The theme of this year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is youth. We celebrate young Indigenous Peoples, and their role in creating change and shaping the future.   Across the world, Indigenous Peoples face serious challenges, with their lands and resources threatened, their rights undermined, and their persistent vulnerability to marginalization and exclusion. Young Indigenous Peoples are helping to fight back.   They are leaders in the global climate action movement. They advocate justice and equality, celebrate their cultures, advance human rights and raise awareness of Indigenous history and issues around the world. And, learning from their elders, they ensure the continuity of Indigenous cultures, wisdom, and identities far into the future.   Indigenous knowledge and traditions are deeply rooted in sustainable development and can help to solve many of our common challenges. It is therefore vital that young Indigenous Peoples, both women and men, are involved in decision-making. The choices made today will determine the world of tomorrow.   So, let us reaffirm our commitment to guaranteeing the individual and collective rights of young Indigenous Peoples as well as supporting their engagement in global dialogues and decision-making.  And together, build a better future for us all. ***

The Embassy of Ireland and the United Nations in Tanzania are pleased to announce Ireland’s first contribution to the new Tanzania SDG Acceleration Fund of Euro 3.85 million (approx. TZS 10.47 billion). Launched earlier this year, the Tanzania SDG Acceleration Fund is a multi-partner funding mechanism set up by the UN Tanzania and the Government of Tanzania to support the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the United Republic of Tanzania, 2022-2027. The Cooperation Framework is focused on reducing multidimensional poverty in Tanzania through transformative, greener, inclusive, and sustainable economic development, the advancement of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national sustainable development priorities. The Irish contribution to the SDG Acceleration Fund in 2023 prioritises joint UN programmes and initiatives that cut across multiple UNSDCF areas and aims at promoting integrated solutions by different UN entities working in Tanzania. This will include strategic interventions ranging from support to small holder farmers, to improving health and nutrition at community level, to enhancing women’s engagement in policymaking. This grant is in line with Ireland’s commitment to supporting the global UN Development System Reform at the country level and aligns with the principles of the 2019 UN Funding Compact agreed between Member States and the United Nations[1]. Ireland has been active in Kigoma for three decades. I have seen the challenges its people face as well as their great tolerance and generosity. Ireland is committed to being part of building a resilient and prosperous future for Kigoma. Promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is at the core of everything we do,” stated the Ambassador of Ireland to Tanzania, H.E. Mary O’Neil. “We know from our own experiences in Ireland that excluding women causes suffering and holds back development. Unleashing women’s potential is vital for economic growth and sustainable development. Ireland is a firm supporter of the multilateral system. In Tanzania, the UN has an important role to play in connecting people and institutions to knowledge and resources. We look forward to working in partnership with the Government of Tanzania and the UN system to achieve the SDGs,” she added. “We express our gratitude to the Government and people of Ireland for this valuable contribution. Ireland has been a consistent partner of the UN in Tanzania over many years, and we are happy to now welcome Ireland to the new SDG Acceleration Fund. This move demonstrates the strong partnership between Ireland and the UN in Tanzania, and our joint commitment to helping Tanzania advance the SDGs with the focus on Leaving No One Behind, said the UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, Mr. Zlatan Milisic We also very much value our partners’ support to the UN reform. Ireland’s generous contribution puts us in a better position to deliver greater results across different areas of our work in a more coordinated and coherent manner. [1] For more info: https://open.un.org/resources/un-development-system-funding-compact

The U.S. Congress members in the delegation were Sydney Kamlager-Dove, (California State Senate-37th), Nannete Barba Diaz Barragan (California's 44th congressional district Representative), Emilia Strong Sykes (Ohio Representative-13th), Edward Espenette Case, (Hawaii's 1st Congressional district) and Madeleine Dean (Pennsylvania's Representative 4th congressional district). The representative from the Eleanor Crook Foundation was Ms. Lesley Webet Mcnitt. During their visit, the delegation engaged with various stakeholders, including UN country team officials, government officials, NGOs, conservationists, and nutrition experts. Through these interactions, they gained an understanding of how the UN supports the Tanzanian government's efforts to address malnutrition and food security while also promoting sustainable natural resource management and conservation initiatives. An important part of the mission was at Tungamalenga Village in Idodi Ward, located in the Iringa Region in Southern Tanzania. At Tungamalenga, they witnessed firsthand the implementation of a UN-backed nutrition program that enjoys strong support from both local communities and the Tanzanian government.
The Iringa Regional Commissioner Halima Dendego welcomed the delegation at Tungamalenga and provided an overview of the nutrition challenges facing the region. Despite being among Tanzania's breadbasket regions, Iringa struggles with malnutrition and HIV/AIDS.   The high-level delegation witnessed the Village Health and Nutrition Day where the joint UN Tanzania Nutrition Programme's impact in Tungamalenga, Idodi Ward was evident. Activities such as nutritional screenings, health education, cooking demonstrations, and agricultural interventions were observed. The delegation engaged with local community members, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, and program beneficiaries to gain insights into the successes and challenges faced while addressing malnutrition.   The Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Country Representative Ms. Christine Musisi expressed her gratitude for their interest in Tanzania's development efforts. She stated, "We are so happy to have the delegation of the US Congress members and the UN Foundation with us in Tanzania to see and witness the work of the United Nations in the country. We appreciate the interest of the US Congress in choosing the work of the UN in Tanzania to be the important focus of their learning mission."
