In 2022 he was awarded best organizing committee member of the Tanzania International Model United Nations (TIMUN). Abdul serves as a District Coordinator and Public Relations Officer at Great Hope Foundation under its signature program called Uwezo Award aimed at equipping young people with appropriate skills needed by the labor market. He is also the academic lead at Kijani Pamoja Africa which is the youth led movement that is aiming at joining different youth led organizations and individuals to tackle climate change and create green cities.
Khadija is 25 years old from Coastal region. She possess a Masters of Laws from the University of Dar es salaam, Post Graduate Diploma in Management of Foreign Relations and she is an advocate of the High Court of Tanzania. She is the founder of Hands for Children Organization with more than 8 years of experience advocating against gender-based violence and raising awareness to young boys and girls from 14-19 years. Khadija is looking forward to work more efficiently and effectively with other stakeholders so as to increase joint efforts in attaining Sustainable Development Goals and make her community better for all, especially youths as the current and the future generation.
JanethKareen is 23 years old from Dar es salaam. She is a social entrepreneur and IT trainer championing STEM for girls. She uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to tackle Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and promote gender equality in Tanzania. Her company, PlateAI, provides personalized meal planning to manage NCDs such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. By leveraging the power of AI and data science, PlateAI helps improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs in Tanzania. Her passion for gender equality is evident in her work with Help to Help, an organization that has helped her achieve training over 400 girls in computer skills, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to pursue careers in technology and bridge the gender gap in employment opportunities. JanethKareen’s dedication and innovation in health technology have earned her recognition as a science and innovation champion at the University of Dar es Salaam. Her work aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Decent Work and Economic Growth. She exemplifies the potential of technology to create positive change and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for all Tanzanians.
Faiza is 22 years old from Unguja, Zanzibar. She is passionate about entrepreneurship and community development. She is pursuing a bachelor degree of project planning, management and community development at the University of Dodoma. She is the CEO of Faiza Spices focusing on selling the exquisite spices from the island of Zanzibar. Her community development passion drives her volunteerism spirit. In 2022 she was awarded an Outstanding Volunteer in Environmental Conservation by ZanChangmakers. To top it all up she became one among the 2022 Mwalimu Nyerere Pan-African Young Leaders Fellow in 2022.
Kelvin is 24 years old from Dar es salaam region. He is a Chemical and Process Engineer who is committed to using his skills and knowledge to help the society. Throughout his academic and professional career, he has actively sought out opportunities to make a positive impact, whether through community service or volunteer work. Kelvin possesses strong passion for innovation, environment and sustainability. He is dedicated to finding solutions that improve people’s lives while minimizing environmental impact. As an environmental enthusiast, Kelvin was able to successfully perform a project on decolorization of soft drinks effluents by using an eco-friendly method of biological decolorization. He seeks to adapt and respond to the challenges facing our community especially youth by inspiring fellow youth to engage in voicing out and advocating solutions and changes to pressing issues facing them.
Doreen is 18 years old from Dar es salaam Region. She is an Author and an Environmental advocate. She is the founder of Plant4Life; an afforestation programs, especially in schools. She is also the founder of Recycling4Good which advocates for waste-to-energy and raises awareness about climate change in schools. Apart from that Doreen is a Founder of TeensMeet, an initiative with the objective of empowering young people especially in rural areas to achieve their full potential; it has reached more than 500 young boys and girls so far. Doreen is a passionate young changemaker who believes real change begins with young people, NOW!
Ibrahim is 28 years old from Pemba, Zanzibar. He is very passionate about leadership. He is the Founder of Hope and care youth organization which aims at advocating against violence and sexual harassment to women and children. He Initiated #mthamini Campaign which distributes anitary pads to adolescent girls living in school dormitories with the aim of making them feel confident all the time and be able to effectively and attentively participate in class. In his leadership pursuit Ibrahim has served as the Former Chairperson of the Council of young people in Chanjaani Chake-Chake Pemba under the Zanzibar youth council.
Albert is a diplomacy and international relations expert from the Mozambique-Tanzania Centre for Foreign Relations in Dar es salaam and a Humanitarian. He is the founder of the TR (Together with Refugees) Foundation, a humanitarian cause that is at the center of advancing the welfare of refugee communities in Tanzania through provision of humanitarian aid and vocational training to the refugees. Albert is also the ambassador of the Pink Box Initiative, a Nonprofit organization, that works to advance sustainable health practices (SRHR & WASH), female education and economic empowerment in Tanzania and Rwanda. Apart from that he is a writer, free-lance researcher and a creative persona.
Lilian is a visual artist and Disability rights activist from Kilimanjaro region with a diploma in Finance and banking from Institute of Accountancy Arusha. Through creative arts, crafts and illustrations she focuses on presenting art for art’s sake, the beauty of art and its functional value. She aims at telling different beautiful stories and using art as a voice in advocating for disabled persons, telling their stories and what matters, hence a story teller. She’s currently volunteering at Songambele initiative advocating for better lives for disabled children and women. Lilian was the 2nd winner in the Arts for human right competition under Mulika Tanzania in 2022. She also had an opportunity to organize and ran an art workshop about visualizing and verbalizing challenges and opportunities for girls and women at the Swedish ambassador’s residence as well as in The 2021 100 Tanzanian sheroes book launch. In 2020 she was honored to be named among 100 Tanzanian sheroes for her advocacy through art.
