R E G I O N A L I N D I C A T I V E S T R A T E G I C D E V E L O P M E N T P L A N Foreword The Southern African Development Community (SADC) The RISDP and SIPO are meant to realign our started the process of reviewing the operations of its priorities and refocus our policies and strategies to institutions in 1999. This process comprised the address these and other challenges facing SADC. They are alignment of regional priorities, review of policies and also intended to make effective use of the opportunities strategies, and the restructuring of the supporting for development that globalisation presents, while institutional framework. Such reviews are necessary if we containing the adverse effects of global trends. are to adapt our developing strategies to the needs and In this context, the RISDP points out the region’s realities of an ever-changing world, with its new priority intervention areas, and maps out general goals challenges, opportunities and complexities. and targets for the next fifteen years. The goals include The challenges facing the Regional Indicative trade, economic liberalisation and development, infra- Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) and the Strategic structure support for regional integration, sustainable Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO) have to be seen food security, and human and social development. against the background of a region that has gained a lot In addition, the RISDP identifies cross-sectoral of experience in promoting regional co-operation and intervention areas, including combating the HIV/AIDS integration. We have to build on this experience as we pandemic, implement the RISDP and SIPO. development, science and technology, information and Poverty reduction, in all its dimensions – including and communication promoting gender technologies, equality environment and and malnutrition, high levels of infant and child mortality, sustainable development, as well as private sector illiteracy, unclean water and poor sanitation – must development. receive the priority it deserves. The HIV/AIDS pandemic, With regard to politics, defence and security co- and other communicable diseases, undermine our operation, priorities include preventing, managing and development efforts by robbing us of the most productive resolving conflicts so as to strengthen and sustain citizens of our regional community. Peace, security and national and regional stability, peace and security. democracy must be upheld and promoted, and many success in these areas will greatly facilitate te attainment gains attained must be appreciated and consolidated. of our regions’ development goals.