Lack of statistical data capturing hinders progress made in MDGs.

Youth and Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili says there is need to put in place an efficient and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism to track progress made in the attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Mr Kambwili observed that lack of statistical information capturing systems have made it difficult to evaluate progress made in the attainment of the MDGs.

In a speech read for him by his Deputy Christopher Mulenga during the Youth Dialogue meeting on the Post 2015 Development Agenda, the Minister said a participatory monitoring mechanism in turn reinforces transparency and accountability.

He said while Zambia has not completely achieved the MDGs, significant progress has been made especially in the education sector and reduction in maternal mortality rate.

Mr Kambwili said poverty levels have continued to remain high in the country due to unemployment despite strides being made in achieving the MDGs.

He said government has placed a lot of emphasis on tackling problems of youth unemployment as a way of combating poverty in the country.

And speaking at the same occasion, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Zambia Director Martin Clemensson said sustainable development cannot be attained without jobs.

Mr Clemensson said it is important to find creative ways of creating jobs for young people in Zambia so that they can contribute to the country’s development.