United Nations in Zambia

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Zambia:

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25 September 2020

Have your say. Shape your future.

To mark its 75th anniversary, the United Nations is launching a global conversation on the role of international cooperation in building the future we want.

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29 September 2023

Zambian Youth Embarks on a Journey to Innovate Pain Relief Solutions

Meet Retiana Tiyamike Phiri, a remarkable young scientist defying stereotypes. At just 20 years old, she is not your typical scientist. She is an outgoing and charismatic leader, overseeing a dynamic team of six innovators at Invenker Technologies, a startup consisting of four male and two female students. Retiana has invented a product called PEC, a pain relief solution for both children and adults. Love for Science Retiana's journey into the world of science was inspired by her father, who encouraged her and her sisters to excel in Mathematics and Science, breaking gender norms. “I am the third born in a family of only girls. I have five sisters. Dad always said Maths and Science was also for girls and urged us to prove that we were smart and competitive.” Despite occasional pressure from extended family members for the girls to choose what they termed ‘easy’ subjects and courses of study, Retiana and her siblings worked hard and excelled at Mathematics and Science subjects, sometimes perceived as difficult pathways for girls. While attending school at Roma Girls Secondary School in Lusaka, Retiana turned out to be the President for the school’s Junior Engineers Technicians and Scientists (JETS) club, a Zambian Government-led initiative that promotes the learning of scientific subjects through innovations and exhibitions among learners. Health Challenge According to Retiana, through her experience during industrial attachments as a bio-medical student, public health facilities in Zambia have limited options for pain relief while those in the private sector are expensive. “Public hospitals do not have certain medical devices. The only things patients are exposed to are hot water bottles and pain killers and maybe a massage with rub-on or any type of rubbing balm. Private sector facilities have availability, but they are very costly because they are buying machines that will be used by more than one person,” she said. Innovation PEC was born in 2020 but developed in 2021 when Retiana enrolled to study for a Diploma in Biomedical Engineering at Evelyn Hone College in Lusaka. Since that year, she has not looked back in finding ways of relieving back pain, arthritis, and other types of physical discomfort among people. “What triggered this idea was because I used to experience bad menstrual cramps every month. I would use either pain killers or hot water bottles.” Both options presented problems for Retiana as she could not take pain killers all the time due to a kidney problem that she had experienced for four years. On the other hand, carrying around a hot water bottle was not convenient including the fact that the water would soon cool down and become ineffective. Retiana also explains the convenience of PEC. “Instead of waiting for me as a Biomedical Engineer to come and switch on and move the machine for them to properly set it up, we could have a more wearable form that is easily placed on the patient. Also note that imported wearable devices are expensive due to shipping costs so why not have something that is made here in Zambia and have more treatment options for that device”? she wondered. A closer look at PEC “We have come up with different devices and keep making improvements based on the feedback we get from clients. You cannot see the parts of the equipment as we assemble and then get someone to nicely place in a fabric that is comfortable to wear. I have made different wearable devices for different parts of the body, so it depends on where the pain is and you pick the right device,” she said. Response “Many people have tried my equipment. I too always use it when I experience abdominal pain. I also get a lot of feedback from my grandmother who usually experiences pain due to Arthritis. She tells me if I need to reduce the heat, vibration, or design for more comfort on the body,” Retiana explained. Support from the United Nations Retiana’s project was selected in 2021 through the National Innovation Initiative (NII) – a nationwide competitive call for innovations by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Zambia and partners that included the National Technology Business Centre (NTBC) and the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), PACRA and with support from UNFPA. Following her application, she won the Youngest Innovation Award under the 2021 National Innovation Initiative. Following the award, her innovation has benefitted from mentorship and technical support from UNDP through its Accelerator Lab , which is part of UNDP’s drive to be an agile incubator of local solutions that have a high potential to accelerate progress towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. Further, the project, which is now under the experimentation stage. It has also benefitted from technical advice from engineering personnel from the Copperbelt University (CBU) in Kitwe, under the Experimentation Programme, led by the National Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) in collaboration with CBU located in Zambia’s mineral rich Copperbelt Province.. Within the college [Evelyn Hone], the team receives support from the Physiotherapy Department that provides guidance on needed adjustments to the innovation. “Through the Accelerator Lab’s Experimentation Programme we are also receiving support with regulatory approval and guidance on procedures and purchasing of components. They have also assigned experts to provide feedback on engineering and technical aspects as we work towards trials and the launch,” said Retiana. Due to Retina’s enthusiasm and passion for innovation, she is currently serving on the Experimentation Committee, providing strategic advice to the implementation of the Unipod (another UNDP Innovation initiative) being setup at the Copperbelt University to ensure that programs developed for female led innovations are relevant and targeted at promoting their participation. Dreams With a distant gaze, Retiana spelled out what she would like to see from her efforts. “I want to be the first to manufacture medical equipment in Zambia and improve the health sector in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3. The more we manufacture our own equipment as Zambia, the better the health care access in this country,” she said. “This innovation requires different types of skills, so we want to create employment not just for us but everyone. We want to hire more young people, women and girls that have the skill. We want to be impactful in different ways.” Team She believes that young people can make a difference. “As young people we are energetic and have fresh brains. We can acquire different skills. Young people should be today’s leaders. We cannot wait for tomorrow,” she said. One of her team members is Emmanuel Mwape, aged 23, a final year Biomedical Engineering Student at Evelyn Hone College. He embraces Retiana’s leadership and is happy to be part of the team. “I do not feel intimidated being led by a female as women also have what it takes to lead. I met Retiana in 2021 as we were in the same class and wanted to know who this girl was that talked all smart. We had a long conversation that lasted from a few minutes to hours. We later started working together.” Emmanuel sees a lot of promise in the PEC innovation. “Locally I see a lot of people being helped including the old, and others such as truck drivers who sit for a long hours as they drive and may end up with back pain. I see PEC being implemented and helping many people,” said Emmanuel. As the globe stands at the halfway mark to 2030, which is the deadline for progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, youth-led efforts are key in fostering hope that countries can rescue the Global Goals in the remaining seven years. ###

