The President is leaving for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this morning to join global leaders in New York for a singular mission—to take a milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The 2024 session, which began on 10 September, is set against the backdrop of an urgent global theme: “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.” The world’s attention is focused on collective action, but here in Malawi, all eyes are on what our own leader, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, will achieve during his participation from 20 to 27 September.
This trip promises to be far more than a ceremonial appearance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Chakwera’s agenda is packed with high-stakes engagements. At the heart of his mission will be his attendance at the Summit of the Future and the High-Level Meeting on the Miombo Forest Declaration—both critical platforms for shaping global policy on sustainable development and environmental conservation. As a leader of a nation heavily reliant on its natural resources, Chakwera’s role in these discussions could set the tone for Malawi’s future in the global climate change discourse.
But Chakwera’s presence at UNGA will not stop there. He is also set to attend the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance, a pressing global health issue that affects nations worldwide. His participation signals Malawi’s commitment to combating this growing threat, ensuring that our country remains part of the global conversation on public health security. Furthermore, Chakwera will deliver a National Statement during the general debate—a crucial moment where he will mobilize international support for Malawi’s own development goals and priorities, ensuring that the nation’s voice is heard on the world stage.
Beyond speeches and declarations, Chakwera’s diplomatic acumen will be put to work in bilateral discussions with other Heads of State, international leaders, and key investors. These meetings will be instrumental in further advancing Malawi’s agricultural, tourism, and mining strategies—industries that hold the key to the nation’s economic future. His efforts will focus on securing partnerships and investments that can propel Malawi toward achieving its SDGs by 2030, fostering economic growth, and improving the lives of ordinary Malawians.
A standout highlight of the trip will be the Malawi Partners Conference 2024, hosted by Chakwera himself. This crucial gathering will bring together global investors to discuss the future of food security in Malawi—an issue that sits at the very core of the nation’s development agenda. With Malawi’s agricultural sector in need of revitalization, the outcomes of this conference could hold the potential to reshape the country’s future by securing much-needed support and investment.
As Chakwera embarks on this international journey, Malawians should be hopeful and optimistic. His participation at this year’s UNGA offers a golden opportunity to advance Malawi’s diplomatic, economic, and developmental priorities. With a full slate of strategic meetings and high-level engagements, President Chakwera’s time in New York has the potential to bear significant fruits that could positively impact the lives of millions back home.
