TheJourneyVolume1 - Book - Page 106
#NextGenUNDP
Christine Musisi
TANZAN I A
I would like to see UNDP
playing a key role in shifting
the African narrative to that
which empowers every man,
woman, and child.”
I recall a moment in Kyrgyzstan when I told my friends
and colleagues that I felt I was living in my ‘future’. I
felt that the work we were doing on social mobilization,
economic and political empowerment, especially for
women was what I had always wished for. My Resident
Coordinator at the time, Ms Anna Stjarnerklint always
challenged, mentored, and coached me to pursue the
expected results without relenting. She often reminded
me that I needed to learn when to let go. And I am still
learning.
REFORMS AND THE NEW MANDATE
When I first learned about the UNDS Reform, I was
concerned about the future positioning and strength of
UNDP as a development agency. I was quite impressed,
however, with the way the new leadership received this
change as an opportunity for a #NextGenUNDP. It is
clear that the reform presented UNDP with a new
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mandate of an SDGs integrator, with the potential to fly as
a leading development partner, that brings true substantive value and leadership to the UN system and the world.
In Tanzania, UNDP has embraced this role, demonstrating substantive leadership in the areas of Inclusive
Growth, Governance, Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability. UNDP has supported the shaping
of the national development frameworks, agricultural
transformation, particularly through horticulture with
markets for small-holder farmers in Europe and the Gulf.
UNDP has also played a key role in catalysing Domestic
and Foreign Direct Investment through the development
of 26 Regional Investment Guides and facilitating implementation in pilot regions with a link to their regional and
city master plans.
Our work has transformed the development landscape
in various ways, for example: digitalizing the nature
conservation system to counter sophisticated weaponry
and techniques of elephant poachers, through elephant
collaring; digitalization of the agricultural sector through
the establishment of five agricultural electronic systems
and digitally connecting 2 million farmers to 6800
agricultural extension workers; 3500 women and youth
improved horticultural production and productivity
through new technologies and accessed markets in UAE
and Europe worth $4m per season.