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22 September 2023

United Nations Supports Gender Equality and Women’s Participation Among Refugees

The Gender Equality and Women’s Participation Initiative (GEWPI), a programme funded by the Ireland Embassy in Zambia running from October 2022 to September 2023 is supporting the Government to address current gaps in existing coordination mechanisms across all key stakeholders in the Gender area. The initiative plays a catalytic and key role in tackling the four critical areas for a gender transformative approach namely Strengthened Coordination, Research & Data, Diminishing Voices – Women’s Empowerment, and Social Cohesion – Male Involvement and GBV Prevention. The GEWPI project strengthens UNHCR’s current programme in preventing, risk mitigation and responding to Gender Based Violence (GBV)/Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) in refugee settlements. To promote community ownership and sustainability of GBV prevention and response programmes, awareness campaigns are being conducted through engaging community structures, men and boys, the youth, and women in Mantapala Refugee Settlement. Building on the existing activities with Implementing Partners including YWCA through coordination with UNFPA, UNHCR leads on inclusive engagement interventions for men and boys for GBV prevention through peer-to-peer support and youth facilitation of GBV prevention and women and girl’s empowerment dialogues in Mantapala. In August 2023, the UN undertook a monitoring visit to Mantapala Refugee Settlement to assess progress made towards implementation of the programme activities through Research and Data in addition to Enhanced Social Cohesion by Male Involvement & GBV Prevention done with the Mens and Womens Networks. There was also a separate interaction with youth to get their views and concerns with the awareness training on GBV and Gender norms. Furthermore, a one-day training workshop on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) was conducted for GRZ, UN Staff and Implementing Partners to ensure that they were aware and understood how to prevent and respond to SEA in the Mantapala Settlement. At the close of the training, UNHCR Head of Field Office Kawambwa Awo Dede Cromwell had this to say, "The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse is important in the work that we do and it is our responsibility to protect those under our care". On the final day of the monitoring visit, two UN Clubs were opened at Mantapala Primary and Secondary schools. Present at the launch were Headmen Kunda and Nsamiwa, members of the PTA, community leaders, teachers, and learners. The clubs are aimed at helping children and youth learn more about the UN, global issues and topical subjects such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Human Rights, Gender, Democracy, Health, and Governance. The clubs will enable learners to relate what they learn in class and other platforms to practical situations during debates, outreach activities, learning visits and related opportunities. “This is a historic moment for the school, the learners and the community at large”, said Mr Naciuos Musata, Head Teacher, Mantapala Secondary School at the official opening of the club. Voices from the community “As a youth, I am grateful for the awareness training on SEA as it has helped me better understand how to protect myself from being abused.” *Angela “Children are aware of their rights, this has helped reduce the chances of being abused by adults because they know where to go and report matters of abuse.” *James “We have seen a significant reduction in issues of GBV in the community following the awareness sessions.” *Beauty “My home is now a peaceful environment for my children and myself, we are now self-conscious in how we conduct ourselves.” *Martha “We are respected in the community because of our training and the branding we have that easily helps identify us and our neighbours come to us when they are facing difficulties.” *Mary “We urge the sponsors for this programme to continue with the good work.” *Moses “The UN Clubs that have been opened at the two schools will enhance the learning experience of the children. Climate Change is a real issue here in Mantapala and I am glad that it is something that with the knowledge received will not only benefit the learners but the community as well” Headman Elastus Kunda. *note real names About Mantapala Refugee Settlement Mantapala Settlement, which covers approximately 8,000 hectares, was established in January 2018 to host refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who entered Zambia through Luapula province and other northern border entry points. The refugees who are 7,943 as of 31st August 2023 coexist with a farming host community of approximately 7,000 people in 11 villages surrounding the settlement. In 2022, more than half of the refugee population in the settlement chose to return to the DRC as part of the voluntary repatriation programme which began in December 2021.

