Launch of the CAPAH Exhibition Business Forum

• The Vice President of the Republic of Zambia Her Honor Mrs WK Mutale Nalumango
• The Honourable Minister of Defence and Chairperson for the Coalition of African Parliamentarians on Human, Animal Health and Environment,
  
  Mr. Ambrose Lufuma, MP
• Senior Government officials
• Members of the Diplomatic Corps
• Members of the UN Country Team
• Private Sector Representatives
• Invited guests
• The Media
• Ladies and gentlemen

I am honored to represent the UN system in Zambia at this important event to mark the launch of the Coalition of African Parliamentarians on Human, Animal Health and Environment or CAPAH Exhibition Business Forum being held under the theme “Leaders Networking to Unlock the Economy in Zambia”.

On behalf of the UN Country Team, I wish from the outset to underscore the commitment of the United Nations in supporting Zambia to address its priorities as contained in the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP) and contribute towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Cooperation Framework is a partnership of support between the UN and the Government of the Republic of Zambia for the period 2023 to 2027 and, is the legal document that will guide our collective work as the UN in support of Zambia’s development priorities.

Your Honour, Madam Vice President, I am happy to note that following your launch of the Cooperation Framework on 4 November last year, we have embarked on the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in order to support the Government to improve the lives of the Zambian people. The framework strives to be flexible and efficient, as was the case in the recent floods of early February, when our UN teams were rapidly mobilized to join efforts with DMMU and partners on the ground to alleviate the suffering of the populations affected.

Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen

We are in the Decade of Action with only seven years before the year 2030 In line with the theme for this launch, it is important to emphasize that networking remains central to unlocking and elevating the current potential within the Zambian economy. 

As the UN, in Zambia we are confident that CAPAH’s work in the Western and Northwestern provinces will make great strides in the reduction of inequality, the stimulation of economic growth and the enhancement of the livelihood of the people of Zambia. However, this success will only be ensured if we collaborate and leverage our strengths and comparative advantages.

We must do our utmost to collectively address development, peace and humanitarian interventions.

Attaining sustainable development calls for an all of society approach with leaders across all levels doing their part. I am pleased to note that Parliamentarians under CAPAH are coming together to help make a difference in ensuring economic growth in Zambia.  MPs are key in influencing and mobilizing people and stakeholders to care and act in improving their own communities and society as a whole. Therefore, I argue you to explore development and financing options including private sector finances, Public Private Partnerships, Capital Markets and Green Finance to accelerate sustainable development in Zambia.

Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen

As I conclude, let me highlight one important aspect that forms part of the work by CAPAH. I am talking about One Health. In line with the Cooperation Framework, we as the UN are supporting interventions in Zambia to help optimize the health for the people, animals, and ecosystems.

We do so with full realization that the health of the people, animals whether domestic and wild, plants and the broad environment are closely linked and interdependent.

In closing, let me on behalf of the UN Country Team, underscore the United Nation’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s development priorities. We will stand by the Government and provide continuous support, working in partnership with our valued partners and the people of Zambia.

 I thank you.