Zambia Hosts High-Level Dialogue to Mark the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations

On 29 October 2025, the United Nations in Zambia commemorated the 80th UN anniversary with a high-level stakeholder dialogue held at the Graduate School of Business, University of Zambia. The event, themed “UN@80: Celebrating Achievements, Shaping Tomorrow,” brought together a diverse group of participants including members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, youth, civil society, academia, journalists and development partners.

The dialogue served as a platform to reflect on the UN’s legacy in Zambia and globally, while also looking ahead to the future of multilateral cooperation and sustainable development.

Government Reaffirms Zambia’s Commitment to Multilateralism

Officiating the event on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, MP, was Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary for International Cooperation. In her address, Ms. Gundersen reaffirmed Zambia’s enduring commitment to multilateralism and its strong partnership with the United Nations.

She highlighted the UN’s critical role in promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development, noting that Zambia has benefited immensely from this decades-long collaboration. “Despite global challenges, Zambia remains committed to multilateral cooperation and aims to localize key UN frameworks for greater impact,” she said.

Ms. Prudence Kaoma, Permanent Secretary for Planning and Administration at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, underscored the critical importance of investing in human capital to unlock Zambia’s demographic dividend. She emphasized that leveraging multilateral frameworks is essential to sustaining long-term development, particularly in the context of ongoing debt restructuring and economic transformation.

Ms. Kaoma also reaffirmed Zambia’s strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that the country has made significant strides in integrating the Global Goals into its national planning. She highlighted that over 80 percent of the SDGs have been mainstreamed into Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan, demonstrating the government’s dedication to aligning national priorities with global development targets.

UN Zambia Calls for Renewed Global Cooperation

Ms. Beatrice Mutali, the UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia, welcomed participants with a powerful message of reflection and action. She emphasized that the 80th anniversary of the UN was not only a celebration of past achievements but a call to shape a more inclusive and effective UN for future generations.

“Global challenges demand global solutions,” Ms. Mutali stated. “This milestone is a call to action — to renew our commitment to multilateralism, bold thinking, and strong partnerships.”

She also acknowledged Zambia’s journey since independence in 1964, noting the UN’s role in supporting national development across sectors.

Engaging Dialogue with Diverse Panellists

The event featured two dynamic panel discussions moderated by Mr. Seth Broekman, UNFPA Representative and Ms. Cissy Kabasuuga, WFP Country Director, with thought-provoking contributions from Ambassador Lazarous Kapambwe, former Permanent Representative to the UN, who reflected on the strengths and areas for improvement in the UN’s support model for achieving the SDGs.

"Zambia’s choice to gain independence on 24 October, which is also UN Day, was not a coincidence, but a deliberate gesture by leaders to honour the UN for its support in the country’s liberation struggle," he said.

For his part, Mr. Geofrey Sizala, ActionAid Zambia Business Development and Fundraising Manager, emphasized the need for the promotion of gender equality, innovative financing and stronger partnerships between civil society, government, and the private sector.

Youth voices were powerfully represented by Ms. Olivia Tutu, Founder and Executive Director of Youth on Sustainable Development. In her remarks, she called for greater action on the Pact for the Future, emphasizing the need for meaningful youth participation in shaping global and national agendas.

Ms. Tutu stressed that restoring intergenerational trust requires tangible outcomes that directly address the pressing challenges faced by young people — including climate change, job security, and digital governance. Her message was a clear reminder that the future must be built with youth, not just for them.

Representing persons with disabilities, Mr. Moses Luneta, Board Chairperson of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities, delivered a compelling message on the importance of inclusive development. He stressed that disability inclusion is not charity, but a matter of rights, dignity, and equity.

Mr. Luneta called for inclusive policies that actively address stigma and discrimination, ensuring that no one is left behind. He emphasized that national planning must consistently and deliberately accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities, integrating accessibility and inclusion into every stage of development.

Ambassador Hawa Hassan Mohamed, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Zambia, reminded the audience about the need for all member states to support the United Nations.

“When you talk about the United Nations, remember that you are the United Nations. The UN simply implements that member states have agreed. She noted need for the UN to be ready to address emerging challenges.

Dr. Rosemary Fumpa-Makano, Lecturer at the Copperbelt University’s Dag Hammarskjöld Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, highlighted Zambia’s strategic role in fostering regional peace and stability. She emphasized that peace is a cornerstone of sustainable development and that Zambia, widely regarded as a beacon of stability in the region, can leverage this position to promote regional trade and investment — benefiting both its own development and that of its neighbours.

Building on the theme of development and partnerships, Mr. Anthony Kabaghe, President of the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), explored the evolving dynamics of resource mobilization in a rapidly changing global landscape. He discussed how the private sector, in collaboration with the United Nations and government, can play a pivotal role in financing national development. Mr. Kabaghe emphasized the need for innovative approaches that reflect the shrinking of political borders and the expansion of corporate influence, calling for stronger alignment between public and private sector efforts.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for the Future

The UN@80 commemoration in Zambia also marks 61 years of partnership between the UN and the government, with Zambia having joined the global body in December 1964. The event was a celebration of shared achievements and setting the stage for deeper collaboration. As the world faces complex challenges, the dialogue reaffirmed the importance of inclusive partnerships, youth engagement, and a renewed commitment to the SDGs.