Lilongwe, Malawi - The Government of Malawi, in partnership with the United Nations and development partners, convened the Second Global Accelerator (GA) HIT Joint Programme Technical Committee Meeting on 10 December 2025, in Lilongwe. The meeting was co-chaired by the Ministry of Labour, Skills and Innovation and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation.
The meeting reviewed the progress of the GA High Impact Track Joint Programme after one year, and noted strong performance, with approximately 75–80 per cent of targeted annual results achieved to date. Government and development partners commended the Participating UN Organizations (PUNOs) and implementing partners for the quality and pace of delivery, highlighting tangible advances in promoting productive employment, strengthening social protection systems, and supporting just transitions.
The Technical Committee brought together senior officials from Government ministries, departments and agencies, the United Nations system led by the Resident Coordinator’s Office, development partners, led by the government of Ireland, Employers’ Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM), Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU), civil society organizations and private sector representatives. The meeting provided a key platform to review progress, address implementation challenges, and validate the proposed 2026 workplan for the GA HIT Joint Programme.
Presenting the programme progress update, the ILO as the technical lead Agency, highlighted the high level of engagement and ownership demonstrated by Government institutions, social partners and stakeholders. Discussions emphasized the importance of outcome-focused reporting, strengthened real-time monitoring, and improved data credibility, including broader stakeholder engagement and ensuring data accessibility for all interested parties. Participants also underscored the need to clearly demonstrate linkages between the GA HIT Joint Programme and other ongoing national and development initiatives. In addition, the meeting highlighted the need to design a programme that will facilitate promotion of decent work in the mining sector siting the current decent work deficits as an hinderance to productivity and growth of the mining sector.
During the opening ceremony, the Chairperson for the GA National Technical Committee, Mr George Chande, Director of Planning, Ministry of Labour, Skills and Innovation, reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to the Global Accelerator, recalling the country’s early decision to become a Pathfinder Country. He noted that this choice reflects strong national ownership and readiness to advance decent work, inclusive social protection, and just transitions in the face of climate change, demographic shifts and technological transformation.
Throughout the deliberations, the meeting demonstrated clear Government leadership, with Ministries taking responsibility for coordination, implementation and joint accountability with the UN and partners forming a critical foundation for sustainable and impactful results.
Development partners, represented by the Irish Embassy, commended the Government of Malawi for developing and endorsing the Global Accelerator National Roadmap and encouraged its national launch to further strengthen awareness and implementation. Development Partners reaffirmed their collective commitment to supporting Malawi in addressing poverty, inequality, unemployment and climate challenges through integrated and inclusive approaches.
The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office highlighted the Technical Committee as a vital mechanism for strengthening joint monitoring, evidence-based decision-making and alignment across sectors. As implementation enters its second year, the UN emphasized the need to accelerate delivery in key areas, sharpen the focus on results and accountability, and deepen collaboration to maximise catalytic impact.
Representing employers, ECAM showcased concrete contributions to job creation, skills development and social protection, including recognition of responsible employers through the Employer of the Year Awards, youth placements, and skills training in renewable energy. ECAM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Global Accelerator and expanding partnerships that promote quality jobs and a business-friendly, rights-based labour environment.
In closing the meeting, the Director of Planning thanked all partners for their active participation and reiterated appreciation to the ILO, the UN Country Team, development partners, social partners, the private sector and civil society for their continued technical and financial support. He encouraged Technical Committee members to remain engaged as preparations advance towards the national Steering Committee meeting and the next phase of implementation.
The Second Technical Committee Meeting concluded with a shared commitment to sustain momentum, strengthen coordination and deliver measurable, inclusive and impactful results to advance decent work, expanding social protection for the people in Malawi and ensuring that no one is left behind.