By George Mponda

Mzuzu, June 23, Mana: Director of Development and Planning at the National Planning Commission (NPC), Grace Kumchulesi, on Monday urged Malawians to embrace mindset change as a way of breaking poverty cycle and driving sustainable national development.

Kumchulesi was speaking in Mzuzu during a consultation meeting on Integrated Mindset Change Program.

She said that there is need for a mental shift among Malawians to support realization of Malawi 2063.

 “As a country, we have overstayed in poverty. It is high time we started thinking positively to transform as individuals, communities and as a nation.

“Malawi 2063 is a long-term vision that requires more than policies, it demands a positive mindset for it to succeed,” said Kumchulesi.

She further urged Malawians to adopt a positive attitude towards education, entrepreneurship and household management aligning them with national efforts with the vision’s aspirations.

“Mindset change is the foundation of sustainable development. We must eliminate negative thinking and cultural barriers that continue to hold back our national potential,” she added.

Director of Civic Education in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Misheck Munthali, echoed Kunchulesi’s call, stressing the urgency of action amid challenges such as climate change and global economic shocks.

“We must think positively, take positive action and exercise patience and resilience to confront these challenges and achieve meaningful progress. Malawians must first heal their minds. Only then can we begin to advance as a nation,” said Munthali.

He then emphasised the need to use all available platforms to promote patriotism and positive thinking.

Golden Mmora, a youth representative from Mzuzu City, said mindset change among young people is crucial as they are a majority of the nation’s population.

“When young people move from a mindset of dependency and hopelessness to one of innovation, responsibility and self-reliance, they can become active drivers of national progress,” Mmora said.

He added that when the youth embrace values such as integrity, accountability and long-term vision, they not only improve their own lives but also serve as positive influences in their communities.

The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, with support from the National Planning Commission. It was attended by civic education hubs from Karonga and Nkhata Bay, as well as representatives from civil society organizations, academia, faith-based groups, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders.