Patricia Kaliati has questioned the timing of youth engagement regarding the State of the Nation Address (SONA), advocating for these discussions to occur prior to the address to include youth perspectives. She pointed out an incident involving President Chakwera that reveals youth frustrations over exclusion in decision-making. Kaliati calls for the government to engage young people earlier to align policies with their needs.
Patricia Kaliati has raised concerns regarding the timing of youth engagement sessions related to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the subsequent budget discussions in Malawi. She contends that these crucial meetings should occur prior to the President’s delivery of the SONA to ensure that the voices and concerns of young individuals are included within the address itself. Kaliati emphasizes that involving youth after the SONA renders their contributions inconsequential to the policies outlined in the speech.
Kaliati further highlighted a recent incident where President Lazarus Chakwera faced a challenging moment during an engagement session at the State House. During this session, young participants posed the question, “Are you the leader, or should we wait for someone else?” She notes that the President struggled to provide an adequate response, demonstrating a growing frustration among young people who feel sidelined in significant decision-making processes.
Her remarks coincide with an increasing demand for the government to be more attuned to the issues concerning the youth. Kaliati advocates for pre-SONA discussions to better incorporate youth perspectives into national policies. By engaging with young citizens beforehand, she believes the government can effectively align its strategies with their needs, fostering a more inclusive approach to governance and policymaking in Malawi.
In summary, Patricia Kaliati’s criticisms underscore the necessity for timely engagement with youth ahead of the State of the Nation Address. Her observations regarding the President’s recent interactions illustrate the dissatisfaction felt by young people, who seek greater involvement in decision-making. The call for pre-SONA discussions aims to enhance the alignment of government policies with youth aspirations, highlighting the importance of inclusive governance.
Original Source: malawi24.com
