United Nations in Zambia Applauds Zambia’s Hosting of the 2025 Global National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Expo

The United Nations in Zambia congratulates the Republic of Zambia for being selected as the host of the 2025 Global National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Expo, scheduled to take place in Lusaka from 12–15 August 2025.

Organized by the Least Developed Countries Expert Group under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the NAP Expo is a flagship global event that fosters knowledge exchange, showcases best practices, and builds strategic partnerships to advance climate adaptation efforts. It plays a pivotal role in supporting countries to formulate and implement their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).

“Zambia’s leadership in climate adaptation and its inclusive approach to sustainable development make it an ideal host of this year’s NAP Expo,” said Dr. Clement Peter Lasuba, United Nations Resident Coordinator, ad interim. “This event is a cornerstone of the United Nations’ collective efforts to support countries in building resilience to climate change.”

In addition to adaptation efforts, the UN in Zambia is actively supporting climate change mitigation through innovative, cross-sectoral initiatives aligned with Zambia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The UN in Zambia, through its specialized agencies, is actively supporting small-scale farmers to build climate-resilient livelihoods.

The UN in Zambia will participate in the NAP Expo through five agencies that will showcase impactful climate resilience and cross-cutting interventions:

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
• International Labour Organization (ILO)
• United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

One highlight is the Facility for Action for Climate Empowerment to achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (FACE-NDC) project implemented through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment which promotes climate education through behavioural science, aiming to transform formal and non-formal education systems to foster climate-friendly behaviours. With support from FAO, UNESCO, UNITAR, the Copperbelt University, and The University of Zambia, the FACE-NDC initiative is the largest investment in climate education in Zambia, targeting over 2 million beneficiaries by 2030.

Launched in April 2025, this multi-country Green Climate Fund (GCF) project strengthens Zambia’s capacity to mobilize climate finance and catalyse investment in climate-resilient agrifood systems. It brings together government ministries, private sector actors, and development partners to co-create solutions that align with Zambia’s NDCs and NAPs.

Another key initiative is the Strengthening Climate Resilience of Agricultural Livelihoods in Agro-Ecological Regions I and II in Zambia (SCRALA). This programme supports the Government of Zambia in enhancing farmers’ capacity to manage climate risks, promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, improving food security, and expanding market access for climate-smart commodities. Since the project was launched in February 2019, over 738,656 small-scale farmers have benefited. 

The SCRALA project is managed by UNDP, with technical support from FAO and World Food Programme (WFP) and is financed by the Green Climate Fund. Implementation is led by the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture with support from the Zambia Meteorological Department and Water Resources Management Authority which demonstrates the UN’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable development. 

Other impactful projects includethe Climate Change Adaptation in Forest and Agricultural Mosaic Landscapes project, supported by the Global Environmental Facility Cycle 7 and implemented by FAO in partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The project is benefitting more than 100,000 people with climate smart Agriculture practices and managing over 150,000 Hectares of Community Forests.

Further, the Scaling-up Public Private Co-Investments for Climate Action in Agri Food Systems project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by Ministry of Green Economy and Environment with FAO as a delivery partner aims to contribute to the creation of an enabling environment that channels capital towards sustainable practices in agrifood systems by involving the private sector in the co-creation of sectoral investment plans and concept notes. 

The project has so far enhanced the capacities of the National Designated Authorities (NDAs), Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and private sector actors to identify business opportunities aligned with agrifood priorities in NDCs and NAPs.  

The United Nations in Zambia remains committed to working with the Government and people of Zambia to build a sustainable, climate-resilient future through adaptation, mitigation, education, and innovation.

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For more information, please contact:

Mark Maseko, National Information Officer

United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lusaka 

P: +260-211-228487 

E: masekom@un.org