THE MALAWI FOREIGN POLICY: A CATALYST FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

THE MALAWI FOREIGN POLICY: A CATALYST FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation 18 th February, 2019

OUTLINE ❑ Introduction ❑ Justification ❑ Definition ❑ Policy Goal ❑ Priority Areas ❑ Implementation Arrangements ❑ Monitoring and Evaluation ❑ Conclusion

INTRODUCTION  Up until the year 2000, the Government of Malawi had been operating based on unwritten Foreign Policy on its interactions with the international community since independence in 1964.  During this period, (1964 to 1993) Foreign Policy was by Presidential decrees and directives .

INTRODUCTION  The first written Malawi Foreign Policy was launched in 2000 and was subject to five yearly periodical reviews. The 2 nd Edition of Malawi Foreign Policy was, therefore, overdue – No reviews were done up until to 2017.  The Foreign Policy which will shortly be launched is based on - conclusions of a synthesis report - comprehensive analysis of official development assistance (ODA), trade flows, foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, tourist flows and diaspora remittances into the country since 1964.

CONSULTATIONS  The MoFAIC - consultations with the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs); Legislature; Academia, Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the formulation of the policy.  More so considering that – the Policy sets out goals, objectives and means on how the nation can interact with the international community for the realisation of the domestic development agenda.

ANCHORED ON MGDS III  The Government is focused on translating the MGDS III into tangible outcomes and benefits to the people of Malawi.  This policy aims at utilizing the MGDS III as a tool to mobilize inter alia: financial resources, technical assistance and transfer of technology in order to attain its goals and objectives.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT  Sustainable development is premised on peace and tranquility, hence Policy’s emphasis on peace and security, promotion of human rights and democratic governance. Global Dynamics  This Policy review has, therefore, considered global dynamics, emerging issues, the vast challenges and opportunities in the 21 st Century these include: climate change, migration, digital and ICT revolution, unprecedented FDI flows, terrorism and transnational organized crimes.

JUSTIFICATION  This policy now empowers the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to carry out its mandate with clearly set objectives, goals and expected outcomes.  The Ministry and all the relevant stakeholders will also have a direction on taking the country forward in its development agenda.  This policy provides a reference on how it complements other Government policies and in that regard emphasizes the need for collaboration and coordination by all relevant MDAs and stakeholders.

DEFINITION  A country’s foreign policy consists of self-interest strategies identified by the state in order to safeguard its national interest and to achieve specific goals during its engagement on the international arena.  The Foreign Policy of the Republic of Malawi is, therefore, a blueprint that serves to guide how the country conducts her foreign relations, while safeguarding her own national economic, political, social and cultural interests.

Aim of the Foreign Policy  The overall aim is to: inform, guide, and strengthen the conduct of Malawi foreign relations with the international community.  Protecting national interest, facilitating the creation of favorable conditions for sustainable economic development, and improving the well- being of all Malawians.

POLICY GOAL  The overall goal of this policy is to: - to advance Malawi’s strategic economic, political, social and cultural interests at the international level.

POLICY PRIORITY AREAS  The Foreign Policy’s five (5) core thematic areas are as follows:  Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity;  Sustainable Development;  Peace and Security;  Democratic Governance and Human Rights; and  Environmental Management and Climate Change.

IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS  The implementation of the revised Foreign Policy will involve participation of several stakeholders, including:  Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), National Assembly, Private Sector, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs),  ALL MALAWI CITIZENS.

IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTIONS  Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Homeland Security, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Malawi Defence Forces (MDF), and National Intelligence Bureau (NIB);  Sustainable Development: Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism; Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development; Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC); Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies; Malawi Communication and Regulatory Authority (MACRA); Malawi Confederation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) and Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS).

IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTIONS  Peace and Security: Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Homeland Security, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Malawi Defence Forces (MDF) and National Intelligence Bureau (NIB); and  Democratic Governance and Human Rights: Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Malawi Law Commission, Office of the Ombudsman; Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) and Council for Non- Governmental Organisation of Malawi (CONGOMA).

IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTIONS ▪ Environmental Management and Climate Change: Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, including Department of Climate Change, Department of Meteorology and Department of Forestry.  Cross Cutting Stakeholders: The Malawi National Assembly, all Malawi citizens at home and abroad - Diaspora, business community, etc

MONITORING AND EVALUATION “If we cannot measure it, we cannot do it”  The implementation of the Policy requires an effective and efficient Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system.  The system shall provide feedback information needed to identify implementation challenges and gaps.  Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan of this Policy with appropriate performance indicators, outputs and targets.

CONCLUSION  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will successfully implement the Policy through effective collaboration and coordination with all the relevant stakeholders.  There will also be need to be vigilant and alert on any emerging developments on the international scene and respond accordingly through a policy review or other appropriate ways and means.

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