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Members from the Mens and Womens Network during the discussion on GBV issues

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19 September 2023

UN General Assembly adopts declaration to accelerate SDGs

Mr. Guterres was speaking at the opening of a high-level forum at UN Headquarters where world leaders adopted a political declaration to accelerate action to achieve the 17 goals, which aim to drive economic prosperity and well-being for all people while protecting the environment. “The SDGs aren’t just a list of goals. They carry the hopes, dreams, rights and expectations of people everywhere,” he said. Concerted, ambitious action World leaders adopted the SDGs in 2015, promising to leave no one behind. The goals include ending extreme poverty and hunger, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, as well as green energy, and providing quality universal education and lifelong learning opportunities. UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis noted that despite commitments, 1.2 billion people were still living in poverty as of 2022, and roughly eight per cent of the global population, or 680 million people, will still be facing hunger by the end of the decade. The international community cannot accept these numbers, he said. "With concerted, ambitious action, it is still possible that, by 2030, we could lift 124 million additional people out of poverty and ensure that some 113 million fewer people are malnourished," he said. Going backwards Each of the 17 goals contains targets, with 169 overall, but the Secretary-General warned that currently only 15 per cent are on track, while many are going in reverse. The political declaration "can be a game-changer in accelerating SDG progress," he said. It includes a commitment to financing for developing countries and clear support for his proposal for an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion annually, as well as an effective debt-relief mechanism. It further calls for changing the business model of multilateral development banks to offer private finance at more affordable rates for developing countries, and endorses reform of the international finance architecture which he has labelled "outdated, dysfunctional and unfair." Millions still starving The UN chief highlighted the need for action in six critical areas, starting with addressing hunger, which he called “a shocking stain on humanity, and an epic human rights violation.” “It is an indictment of every one of us that millions of people are starving in this day and age,” he added. The Secretary-General said the transition to renewable energy isn’t happening fast enough, while the benefits and opportunities of digitalization are not being spread widely enough. Education cannot wait At the same time, too many children and young people worldwide are victims of poor quality education, or no education at all, he continued, before shining a spotlight on the need for decent work and social protection. Finally, he called for an end to the war on nature and “the triple planetary crisis” characterized by climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Ensure gender equality “Cutting across all of these transitions is the need to ensure full gender equality,” he said. “It’s long past time to end discrimination, ensure a place at every table for women and girls, and to end the scourge of gender-based violence. “ Mr. Guterres highlighted UN response to each area, including initiatives to transform global food systems so everyone can have access to a healthy diet. Other efforts focus on boosting investment in the renewable energy transition, promoting internet access for all, creating 400 million new “decent jobs”, and extending social protection to over four million people. Testament to commitment The President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Paula Narváez, was heartened by the adoption of the declaration, calling it a testament to leaders’ unwavering commitment towards implementing the SDGs. ECOSOC is at the core of the UN system’s work on all three pillars of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental – and provides a platform for follow-up and review of the goals. The two-day SDG Summit is the centrepiece of the UN General Assembly’s high-level week, the annual gathering of Heads of State and Government, and Ms. Narváez also pointed to two other events on the agenda. Seize the moment She said the High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development will address the need for an international financial architecture that can respond to current needs and emerging challenges. Meanwhile, the Climate Ambition Summit presents an opportunity for decisive progress on climate action and to raise the bar for more timely and targeted efforts. “This week should serve as a turning point to rescue the SDGs,” she said. “We must not let this moment slip away.” *Source: https://news.un.org/

