In her weathered hands, she carries bundles of rope that will soon become underwater gardens of hope. For Halima, like thousands of other women across Zanzibar's coastline, these submerged plots represent far more than agriculture, they are tickets to independence, education for her children, and dignity for her community."From this seaweed, I pay my children's school fees and provide food for my family," Halima explains, her fingers working with practiced precision as she ties delicate seaweed strands to cultivation ropes. "If we can grow our income, we can invest more in our homes and our community."Her story echoes across 23,000 farming families throughout this semi-autonomous archipelago, where over 80 percent of seaweed cultivators are women. What began as a humble coastal farming practice has blossomed into Tanzania's second-largest export crop, creating ripples of economic empowerment that extend far beyond the shoreline. More Than a CropSusan Ngongi Namondo discovered this shortly after arriving as UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania. "It wasn't long after I arrived that I realized that seaweed is actually more than a crop here," she reflects. "Seaweed is a means of livelihood, sustaining families. Supporting women over generations."Walking through coastal villages where drying seaweed carpets the beaches in vibrant greens and browns, it becomes clear that this is not just farming, it is a lifeline. While the global seaweed market booms with demand for everything from food products to cosmetics, these women have been quietly perfecting their craft, generation by generation, in the crystal-clear waters off Africa's eastern coast.Yet despite their expertise and the growing international appetite for seaweed products, many farmers remain trapped in cycles of limited income. Without access to credit, insurance, or investment capital, their ability to scale up operations and tap into lucrative markets has been severely constrained.Breaking the BarriersThe breakthrough came when Zanzibar’s innovative approach caught international attention at the Local2030 Coalition and Joint SDG Fund Design Sprint in Bilbao, Spain. The idea of channelling integrated financial solutions into the seaweed value chain gained recognition and set the stage for a new joint programme.The Joint Programme on Transforming Seaweed Farming through Integrated Financial Solutions, funded by the UN Joint SDG Fund and implemented by FAO, UNDP, IFAD, and WFP in partnership with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, targets one of the most critical bottlenecks in the sector: access to finance. By addressing credit, insurance, and cooperative-based financing, the programme will enable farmers—most of them women—to expand production, diversify products, and connect to new markets.For women who have never had collateral to offer banks or financial literacy training to navigate complex lending systems, this represents a shift. The initiative introduces de-risked lending schemes, microinsurance, and cooperative-based financing tools designed specifically for the realities of seaweed farming."The role of the UN is supporting women to scale up this business, to take seaweed and actually make it into a business," Namondo explains. "Seaweed is extremely lucrative right now, both as a food product and as a cosmetic product."By 2028, organizers aim to reach 15,000 households while raising incomes by 40 percent. But behind those statistics are individual dreams, children who will attend university, homes that will be improved, communities that will thrive.Building on strong foundationsThis new initiative complements the Zanzibar Joint Programme (ZJP): Integrated Innovations for Sustainable Development, co-designed by the Government and the UN with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Tanzania. The ZJP addresses the root causes of poverty and inequality in two of Zanzibar’s most left behind regions through four transformative pathways, among them: enhancing seaweed production and quality, strengthening cooperatives, promoting gender equality, and improving post-harvest handling and market access. Together, the two programmes create a stronger ecosystem of support reflective of the Government’s wider blue economy strategy and its vision of seaweed as a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth. Looking aheadThe transformation happening in Zanzibar's seaweed sector reflects something larger, a recognition that sustainable development must be built on the foundations of what communities already do well. Rather than imposing external solutions, this approach amplifies existing expertise while removing systemic barriers."It's always good to be with farmers," Namondo muses after spending time in coastal communities. "I think farmers are among the happiest people on earth, and their work is shaping a better future for all of us."In the gentle ebb and flow of Zanzibar's tides, change is taking root. And for thousands of families across these islands, the future has never looked more promising.Note:All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.  

