Tanzania’s Vice President Calls for Global Dialogue, Peace, and Sustainable Development at UNGA78

Tanzania’s Vice President Calls for Global Dialogue, Peace, and Sustainable Development at UNGA78

During the 78th United Nation General Assembly (UNGA78), Dr. Philip Mpango, Vice President of Tanzania, made a strong appeal to the global community highlighting the paramount importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts and promoting peace. Mpango stressed that peace is a cornerstone in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering global prosperity. He noted that geopolitical tensions often lead to wars and political instability, which are detrimental to the UN’s core principles of peace and shared responsibility for SDGs.

Excessive Weapon Production and Increased Military Spending

Tanzania, the 12th largest contributor among 125 countries in UN peacekeeping missions as of March 2023, is no stranger to these principles. Mpango urged the international community to lend support to regional initiatives that are working towards restoring peace in war-torn parts of Africa. He also called for a global condemnation of entities fueling conflicts for their personal gain.

Addressing the issue of militarization, Mpango stated that the excessive production of weapons and increased military spending on armed conflicts are compromising the promise of building a prosperous world. He pointed out that enhanced collaboration with neighboring countries and international partners has bolstered Tanzania’s ability to tackle the threat of cross-border terrorism.

Revising UN Financing Approach

Mpango also touched on the topic of SDGs financing, suggesting a revision in the UN’s financing approach to developing countries. This would enable these nations to access essential resources more effectively. He attributed the slow pace of achieving SDGs to unfulfilled promises of finance and technology and the limited fiscal space in most African countries compared to developed nations.

In terms of domestic progress, Tanzania has made strides in achieving SDGs 2 to 7, which encompass increasing food sufficiency, availability of essential medicines, reducing under-five mortality, fostering gender equality, improving water supply, and electrification. However, he noted moderate performance in SDGs 1, 8, and 10, and proposed concrete actions to improve domestic revenue efforts and capitalize on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate the realization of these goals.

Climate Change: A Call for Joint Efforts

On the topic of climate change, Mpango urged all nations to rally together in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen mitigation and adaptation measures. He advocated for a collective transition to clean energy and stressed the urgency for immediate action to address the climate crisis.

Finally, Mpango affirmed Tanzania’s stand against injustice and the imposition of unjust economic sanctions that undermine sovereignty and prosperity for all. His address served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the world and the shared responsibility that all nations have in promoting peace and sustainable development.