Malawi President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has arrived safely in United States of America where he is destined to address this year’s 78th Session of United Nations General Assembly.
Upon his arrival, President Chakwera was welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Nancy Tembo, Minister of Health Hon Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Agnes Chimbiri-Molande and Malawi Ambassador to the USA Justice Esme Chombo among other dignitaries.
Chakwera and Madam first Lady Monica departed for this 78th session of the UNGA on Friday 15 September 2023.
The President will also address the UN Sustainable Development Goals Summit meeting and the Millennium Challenge Compact Meeting on Monday.
The President, according to the Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu, has gone to UNGA with a small delegation of 35 people compared to the usual number especially that of Peter Mutharika era.
President Chakwera is expected to deliver a statement in the General Assembly next week Thursday, September 21, to articulate Malawi’s vision and aspirations on the global stage.
This year’s UNGA theme is “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all”. This theme aligns with Malawi’s 2063 Vision which aspires to elevate the country into a prosperous, self-sustaining, upper-middle-income nation.
Among other side events, the President will participate in the Invest in Malawi Business Summit, a significant platform to showcase the investment opportunities available in Malawi. This summit aims at fostering collaboration between Malawi and international investors, ultimately driving economic growth and the nation’s prosperity.
The Malawi leader will also participate in various high-profile engagements, including the Africa Investment Roundtable, co-sponsored by the National Forum for Black Administrators, ENYO International, and the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST).
This collaborative endeavor underscores Malawi’s commitment to forging meaningful partnerships to drive sustainable development.
He will reaffirm Malawi’s dedication to achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring social protection for its citizens during the SDG Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transition summit.
President Chakwera’s trip to the United States represents a significant opportunity for Malawi to strengthen its diplomatic ties, attract international investment and exhibit its obligation to attain sustainable development.
The President is attending UNGA in person for the second time since taking office following his decision to attend the hybrid event virtually in 2021 while the UN decided to hold a virtual-only assembly in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.