Dodoma, 19 September 2025. Under the golden skies of Dodoma and amid mounting global uncertainty, communities across Tanzania gathered with renewed urgency to mark this year’s International Day of Peace, a call to nurture peace through education, dialogue and environmental stewardship.The celebration followed a nationwide peace education outreach campaign that began in Dar es Salaam, moved to Morogoro, and concluded in Dodoma, carrying the message Act Now for a Peaceful World. Along the way, more than 1,900 young people took part in debates, non-violence workshops and sessions linking environmental stewardship with social cohesion.  The campaign was led by the Dodoma Youth Development Organization (DOYODO) and Roots and Shoots, with support from TotalEnergies, Global Peace Foundation, UNDP Tanzania, UN Women Tanzania, GNRC and the Youth of United Nations Association (YUNA). Teachers observed a noticeable shift in students’ awareness and vocabulary, with one noting, “These young people are not just beneficiaries, they are becoming peer educators and peace ambassadors.”The outreach culminated in Dodoma, where the national commemoration and a symbolic tree-planting ceremony titled Planting Seeds of Hope took place. Dozens of trees were planted in schools and public spaces, with youth pledging to care for them as living reminders that peace, like a seed, needs collective care to flourish. “What we plant today, we protect tomorrow,” said Anita Bulindi of TotalEnergies. “Peace must be rooted not only in policy, but in practice in communities, in classrooms, and in the environment.” Though globally observed on 21 September, Tanzania’s national commemoration was held on 19 September at the Morena Hotel in Dodoma. The event brought together national and regional authorities, UN agencies, civil society, the private sector, educators and youth. Guest of Honour H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, said, “Peace must be cultivated intentionally through education, dialogue, and inclusive development.”  Speaking on behalf of the Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Ms. Happy Hoza reaffirmed the region’s commitment to social cohesion and praised strong public-private partnerships. Representing the UN system, Mr. Shigeki Komatsubara, UNDP Resident Representative, noted, “Peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, inclusion, and shared opportunity. It is inspiring to witness more than 1,500 young people actively involved in outreach programmes. Their voices are not the future; they are the present.”The afternoon featured a panel discussion titled Peace in Action: From Dialogue to Lasting Impact, moderated by the Global Peace Foundation. Educators, youth leaders, religious leaders and private sector representatives explored the root causes of tension, such as marginalization, misinformation and climate pressures, and highlighted education and civic engagement as tools for prevention and inclusion.  Bahati Paul, a student from Chamwino, reflected, “We learned that peace starts with how we treat each other every day. This knowledge will stay with us for life.” Panellists called for expanding peace education in schools, creating safe youth spaces and strengthening support for youth-led peacebuilding at the local level.The 2025 International Day of Peace in Tanzania was more than a commemoration; it was a movement that affirmed peace is everyone’s business, that young people are leaders as well as stakeholders, and that dialogue, education and environmental action are essential to the future Tanzanians want. 

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania –The Embassy of Switzerland, in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, launched the newly published handbook The UN at Country Level: A Practical Guide to the United Nations Operational System, today at the Swiss Residence in Dar es Salaam.  The event brought together senior diplomats, government officials, and development partners for a panel discussion with the Swiss Ambassador to Tanzania Nicole Providoli, the UN Resident Coordinator Susan Ngongi Namondo, Canada’s Head of Cooperation Carol Mundle, World Bank Executive Director Nathan Belete, and Assistant Director of the Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ellen Maduhu. The discussion, moderated by Shabnam Mallick, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, focused on the handbook’s role in advancing more coordinated, efficient, and impactful UN operations at the country level.   Designed as a practical reference, the handbook outlines how UN entities collaborate, allocate resources, and deliver on shared mandates in support of national priorities. It aims to strengthen operational effectiveness, improve transparency, and help partners better understand the UN’s role.   Ambassador Providoli reaffirmed Switzerland’s longstanding commitment to a strong and effective United Nations system. “In these challenging and uncertain times, Switzerland stands firmly behind a more efficient, coherent, and impactful UN presence in the field,” she said. “Investing in the operational capacity at country level is an investment in development outcomes. This Handbook represents a concrete step toward ensuring the UN system works better - together - for the people it serves.”  UN Resident Coordinator Susan Ngongi Namondo highlighted the significance of the handbook in the context of the UN’s 80th anniversary. “This handbook comes at a particularly important time, as the UN marks eighty years since its founding in 1945. The UN80 Initiative is more than a commemoration—it is a moment for reflection, reform and recommitment. By offering a plain-spoken overview of how the UN operates in the field, this handbook supports the goals of UN80 by making the UN easier to navigate for our partners and ensuring that reforms are grounded in the realities of communities and programme implementation,” she said.  Switzerland’s contribution to the development and launch of the Handbook reflects its deep-rooted support for multilateral institutions and its belief in the UN as a cornerstone of the international system. By championing tools like this Handbook, Switzerland reinforces the UN’s and Donor’s ability to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of countries like Tanzania.  Representing the Government of Tanzania, Ms. Maduhu welcomed the initiative as timely and aligned with the country’s development goals. “This Handbook is more than a technical tool - it reflects a shared commitment to effective development cooperation, said the Ministry’s representative. “Tanzania stands ready to work with all partners to implement principles that align with its core values and the Tanzania Development Vision (Dira) 2050”  The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders - UN agencies, development partners, and national counterparts - to make use of the Handbook and continue collaborating in the spirit of transparency, alignment, and shared responsibility. As global challenges grow increasingly interconnected, the message is clear: a more effective UN starts with strong partnerships on the ground - and practical tools to make them work. 

