EU & UN Joint Outreach in Iringa

“I feel so lucky to have been able to learn about the Global Goals from the Coordinator of the UN system. As a young person, it is reassuring to know that our leaders are being guided by these 17 goals as I think if we do our best to achieve them by 2030 then Tanzania and the world will be a better place. Now that I know about the Global Goals, I can play my part in trying to achieve them I feel so empowered.” said Mary, one of the participants.

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) have partnered to raise awareness on the Global Goals and visit several EU-funded projects. In Iringa, a combined 1,000 university students from Iringa University and Mkwawa University have participated in seminars informing them on the Global Goals for Sustainable Development which forms part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The awareness-raising campaign on the Global Goals seeks to reach out to youth and get them to understand the now one-year-old 17 goals and their responsibilities in their implementation in the context of Tanzania. The outreach at the universities is a continuation of an initiative which was launched in Arusha in May by UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez. It is expected that over 30,000 youth will be trained in the coming year.

The delegation also visited several EU-funded projects in Iringa including the old German Boma, which was restored under the EU funded grant 'fahari yetu – Southern Highlands Culture Solutions'. The Boma is one of the oldest remaining building in the region and was built by the Germans in 1900 and used as a military hospital. After the first World War, it was used as a regional headquarter for the new British administration. The European Union is proud to be one of the largest investors in the sectors of arts and cultural heritage in Tanzania funding 10 MEUR under the 10th EDF Support to Culture Programme. Cultural heritage is, in fact, an essential resource for economic growth, employment and social cohesion, offering the potential to promote sustainable tourism in Iringa, and could immensely benefit the citizens of the area.

Mr. Rodriguez, on his part, stated that the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda requires the involvement of everyone. He congratulated the students and academicians for their commitment to understanding the Global Goals.  He also pointed out the importance of youth participation in development issues in Tanzania where youth comprise about 60 per cent of the population.

You have a very important role to play in taking this country into the next stage of its development.  Responsibility for achieving the Global Goals rests with all of us and especially you as young people. The UN, with the support from important partners such as the EU, continues to assist Tanzanian men, women and youth to take responsibility for the implementation of activities in support of the Global Goals” he said while addressing the youth.

The United Nations and the European Union have partnered over the years with joint programs and development initiatives for Tanzania. The EU continues to be a trusted supporter of the United Nations in Tanzania.