Patricia Kaliati Criticizes Timing of Youth Engagement on SONA Malawi

Patricia Kaliati has expressed concern about the timing of youth engagement sessions related to the State of the Nation Address (SONA), arguing they should be held beforehand to incorporate youth perspectives. She noted that President Lazarus Chakwera faced criticism during a youth event for not providing a clear answer to their questions, reflecting frustrations about youth exclusion from decision-making. Kaliati calls for more proactive inclusion of youth voices in government policies.

Patricia Kaliati has raised important concerns regarding the scheduling of youth engagement sessions in relation to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the subsequent budget. She asserts that these interactions should occur prior to the President’s delivery of SONA to facilitate the inclusion of young people’s concerns in the address.

Kaliati argues that engaging youth after SONA diminishes the relevance of their input regarding the policy directions presented. Meaningful dialogue, according to her, must occur beforehand to ensure youth perspectives are adequately represented in national planning processes.

Furthermore, Kaliati referenced a recent incident involving President Lazarus Chakwera at a State House event, where he faced pointed questions from youths. One notable query was, “Are you the leader, or should we wait for someone else?” Kaliati indicated that his inability to respond effectively highlights the increasing dissatisfaction among young people about their exclusion from vital decision-making avenues.

These remarks underscore a broader demand for the government to address youth issues more effectively. By facilitating pre-SONA discussions, Kaliati believes the government can develop policies that more closely align with the needs and aspirations of the youth. Her statements are anticipated to ignite further dialogue on enhancing youth participation in governance and policymaking across Malawi.

In summary, Patricia Kaliati’s critique emphasizes the necessity of engaging youth in the policymaking process before the State of the Nation Address. She believes this engagement is vital for ensuring their concerns are meaningfully addressed. Kaliati’s observations reflect a wider sentiment among the youth regarding their need for inclusion in governance and raise important questions about the responsiveness of the Malawian government to this demographic.

Original Source: malawi24.com