President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera have left Washington DC in the United States of America after attending the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Dr Chakwera was seen off at Dulles International Airport by Malawi’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Justice Esme Chombo, Brigadier General Nyamali and other government officials from both Malawi and the USA government.
While in New York, the President attended the Summit of the Future and the high-level meeting on the Miombo Forest Declaration.
Dr Chakwera also attended several high-level meetings and delivered a national statement during the UNGA and general debate to mobilise global support for Malawi’s developmental priorities.
Among others, the President called for a collective approach to dealing with the many challenges facing Malawi and other developing countries.
In addition, the Malawi leader held bilateral discussions with other heads of state and governments, leaders of International organisations and investors among others to continue advancing Malawi’s diplomatic relations and economic partnerships towards implementing agriculture, tourism, mining (ATM) strategy and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Some of the heads of state Dr Chakwera met include the President of Latvia and Ireland. He also met the Secretary-General for the United Nations, Antonio Gutteries at the UN headquarters.
The President also hosted the second Malawi Partners Conference 2024 which brought together prominent global figures and investors who discussed the future and long-lasting food security in Malawi.
During the Conference, which was attended by Mozambican President Felipe Nyusi, African Development Bank (AFDB) President Akinwumi Adesina announced the grant of K95 billion to Malawi which K1 billion kwacha is meant for the purchase of food for those affected by hunger through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA).
In Washington DC the President had the opportunity to meet the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and USAID heads at their respective headquarters where he appreciated their unwavering support to Malawi.
Malawi has been benefitting from these annual sessions. Last Year, President Chakwera signed, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact number two with the US Government meant for the rural road network construction.
The 79th session of UNGA was being held under the theme: Leaving no One Behind Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations