The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were set for the new millennium to fight against the poverty and inequalities that continue to affect so many of the world’s people. They have become an integral part of global indicators for development and a framework for development.

In 2010, with five years remaining before the elapse of the MDGs agenda, the Government of Zimbabwe, with funding support from UNDP and in partnership with SNV, saw it necessary to facilitate the accelerated achievement of MDGs.

SNV’s role in the project is to increase the local capacity for MDG-based planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring in Insiza, Bulilima, Umzingwane, Tsholotsho, Umguza, Lupane, Hwange, Gokwe South, Zvishavane and Mberengwa. Our mandate entails: the determination of the districts' MDG status, supporting districts in selecting four priority goals to focus on, training districts on MDG-based planning and budgeting, involving other stakeholders (eg private sector) to support MDG initiatives such as inclusive business and supporting districts in mobilising local resources for the implementation of MDG initiatives.

Achievements:

• Determination of the MDG status in 7 of the 10 districts and selection of priority MDGs.

• Capacity building of 7 of the 10 local authorities on MDG-based budgeting and planning.

• Functional multi–stakeholder platform, wih the private sector supporting the acceleration of MDG achievement. 18 private sector companies are engaged through corporate social responsibility, community-shared ownership trust and inclusive business arrangements.

• 7 districts have set up modalities for the mobilisation and management of local resources through a Local Capacity Development Fund.

• The implementation of the project has raised awareness about the MDGs and the global development agenda and has prepared these 10 districts for post 2015 development agenda.