Regional challenges require radical approach - KK

Regional challenges require radical approach - KK
By Moses Kuwema
Sun 19 Feb. 2012, 12:00 CAT

DR Kenneth Kaunda says southern Africa's challenges call for a radical approach in shaping and driving an effective and all-inclusive development agenda.

During the launch of the Panos Institute Southern Africa strategic plan in Lusaka on Friday, Dr Kaunda said the region was still struggling to effectively deal with issues ranging from media freedom and free expression, HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal health, nutrition and food security, among others.

"We must therefore acknowledge the fundamental role that information, communication and constructive dialogue plays in resolving and giving hope to our poor and marginalised communities as well as duty bearers in driving the much needed change," Dr Kaunda said. "Providing information on issues that affect humanity is a human right."

He said through its partnership with community media and public broadcasters, Panos had provided information and communication channels to more than 20 million people in nine countries to articulate their development needs.

Dr Kaunda said Panos' work with the media had also empowered more than 400 journalists in reporting on development issues.

"The strategic plan we are launching today is for the period 2012 to 2016 which is premised on the same vision: building a southern Africa community that drives its own development," said Dr Kaunda who is also patron of Panos.

He said Panos Institute Southern Africa had chosen to contribute to leading this process through the development of the strategic plan.

Dr Kaunda said the mainstreaming of gender, human rights and vulnerable groups in the strategic plan would ensure that real development trickled down to marginalised and excluded groups.

He said the 2012-2016 strategic plan provided a well-researched framework deriving from past experiences of 2007 to 2011.

"For the next five years, Panos Institute Southern Africa has identified its focal themes as media development and ICTs, governance and development, health and development, environment and natural resources management with key cross cutting issues above mainstreamed," said Dr Kaunda.