MASERU
United Nations Development Program launched the 2023/2024 Human Development Report (HDR) under the theme, “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarized world.” The much insightful and informative launch took place at Lancer’s Inn on 12 April 2024. The HDR is said to be a tool devised order to generate debate on an important development issue while also raising awareness and alert leaders to threats that may arise, should appropriate measures not be taken.
The Master of Ceremonies was one Mr Lebesa Nkune who shared the purpose of the day. Dr Jacqueline Oleywa proceeded and spoke as a UNDP Resident Representative. “… Youth are stewards of human development…”, said the Dr. In reference to the report that was yet to be presented, she reverted that as a country, we are making progress in some indicators and in the same breadth, we are regressing in others. She said that what caught her attention about the report was the data gaps and she urged that these gaps be filled in future reports for factual and objective reporting, in this way, a clear and concise picture will be painted.
Dr Jacqueline’s speech indicated that the 2023/2024 HDR was motivated by questions vital to humanity’s future:
-Why despite all our riches and technologies are we so stuck?
-Is it possible to mobilize action to address globally shared challenges in a world that is intensively polarized?
The summary of the report according to the Dr suggests the following radical points:
• “The Human Development Index is projected to reach record highs in 2023, but progress is uneven, leaving half of the world’s poorest countries below pre-crisis levels. Lesotho’s HDI value for 2022 is 0.521, which put the country in the low human development category positioning it at 168 out of 193 countries and territories.
• Global inequalities are intensified by economic concentration with almost 40% of global trade in goods concentrated in three or fewer countries.
• A ‘democracy paradox’ is hindering international collective action as support for democratic principles coexists with backing for leaders undermining democratic processes.
• Political polarization and a sense of powerlessness hinder global cooperation on urgent issues such as climate change and digital regulation.”
Furthermore, the report states that to break the gridlock, there are at least three proposals that need to be traced. “First it is imperative to pursue common ground while accepting that people will have the right to retain their diverse interests and priorities. Piercing a fog of false differences or misperceptions is one of the most effective ways of changing behavior towards cooperation that addresses shared challenges. Second, we must enable people to pursue their legitimate and natural human security ambitions without protectionism. It has now been 30 years since the 1994 HDR introduced the notion of human security. It focuses on what gives people agency to shape their lives free from fear, want and living without dignity. From the energy transition to artificial intelligence, discussion of risks and challenges needs to be rebalanced with consistent articulation of the potential to live, for the first time ever, with surplus of energy and with artificial intelligence that augments what people can do. Thirdly, we need 21stcentury architecture for international cooperation to deliver global public goods. This includes the planetary public goods required to navigate the Anthropocene, from climate change mitigation to pandemic preparedness to biodiversity preservation, as well as the digital public infrastructure and digital public goods that would enable the Digital.” As she wrapped up, she shared her sentiments, stating that she believes a course should be taken up promptly and hopes the report will create a platform where deliberations are made that will assist in growing and nurturing sustainable human development in Lesotho.
Mrs. ‘Malefu Khanyapa gave a word to the congregants on behalf of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. She defined polarization and how it is that it affects the world at large, stipulating that we are living in a highly polarized world. She said that Lesotho is committed to showing attributes of gender equality and inclusion in children, youth, and marginalized communities. She then challenged everyone to join hands to assist in growing the human sustainable development venture.
A HDR presentation was conducted by Souleman Boukar which was a typical breakdown of what was entailed in the report. He shed light on the Human Development Indicators: Human Development Index (HDI) and its components (life expectancy at birth, expected years of schooling, mean years of schooling, and gross national income per capita), Gender Development Index (GDI), Gender Inequality Index (GII) and Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). These indicators were observed from 1990 to 2022. It is said that in this period, HDI has changed by approximately 8.8% in Lesotho. In terms of expected years of schooling and mean years of schooling, the country is on a good trajectory considering that it is still a developing country. The implication is that the country has been struggling for over 25years. He reported that there is around 33.4% of people who live below the poverty line. The standard of living in Lesotho is greatly compromised i.e. poor sanitation.
