By Sizwe Dlamini
The Minister of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya’s, leadership skills have been recognised globally as she has been appointed the Chairperson of the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Maziya was appointed to the prestigious position on December 17, 2024 by Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and Future in the United Arab Emirates and Vice Chairperson of the World Governments Summit Organization. Al Roumi is also the President of Global Councils on SDGs Cohort 3.
The appointment was confirmed by the Communications Officer in the Ministry of ICT, Gugu Nkambule, in a press release issued yesterday. Nkambule said the Global Councils on SDGs is an initiative that brings together global leaders to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda.
“The Global Councils on SDGs, was established at the World Government Summit which was held in Dubai in 2018. The Council has become a cornerstone for fostering collaboration and showcasing best practices in sustainable development on a global scale,” she said.
Nkambule added that the upcoming third cohort of the Global Councils on SDGs, which was launched in 2024, will focus on leveraging ministerial leadership to intensify efforts towards achieving the SDGs.
“Under Minister Maziya’s chairpersonship, the Global Councils on SDGs aims to strengthen global SDG implementation, foster cross-border synergies and contribute to shaping the post-2030 development agenda, including the ambitious XDGs 2045 Framework,” she said.
As chairperson, Maziya will drive key conversations on gender balance and the role of international cooperation in leveraging technology and ICT to empower women and girls globally.
“Maziya’s leadership will build on the legacy of distinguished figures such as Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, who chaired the Global Council on SDG 5: Gender Equality in a previous cohort,” Nkambule added.
Meanwhile the minister highlighted the importance of this appointment saying; “It is a great honour to take on this role at such a critical juncture in our global efforts to achieve the SDGs.
Technology and ICT hold unparalleled potential to empower women and girls, bridging gaps and creating opportunities across all sectors. I look forward to collaborating with global leaders to advance gender equality, foster innovation, and drive sustainable progress that benefits everyone.”
This announcement comes at a time when Global Councils are preparing to convene at the upcoming World Government Summit, where they will share progress, exchange ideas, and inspire action to tackle pressing global challenges.