Unguja, Zanzibar | 27 August 2025 – The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, the United Nations, and partners have commenced two integrated joint programmes that will advance sustainable development in the northern regions of Unguja and Pemba (Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba). Together, these initiatives aim to empower vulnerable communities, promote women’s economic leadership, and strengthen resilience in the face of climate change.Joined-Up Efforts and Cross-Sectoral SolutionsThe Zanzibar Joint Programme (ZJP) (2025–2027), Integrated Innovations for Sustainable Development: Empowering Vulnerable Communities in Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba, is supported by a USD 3.5 million contribution from the Royal Norwegian Embassy through the Tanzania SDG Acceleration Fund. With a total budget of USD 8.4 million, the ZJP focuses on four critical pillars:Human capital strengthening;Food systems transformation with an emphasis on climate-resilient value chains;Ending violence against women and children; andClimate adaptation for coastal populations in low-lying areas.Currently, three of these pillars are funded, and implementation is underway through the collective engagement of 12 UN organisations including FAO, ILO, IOM, UNCDF, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNIDO, UN Women, and WHO, working closely with Government Ministries and local partners. This collaborative approach ensures that the programme addresses development challenges in a holistic and integrated manner. “It is more important than ever that we come together for joint action such as the Zanzibar Joint Programme. It is impressive to see the fruitful ownership and coordination between the Government of Zanzibar, communities, and a wide range of UN organizations. Norway is a proud donor to the program. We also acknowledge the key role of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in bringing the UN family together in this and other joint programs,” said Ms. Lisa Sivertsen, Counsellor - Governance, Royal Norwegian Embassy.Transforming seaweed into a driver of inclusive growthBuilding on this foundation, the Joint Programme on Transforming Seaweed Farming through Integrated Financial Solutions, backed by USD 3 million from the Joint SDG Fund, brings together FAO, UNDP, IFAD, and WFP in partnership with the Government of Zanzibar. The programme aims to transition seaweed farming from a subsistence activity into a dynamic and competitive industry that drives food systems transformation and inclusive economic growth.By 2028, the initiative is expected to benefit 15,000 seaweed farming households, enabling them to increase their incomes by 40 per cent through improved access to finance, stronger cooperatives, and expanded markets. The programme will leverage additional funding by aligning public and private efforts and investments around one of the Government’s key blue economy prioritiesThe Joint SDG Fund’s support for this programme has been made possible through contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and private sector funding partners.An integrated approachThe new seaweed programme complements the ZJP’s food systems transformation pillar, expanding efforts to strengthen value chains by transforming one of Zanzibar’s key export crops into a sustainable driver of livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and blue-economy growth.“We are pleased to note that the two joint programmes are strategically aligned to reinforce one another—one focusing on integrated innovations for development, and the other on financial solutions to strengthen seaweed farming in the same target regions,” said Mr. Juma Malik Akil, Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office (Ministry of Finance and Planning – Zanzibar). “The programmes respond directly to the root causes of poverty and inequality among the most marginalized communities in Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba. The majority of the 532,000 beneficiaries work in the informal sector, relying heavily on the blue economy for their livelihoods, food security, and income,” he added.Together, the two programmes reinforce each other and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Zanzibar’s Development Vision 2050, and the Zanzibar Development Plan (ZADEP 2021–2026).Underscoring the importance of strong national leadership and international solidarity, UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Susan Ngongi Namondo highlighted that: “The fact that both programmes are coordinated through institutional mechanisms under the Zanzibar Planning Commission (ZPC) is a testament to the Government’s commitment to sustainable development. We are grateful to the Royal Norwegian Embassy and to the UN Joint SDG Fund and all its contributing member states and look forward to continuing to leverage even more resources and partnerships to ensure that these programmes deliver lasting impact for the people of Zanzibar.”Shared commitmentThe announcement of the commencement of these integrated programmes followed a meeting of the Joint Programme Steering Committee (JPSC), which was led by the Permanent Secretary and the UN Resident Coordinator with the participation of line ministries, heads of UN organisations, and officials from the Royal Norwegian Embassy. This body will provide strategic oversight and ensure accountability for the implementation of both joint programmes.Committee members expressed their shared commitment to ensuring the success of the initiatives and to engaging closely with communities, the private sector, government programmes, and other development partners in advancing Zanzibar’s development priorities.