The third leg of the ceremony was led by Dr Thabiso Nyabanyaba. He officiated the panel discussion in a very meticulous manner. Each panelist was granted 15minutes to present their case. Mr. Lebeko Sello from the Ministry of Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation shook the room when he addressed the issue of access to digital public infrastructure, for greater equity in harnessing new technologies for equitable development. He said amongst the things that the government is working on, improving access to government digital services including 48 towers for connectivity cables that link Roma to Thaba Tseka. Developing strategies and platforms that appeal to the youth are also in the pipeline. He added that they hope to employ strategies that move the country from orthodox ways of analogue and linear to digital. He touched on identity and made two interesting remarks that many were not privy of.
1. If one is above the age of 16, it is a criminal offence if they do not own an identity card.
2. It is an offence for civil servants to serve someone that they do not know (this is in reference to the National Act 2011)
He made it abundantly clear that the role of the government is to create prosperity and that it should be held accountable. He ended by quoting Ambrose Bierce who in his book titled The Devil’s Dictionary which states, “That period of time in which our affairs prosper, our friends are true, and our happiness is assured.”
Ms. Mantopi Lebofa spoke as a civil society representative, tackling the issue of inequality, poverty and economic growth trends in Lesotho. She began by reiterating Mr. Lebeko’sstatement on the role of government and how it should be held liable. She said the outcome of the report made her question the disheartening fact of whether the government is really creating prosperity or promoting poverty. Her grave concern is the impoverished standard of living whereby people struggle to have basic needs such as shelter, food, and proper sanitation. She cited that around 60% of Basotho rely on biomass for cooking and heating and it is unavailable.
In the outskirts, the situation is dire because the occupants of such places are struggling immensely which in turn keeps the country stagnant. “Where are people supposed to get these basic needs?”, questioned Ms. Lebofa. She continued to say that it is quite evident that these people do not have any knowledge of government policies because they do not reach them and therefore, how are they expected to contribute to sustainable development. She reverted saying policies are always implemented but never brought to life. She implored that in the quest for sustainable development, contribution from culture must be considered.
Next in line was Mr. Mpeshe Selebalo from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Small Businesses. His task was to explain how Lesotho can take advantage from the AfCFTAimplementation. He described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a joined venture by leaders of 55 African countries upon realizing that as Africans, we do not trade amongst each other. Initially, inter trade among Africans was at about 17% which was exceptionally low when compared to other continents such as Asia.
The AfCFTA is a large market because it consists of about 1.3 billion people. Lesotho’s trading market is reliant on the exportation of wool and mohair. When speaking about how AfCFTA is beneficial to Lesotho, he highlighted that the size of the market on its own is an advantage including the fact that it is easier for businesses to invest in such a vast market. Light manufacturing which includes fabrics and textiles is infested by youth and women according to Mr. Selebalo. Seemingly, he encouraged the private sector to involve themselves in the AfCFTA as the government has earmarked a blueprint that can be followed.
Lastly, from Academia, there was a National University of Lesotho representative, Dr. Pholoho Morojele who gave a riveting talk on gender equality and human development trends in Lesotho. She urged that there should be equal opportunities for both men and women. Research indicates that women live relatively longer than men, biologically, the life expectancy of women exceeds that of men by 5years. Notwithstanding, other contributing factors such as an individual’s lifestyle- What they eat? How they take care of themselves?
The literacy rate in women is supposedly higher than that of men. On an international level, women are ranked 88% whereas men are at 72%. This may be influenced by the high dropout rate for men particularly in higher education institutions. Dr Morojele said that one of the key factors that affect life expectancy is education. In essence, the idea emphasized is to ensure that both men and women have equal opportunities. She concluded by saying it is important that we shift our thinking to promote and encourage gender equality. “… on a general scale I must say, Lesotho is not yet there but we are advancing…”, said Dr Morojele. The launch was then declared official!
