By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
African Group of Negotiators has mobilized over US$800 million in pledges towards the Loss and Damage Fund, marking a major milestone in global efforts to support vulnerable countries facing the impacts of climate change.
The achievement comes as Zambia’s Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Collins Nzovu, has been conferred with the prestigious First Class Order of Zayed II by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in recognition of the country’s contributions to global climate action, particularly during the COP28.
The recognition follows Zambia’s active role in pushing for the establishment and operationalizing of the Loss and Damage Fund under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process.
Speaking on the development, Eng. Nzovu highlighted that the journey towards establishing the fund began at COP26 in Glasgow, where Zambia took up a leadership role within the African Group of Negotiators.
“At COP-26, we pushed for the establishment of the fund responding to loss and damage, although progress was limited to the Glasgow Climate Pact which set up a dialogue on financing,” he noted.
He however said, momentum improved at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where African ministers, under Zambia’s coordination, secured a breakthrough agreement to establish the Loss and Damage Fund.
“Indeed, by close of COP-27 we made a tremendous breakthrough, Parties agreed to establish a new Loss and Damage Fund, alongside a Transitional Committee to draft operational recommendations,” Eng. Nzovu stresssed.
The 24-member committee subsequently held multiple meetings and workshops to resolve key issues around governance and structure, culminating in a landmark decision at COP28 in Dubai.
“On November 30, 2023, COP-28 operationalized the Fund responding to loss and damage on the opening day in Dubai, with Parties adopting the recommendations of the Transitional Committee,” he added.
Zambia attributed this global recognition to its sustained leadership and strategic engagement in climate negotiations, under the guidance of Hakainde Hichilema.
Eng. Nzovu noted that at the highest level, President Hichilema also played a key role in advancing Africa’s climate agenda, including contributing to the successful conclusion of the Global Stocktake and championing structured carbon markets to ensure fair compensation for forest conservation efforts.
He further stressed that Zambia’s participation at COP28 was anchored on securing climate financing, promoting green growth, and attracting investment in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture and water development.
Eng. Nzovu also paid tribute to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, led by Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba and supported by technical teams, for its role in driving the negotiations alongside other African countries.
He expressed gratitude to cooperating partners and environmental stakeholders whose contributions helped shape the outcome.
“This distinguished recognition is not only a personal honour, but a reflection of Zambia’s growing leadership and constructive engagement in global climate action,” the statement said.
