UN Zambia Holds Fun Run in Support of the SDGs

Despite the October heat, over 800 people tuned up on Saturday 28 October 2023, at Lusaka’s Showgrounds to Run for the SDGs, in efforts to raise awareness and inspire actions on attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The run which saw people from all walks of life included government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector and Civil Society representatives, youth and United Nations staff with their families participate in the Run/Walk for the Sustainable Development for either 5km or 10km to help raise awareness about the SDGs and inspire action to ensure achievement of the Global Goals in Zambia by the year 2030.

Speaking at the event, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali said that the Run for the SDGs event was about being inclusive because achievement of the SDGs requires actions from all of us at whichever level we are.

“Today is about learning a bit more about the SDGs and inspiring each other to act, so that together we can help Zambia make progress on the SDGs by the year 2030. Your presence speaks volumes about your commitment to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity”. Said Ms Mutali.

She further thanked all the private sector organizations that kindly agreed to join efforts with the UN, to make the run & walk possible. The sponsors and partners included Choz Fitness Club, Ethiopian Airlines, Pick & Pay, Prudential, Zambia Athletics, and ZANACO.

“We are grateful to the companies for their partnership because making progress on the SDGs requires the involvement of all, every individual and every sector. This is now more urgent than ever as we are at mid-point to the year 2030 which is the deadline for the SDGs. Many countries have experienced challenges in attainment of the SDGs due to unexpected challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and the impact of war and conflicts but here is hope that if we work together towards achieving the SDGs, we can get there,” she said.

The SDGs, which are fully aligned with Zambia’s 8th National Development Plan (8NDP), were adopted by all 193 UN Member States including Zambia in 2015 to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice, and prosperity.

The Run for the SDGs event was organised as part of commemorative events for the UN Day which is celebrated annually on 24 October.