Kaliati Critiques Timing of Youth Engagement for SONA

Patricia Kaliati criticizes the timing of youth engagement sessions related to the State of the Nation Address, advocating for these meetings to occur before the President’s address. She argues that post-SONA discussions render youth input irrelevant and emphasizes the need for substantial dialogue to include their voices in national policies. Additionally, she cites recent interactions with President Chakwera that reflect a growing frustration among young people about their exclusion from decision-making processes.

The Honorable Patricia Kaliati has raised significant concerns regarding the scheduling of youth engagement sessions pertaining to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the national budget. She posits that these critical meetings should occur prior to the President’s address. This timing is essential to ensure that the perspectives and priorities of the youth are incorporated into the SONA.

Kaliati emphasizes that discussions held after the SONA render youth input irrelevant to the policy goals outlined in the address. She advocates for proactive dialogue, asserting that meaningful engagement in the lead-up to SONA is necessary for adequately reflecting the voices of young people in national frameworks.

Moreover, Kaliati referenced a recent incident in which President Lazarus Chakwera faced a challenging inquiry from young attendees during a session at State House, wherein they questioned, “Are you the leader, or should we wait for someone else?” This interaction underscored the growing disenchantment among youth regarding their exclusion from pivotal decision-making processes.

Amid increasing demands for governmental responsiveness to the needs of the youth, Kaliati argues that engaging young people in discussions before SONA could facilitate a more coherent alignment between government policies and the aspirations of the youth. Her statements are poised to provoke further discussion about the essential role of youth in governance and policy formulation in Malawi.

In conclusion, Honorable Patricia Kaliati’s observations underscore a critical need for the Malawian government to prioritize youth engagement in the policy-making process, especially prior to the State of the Nation Address. Her advocacy for pre-SONA discussions highlights the importance of including youthful perspectives to foster relevant and effective governance. The recent dialogue between President Chakwera and young people exemplifies the pressing necessity to address youth concerns in a timely and meaningful manner.

Original Source: malawi24.com