Eric is 26 years old from Tanga Region. He is an expert in development planning, He is a member of the youth sounding board at the Swiss embassy in Tanzania. Erick is driven to address many of the issues affecting youth in his community, such as access to quality education, gender equality, decent work, and economic growth, as well as ensuring that as partners are involved in achieving the intended goals. Erick is flexible, adaptable, a team player, and a problem solver.
Elizabeth is 28 years old from Dar es salaam region. She is an Environmental Health Officer, currently working at Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, under the Ministry of Health Tanzania. She was involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the National Sanitation and Hygiene Behavior Change Communication Campaign, famously known as ‘Nyumba Ni Choo’, one of the very successful campaigns in the country. Elizabeth is a Covid-19 vaccination champion, advocating for covid-19 vaccination uptake under the Africa Union Bingwa initiative at Africa CDC. Elizabeth believes that youths are the key to positive societal changes toward attaining SDGs.
Abdallah is 25 years old from Unguja, Zanzibar. He is a social entrepreneur and the founder of Ziocean Tours & Travels. A travel agency in the beautiful island of Zanzibar. He is the Program Officer at Pamoja Youth Initiative. Abdallah has always been involving himself into activities of empowering his fellow young people to unleash their potential through building their soft skills by providing training to them, inspiring and advising them on the best way possible in order to improve their lives and be able to tackle any challenge be it socio-cultural, political and even economical to the youths and contribute to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in his community, country and the world at large.
Erick is 27 years old from Dar es salaam region. He is an Environmental scientist, Researcher, and Geographical information system (GIS) specialist. He is currently serving as a YouthMappers regional ambassador for the YouthMappers Program funded by USAID and supports university-led chapters in the East African region, where he is striving to share his skills in open mapping to support data-based decisions and solving community climate-related challenges. Also, as the National Focal point for the United Federation of Youth for water and climate (UN1FY), He dreams to see a network of team players among youth who are focused on finding solutions for their communities by giving out insights and educating their local community, especially marginalized groups through capacity development and giving voice to youth to create team players among themselves in addressing climate and water-related challenges. Erick is also a co-founder of a non-governmental organization “GeoTE TANZANIA” which aims at using Geospatial technology to help address sustainable development goals. As a researcher, Erick published the article titled “Analysis of the Current and Future Land Use/Land Cover Changes in Peri-Urban Areas of Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques” in the Tanzania Journal of Science.
Ms. Suzane Sylvester is a remarkable, energetic and active 25 years old from Dar es salaam whose ambition is making positive impacts on youth matters in the community through advocating for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with over 3 years working experiences in international organizations. Following her long-age leadership ambition, Ms. Suzane participated in the most world known fellowship called “Nasser Fellowship” for International Leadership in 2022. Ms. Sylvester was also featured in one of the 60 outstanding youngsters of the first ever Mwalimu Nyerere Pan African Young Leaders Fellowship in 2022. She’s currently serving as the Coordinator of the Tanzania International Model United Nations (TIMUN) 2023 under Youth of the United Nations (YUNA) Tanzania. Suzane was recently called for “Youth Volunteers Forum” 3rd Cohort 2023; an International Volunteers’ Forum happening in Zanzibar, Tanzania as a Panelist to talk about her volunteering journey in relation to leadership.
Derrick is 22 years old from Mbeya region. He is UNICEFs Youth and Children Champion. He is a Bachelor of Laws Student in his final year at Mzumbe University and Multiple Award Winner. Currently he is the President of the Tanzania Human Rights Network. Derrick is a U-Report Country Representative under UNICEF Tanzania. He was named Best 30 Future African Leader Award Winner in 2020 and 2021 hosted in Nigeria. To add up he works with Grassroots Trust which is an International Organization aimig to impact the Tanzanian children in accessing education. He specializes in Youth and community development programs particularly in the area of Child Rights and Quality Education. Derrick is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking and analogy ideas in the workplace, an Open-minded person who wants to learn and work tireless to create spaces for others to thrive.
Salma is 31 years old from Kigoma. She is the Founder & Executive Director of Jali Maisha Foundation whose vision is to achieve a free society that is stable in taking care of women and children for sustainable development, under the following key thematic areas: Gender and protection, health and wellbeing, quality education for all, economic and climate justice. She launched ‘Ithamini Hedhi Yake’ (Value her menstruation) campaign aimed at creating and increasing reproductive health awareness to young adolescent school girls from poor families and support them with necessary menstrual kit. The campaign started 2021. To date it has supported more than 1000 school girls. She is also a member of Action Aid Tanzania youth hub and UNICEF’s Tanzania Youth advocate and child rights champion.
Jeremiah is 24 years old from from Geita region. He is a Sociologist specialized in Social Policy and administration. He serves as a Chairperson of Mobilization and registration at ‘Shujaa wa Maendeleo na Ustawi wa Jamii Tanzania’ (SMAUJATA) in Geita Town Council where he mobiizes the community to join efforts for the national campaign against gender-based violence in Tanzania established in 2022 under the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups. Jeremiah is determined to see himself and other Tanzanian youth drive to achieve what can be defined to us as development.
Kitu is 26 years old from Dar es salaam region. She is the Program Assistant on advocacy for Sexual & Reproductive Health Right at AFRIYAN Tanzania. Kitu is passionate about the health of young people. Much of her interest is on sexual reproductive health and mental health. She believes good health and wellbeing is key for youth development.