OCTOBER 24 is a significant date in history, marking the establishment of the League of Nations in 1945, which later became the United Nations (UN). This date also commemorates Zambia’s Independence Day. The UN and Zambia recently celebrated their 79th and 60th anniversaries, respectively.The UN in Zambia held a cocktail at the Inter-Continental Hotel on October 31, this year, to mark these two significant events. The event was a joint celebration of the UN and Zambia’s commitment to peace, sustainable development, human rights, and addressing climate change issues.
In her speech, UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia Beatrice Mutali emphasized the importance of global cooperation, innovation, and solidarity in addressing global challenges such as inequality and climate change.Ms Mutali underscored the UN’s commitment to walking with Zambia and being part of writing the story of 60 years together.”The UN-Zambia partnership will continue to evolve, rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for a just, equitable, and sustainable future. We will support Zambia in harnessing the potential of its young people, empowering women and girls, protecting the rights of Persons with Disabilities, and ensuring that no one is left behind,” Ms Mutali said.
She also appreciated the efforts of the Government of Zambia in taking concrete steps to address the needs of those most affected populations.”The UN, together with other Partners, has been working with the Government hand-in-hand to respond to this unprecedented climate-related emergency, while at the same time trying to promote sustainability and building resilience,” Ms Mutali said.
She also said the UN is proud to support Zambia in implementing climate-smart policies, expanding renewable energy access, and safeguarding biodiversity. “Our partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength as we work together to build climate-resilient communities, protect natural ecosystems, and ensure sustainable development for future generations,’’ she said.
Another point that strongly stood out from Mutli’s speech is that the UN remains committed to supporting Zambia’s Vision 2030, aligning its Cooperation Framework with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), which is 87 percent aligned to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “By focusing on inclusive economic growth, climate action, peace strengthening, and human development, Zambia and the UN are laying the foundation for a brighter future for all the people in Zambia, in particular the young generations,” she emphasized.
Acting Minister of Community Development and Social Elvis Nkandu who is also Minister of Youth, Sport and Art said other than celebrating the solid partnership Zambia has had with the UN, the day was also meant to honour those that fought for Zambia’s freedom and the UN for championing the political emancipation of Zambia and other countries across the globe.
Mr Nkandu said Zambia has remained a model of peace and stability in the region over the years and has been an active member of the UN, ranging from once chairing the UN General Assembly to co-leading the negotiations to several committees on development, peace, and security and finance. “ In times when the un Security Council has requested member States to contribute troops to he UN peacekeeping, Zambia has always stepped up and this goes back to as far as 1982,’’ Mr Nkandu said.
He said Zambia remains one of the 20 largest contributors to the UN peacekeeping operations. He said Zambian continues to make efforts towards the attainment of the SDGs which remain the reference point in ensuring peace, economic prosperity, human capital development and environmental protection in line with the 8NDP. “As Government, we remain resolved in working with the United Nations in implementing the Zambia-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the UN reform. This is demonstrated through several joint programmes and collaborations targeting youth, women, children, among many others,’’ Mr Nkandu said.
He acknowledged the tremendous support the UN has rendered to Zambia over the years across several sectors including health, , nutrition, education, protection of refugees, asylum seekers and others, social protection and environment.
He said the Government is also celebrating the re-introduction of free education, improvement of health care services, and infrastructure growth. “Zambia has made significant strides in development. We are building a future where everyone in Zambian can succeed, where our children can dream big, and where our nation continues to play a leading role on the regional and global stage,’’ he said.
Mr Nakndu said Zambia would like to reaffirm her commitment to the UN charter militarism and to the ideals that have guided the friendship with the UN through the first six decades of independence. Zambia’s prominent diplomat and politician Vernon Mwaanga said in a recorded message that the UN has been Zambia’s partner of democracy in so many ways.
He said the UN was instrumental n the formation of Zambia’s multi-party system and that Sustainable Development has been the UN concept for a long time and that, it is beneficial to Zambia’s population.
President Hakainde Hichilema also said in a recorded video that Zambia’s remains committed towards the attainment of the SDGs while recognizing the need to recognize the existing relationship between the UN and Zambia