  The Regional Commissioner highlighted the government's progress in reducing malnutrition rates under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. She said, “The government has implemented a Nutrition Programme that employs a multisectoral approach, implemented through the Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHND) to address these issues.” The government's commitment to nutrition is evident in the alignment of these services with the Nutrition Compact Agreement between the President's Office, Regional Administration, and Local Government Authorities (PORALG) and the National Multi-sectoral Nutrition Action Plan (NMNAP). Data collection is also prioritized.
The Regional Commissioner noted that, “International cooperation plays a crucial role in addressing nutrition-related issues”. Hon. Halima invited the US Congress Delegates, UNF leaders and the representative from Eleanor Crook Foundation to invest in Iringa and support the government in conducting research to find out why malnutrition was still high in the region despite being a breadbasket region in Southern Tanzania.   In Tanzania, the percentage of children under age 5 who are stunted (short for their age) has decreased steadily from 48% in the 1999 Tanzania Demographic Health Survey (TDHS) to 30% in the 2022 TDHS-MIS. However, malnutrition is still inadmissibly high in terms of absolute numbers probably due to population growth. Currently, more than three million children under the age of five years are stunted and with high geographical variations; for example, in the Iringa region stunting increased from 42% in 2015 to 57% in 2022 while in the Mtwara region, stunting declined from 38% in 2015 to 22.30%. These statistics reveal that malnutrition continues to be a significant issue in Tanzania, affecting children, and women, and contributing to non-communicable diseases.   The Head of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in Tanzania, Ms. Nyabenyi TitoTipo, appreciated this visit by the US Congressional Team and elaborated, “the examples we have seen in the village today clearly manifests how the UN is jointly supporting the community, supporting the district and to see, how the community is engaged in trying to address nutrition from the health, food and Agricultural transformation aspect.  The unity of the UN system, FAO, UNICEF, UNDP and the Resident Coordinator’s Office to bring the results we want for the people is much appreciated.” The Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, Ms. Shabnam Mallick, expressed her thanks to the support of the donors and development partners and also to the government of Tanzania. She explained, “UN agencies in Tanzania work in a coordinated fashion, to amplify a common voice addressing complex interconnected issues such as malnutrition.  We are addressing existing gaps while utilizing minimal resources, and the best technical assistance offered by our skilled UN personnel.” The US Congressional delegation, led by Mr. Peter Yeo, Senior Vice President of the United Nations Foundation, expressed gratitude towards the Tanzanian government and the United Nations for their commitment to global health and development. Mr. Yeo emphasized that such engagements strengthen partnerships between Tanzania and the United States in addressing health challenges and in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The US Congress members praised the innovative approach used in UN programs and acknowledged the joint effort between the UN and government to end severe malnutrition and improve food security, health, and biodiversity conservation. They encouraged replicating this approach in other areas facing similar challenges, acknowledging the vital contributions made by local communities and expressed intentions to support through their partners in the country.   The U.S. Congress members also expressed that their learning mission to Tanzania demonstrates the importance of international cooperation and collaborative efforts in tackling pressing global challenges like malnutrition and sustainable development. They shared greetings from the American people and informed that as the delegation returns home to America, they carry with them valuable insights into the UN's work in Tanzania and an appreciation for the complex challenges facing the country's development efforts, promising to assist through the UN and USAID. 
Earlier, the US Congressional delegation also received a briefing from the Ruaha National Park Chief Warden Mr. Godwell Men’gataki about conservation and biodiversity measures undertaken by the Tanzanian government in partnership with the United Nations.  The delegation heard about UN’s support led by UNDP for anti-poaching efforts in the park. “UN supported the collaring and de-collaring for tracking elephants, provided equipment to improve infrastructure and vehicles for easy transportation within the camp and the equipment is still here today.”  The UN also facilitated training and policy reforms to improve conservation efforts.   Members of the US Congress, UNF Leaders and the Eleanor Crook representative all met community leaders participating in Tanzania’s Wildlife Management Areas Program supported by UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The US Congressional delegation observed how climate change and human activity were impacting the Great Ruaha River and the wetlands.
  In conclusion, Ms. Christine Musisi, The Acting UN Resident Representative and UNDP Representative in Tanzania expressed optimism that the learning mission would lead to stronger partnerships. “We believe that what they have seen in the country is good, it has been successful.  They have seen our work in wildlife conservation, biodiversity conservation, and in nutrition.  They have had hands-on experience with the communities which I believe has raised their understanding and their passion to really partner with the UN in Tanzania.  I look forward to stronger partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the Third five-year Development Plan of Tanzania.”  
*** About UN Tanzania: The United Nations System in Tanzania comprises 23 UN agencies, who work closely with the government and other stakeholders to implement the 2022-2027 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Tanzania. The Strategic Framework outlines a coherent plan of action and enables a coordinated UN response to contribute more efficiently and effectively to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the national development priorities/goals of the third National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III) and the 2021-2026 Zanzibar Development Plan (ZADEP). About UN Foundation:
The United Nations Foundation is a strategic partner of the United Nations. UN Foundation drives progress and tackles problems. UNF builds communities of support and nurtures initiatives to advance the dignity and well-being of people and the planet.  It is headquartered in Washington, DC.
About US Congress:
The United States Congress is the legislature of the federal government of the United States. It is composed of a lower body, the House of Representatives, and an upper body, the Senate. The US Congress enacts laws that influence the daily lives of all Americans and is intended to serve as the voice of the people. Among the core values of the US Congress is pursuing continuous learning and growth of the organization and its human resources to provide the highest quality of service. About Eleanor Crook Foundation. The Eleanor Crook Foundation (ECF) was founded in 1997 with a single goal: to eradicate global malnutrition. ECF invests in research that proves what methods work, policy analysis to drive systems reform, and advocacy that makes the case for urgent action to address this global crisis. ECF is an active investor. In 2017, the Foundation pledged $100 million towards the elimination of global malnutrition. https://eleanorcrookfoundation.org/

Women are underrepresented in innovation and technology-related fields worldwide, including Tanzania. According to the UNESCO Science Report (2021), only 33% of researchers worldwide are women. The gender gap in innovation and technology is particularly pronounced in certain fields. For example, women make up only 7% of inventors in the field of mechanical engineering, and only 12% of inventors in the field of electrical engineering. As we celebrate International Women's Day in Tanzania this year, the theme "Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender-equal future" couldn't be more fitting. It reminds us that to achieve gender equality, we must think innovatively, creatively and find new solutions to old problems. We need to break the codes and negative social and gender norms that hold women back and continue building a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. Innovation has always been a driving force in human progress. It has transformed the way we live, work, and interact with each other. It has brought us new technologies, ideas, and ways of viewing the world. But as we innovate, we must ensure we are not leaving anyone behind. Women and girls in Tanzania, particularly the most marginalized such as women and girls with disabilities, migrants, minorities, refugees, and those living in rural areas, continue to face barriers that limit their potential and hold them back from achieving their goals. From unequal pay for equal work to limited access to education, healthcare and participation, regional variations in Tanzania are profound; these barriers must be dismantled if we are to create a truly gender-equal future. One area where innovation can make a significant difference is in the workplace. Despite progress in recent years, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions and face a persistent gender pay gap. Multiple sectors in Tanzania have begun to embrace flexible working arrangements that allow women to balance work and family responsibilities more effectively. Expanding these opportunities through access to community-based care institutions, remote work, job sharing, and flexible hours provides benefits for all. By giving women more control over their work schedules, we can create a more equitable and inclusive workplace; when women thrive, everyone benefits. Innovation in healthcare in Tanzania continues to evolve. With improved access to quality sexual and reproductive health and rights, family planning continues to be an important healthcare service, with stagnant progress in unmet needs. While there are many methods potentially available, they are not equally available and may not meet the contraceptive and reproductive health needs of all persons. New methods and delivery systems, more thoughtful and patient-centered counselling, and rigorous assessment of outcomes can inform and improve the quality of care. Another area where innovation makes a significant difference is education. According to UNESCO, women in Tanzania represent 40 per cent of university enrollment, but only about 24 per cent are enrolled in science, engineering and technology fields. Girls continue to be underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and face stereotypes and biases that discourage them from pursuing these subjects. By promoting STEM education for girls and providing them with role models and mentors in these fields, we recognize the national universities in Tanzania enhancing opportunities for STEM education for women which helps to break down these barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Innovation can also help to address the issue of gender-based violence, which affects women and girls worldwide, including in Tanzania. From sexual harassment to domestic violence, girls and women continue to face significant risks to their safety and well-being. By developing new technologies and tools to prevent and respond to violence against women through a survivor-centred approach with easy access to health, social welfare, police and justice, we can create a safer and more just society for everyone. We celebrate national successes in Tanzania in innovation toward a gender-equal future. At the national level, the 2022 Census, which for the first time used digital technology, will provide detailed gender-disaggregated data to inform policies and programming that support women and girls. At the local level, a small-scale project demonstrates promise: Digital Champions, provided with mobile phones, are empowered to trace and report GBV cases in their areas. We salute the many champions across Tanzania who recognize that human rights are women’s rights, and work toward the prevention of harmful practices in their communities and uphold gender equality. With strong female leadership in place in Tanzania, women in Tanzania express that they are claiming the space to move forward, networking and innovating towards gender equality. Ultimately, achieving a gender-equal future will require strong commitment to innovation and creativity. The recently published Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria 2022 Key Indicators demonstrate progress in maternal health, but the innovations that enable these advances must be scaled up and shared across the country to support Tanzania’s growing population. We must challenge our assumptions and think outside the box. By working together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of gender. The United Nations in Tanzania, delivering as one, supports the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to achieve our shared aim toward Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender equality. So let us embrace the national theme of International Women's Day this year in Tanzania and crack the code to a more gender-equal future.