NEW YORK-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Chakwera requested increased UN support to alleviate hunger in Malawi, particularly in the aftermath of last year’s natural disasters .
Approximately four million Malawians are in dire need, and while the country appreciates support from the World Food Programme, more assistance is needed until the next harvest in April 2025.
Chakwera emphasized the impact of climate change and unpredictable rainfall patterns on food insecurity.
“We would greatly appreciate food assistance and cash transfers for the affected households,” Chakwera said.
He also sought UN support for the upcoming elections in September 2025, specifically through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for capacity building and logistical support.
Malawi continues to recover from Cyclone Freddy, which left millions struggling to rebuild.
Chakwera requested UN support to rehabilitate critical infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, and facilitate affordable housing construction.
On a global scale, Chakwera praised Guterres’s advocacy for UN reforms, including establishing two permanent seats in the Security Council.
Malawi’s partnership with the UN spans key sectors: education, health, climate change, poverty eradication, agriculture, and good governance.
Chakwera is in New York for UNGA summit till September 27, 2024.
