REGIONAL INDIC ATIVE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PL AN 5 5 CHAPTER 4 Priority Intervention Areas Priority Intervention Areas The interventions provide a broad strategic 4.1 BACKGROUND framework. The directorates at the Secretariat will prepare The selection of the intervention areas presented in this detailed implementation plans based on this framework. chapter is based on their contribution to the overarching A number of assumptions have been identified as objectives and priorities identified in the Report of the critical for the attainment of the goals and achievement of Review of SADC Institutions, approved by SADC Heads of the targets. These include the existence of strong political State and Government in Windhoek, Namibia in March 2001. will, good governance, availability of human and financial The intervention areas are divided in two main groups, resources, and effective management of inter-sectoral namely those of a cross-sectoral nature and those related to linkages and synergies. The priority intervention areas presented in this specific functional areas of cooperation and integration. Besides addressing the challenges identified in chapter are as follows: Chapters 2 and 3, the criteria used to select the priority A. Cross-Sectoral Intervention Areas intervention areas include contribution to poverty • Poverty eradication; reduction and eradication; development integration; • Combating of the HIV and AIDS pandemic; sustainable, balanced and equitable development; inte- • Gender equality and development; gration into the continental and global economy; and • Science and Technology; gender equality. • Information and Communication Technologies; • Environment and Sustainable Development; • Private Sector • Statistics The presentation of the intervention areas highlights the overall goal, areas of focus, key strategies, and broad targets. The targets take into account the Millennium Development Goals and other internationally agreed parameters and will be reviewed every two years. It B. Sectoral cooperation and integration Intervention Areas should be noted that the targets are not presented in • Trade/economic liberalization and development; order of priority. The interventions are further elaborated • Infrastructure support for regional integration and poverty eradication; in matrices, which identify the objectives, strategies, measures, time frames, indicators and the line respon- • Sustainable food security; and sibility (attached as annexes). • Human and social development.