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15 September 2023

Hope for Zambia’s Path to Sustainable Development

These Goals focus on ending hunger, reducing poverty, improving health, providing access to quality education, promoting gender equality, ensuring clean water and sanitation, providing affordable and clean energy, ensuring that there is decent work and economic growth among others. Commonly known as the 2030 Agenda, if they are fully attained, it will result in the well-being of all individuals, communities and citizens as a whole. In other words, if all the 17 sustainable goals are fully attained in Zambia, they will lead to sustainable development of the country. Today, as a global community, we stand at mid-point to the year 2030, which countries set as the deadline to achieve these vitally important universal, indivisible, and interconnected global development goals. The 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report that was launched on
12 September 2023 shows that at the halfway point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the world is far off track and that without urgent course correction and acceleration, humanity will face prolonged periods of crisis and uncertainty – triggered by and reinforcing poverty, inequality, hunger, disease, conflict and disaster. This has implications on countries’ ability to eradicate poverty and improve people’s livelihoods, economic growth and environmental protection. Similar to many other countries, most of the targets for the SDGs in Zambia are off-track. This is due to a combination of factors including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and inadequate financing. Zambia’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) of the SDGs (https://zambia.un.org/en/245569-zambias-voluntary-national-review-2023) presented during the High-Level Political Forum in New York this past July, clearly reveals the extent to which progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda has been impacted. For instance, under SDG 4 that seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, school closures during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to learning for most children, negatively impacting education outcomes in 2020 when compared to 2019. However, with the free education policy, employment of additional teachers and construction of new classrooms and review of the curriculum, there is hope that Zambia can attain this goal. Similarly, with SDG 3 on access to health, improvements in staffing levels, skilled birth attendance and the National Social Health Insurance Scheme coverage present hope that the country can address other constraints and get closer to achieving this goal. Closely following progress on all the SDGs, the UN is urging action. Commenting on the Global Sustainable Development Report 2023, Secretary General António Guterres stated: “Despite impressive engagement around the Sustainable Development Goals, the world is far off track. Much more effort, investment and systemic change are required.” It is notable that Zambia has integrated economic, social and environmental factors into the country’s development frameworks. The Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) is 87% aligned to the SDGs, underscoring Zambia's commitment to the 2030 Agenda. The UN remains committed to supporting the country achieve the SDGs in line with the 8NDP. While acknowledging the existing challenges that the country faces, there is hope that Zambia can overcome these and get back on the path to achieving the SDGs by 2030, while focusing on economic transformation for improved livelihoods. As we prepare for the 2023 SDG Summit that will take place from 18-19 September 2023 in New York, which will focus on marking the beginning of a new phase of accelerated progress towards the SDGs, we note that Zambia is making strides. The ongoing efforts to build back better are largely credited to a series of responsive policy decisions and interventions consistently executed through various government flagship programmes. These initiatives, bolstered by support from development partners, including the private sector and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), continue to focus on fostering both economic growth and human development, thus playing an indispensable role in expediting the realisation of SDG-related programmes. Several actions are required at various levels. Zambia ought to prioritize effective governance across all sectors, while simultaneously giving due consideration to local solutions and innovations in harnessing both domestic and external resources for the sake of sustainable development, including the adoption of digital technologies. In addition, forging strategic partnerships will play a pivotal role in supplementing government initiatives, enabling the nation to capitalise on opportunities for Foreign Direct Investment, technical and financial support from bilateral and multilateral development partners, as well as engagement with various domestic and international non-state actors within the country. Ensuring inclusive development requires an all-of-society approach where we all agree that making progress means changing the way we do things. Having a ‘business as usual’ approach is a sure way to fail. We, therefore, need to make bold and transformative decisions to leapfrog development in the nation. The UN will walk with the Zambian people in ending poverty, promoting education, stamping out Gender Based Violence, breaking inequalities, and conserving the environment, among other areas. We need to remain cognisant of the fact that the SDGs remain our blueprint to sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda is an agenda of justice and equality, of inclusive sustainable development, and human rights and dignity for all. Making the achievement of the SDGs a reality is a responsibility of all of us. Together, we can make it happen. ***

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04 September 2023

Press Release - Nairobi 4 September 2023 (WMO)

This is harming food security, ecosystems and economies, fueling displacement and migration and worsening the threat of conflict over dwindling resources, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The State of the Climate in Africa 2022 report shows that the rate of temperature increase in Africa has accelerated in recent decades, with weather- and climate-related hazards becoming more severe. And yet financing for climate adaptation is only a drop in the ocean of what is needed. More than 110 million people on the continent were directly affected by weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2022, causing more than US$ 8.5 billion in economic damages. There were a reported 5 000 fatalities, of which 48% were associated with drought and 43% were associated with flooding, according to the Emergency Event Database. But the true toll is likely to be much higher because of under-reporting. “Africa is responsible for less than 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. But it is the continent which is the least able to cope with the negative impacts of climate change. Heatwaves, heavy rains, floods, tropical cyclones, and prolonged droughts are having devastating impacts on communities and economies, with increasing numbers of people at risk,” said WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas. “There are big gaps in weather observations in Africa and early warning services are woefully adequate. We are determined to close those gaps and ensure that life-saving early warnings reach everyone,” he said. The report, produced jointly with the African Union Commission and Africa Climate Policy Centre of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), was released during the Africa Climate Summit, which also saw the launch of the Early Warnings For All in Africa Action Plan. Kenya, which is hosting the summit, also released its State of the Climate in Kenya in 2022 report. “Africa, like other regions, has come to terms with the reality that climate change is already happening. Left untamed, the coming decades and years would easily be characterized by severe climate-induced pressure on the continent’s economies, livelihoods and nature,” says H.E. Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission. “Given Africa’s high exposure, fragility and low adaptive capacity, the effects of climate change are expected to be felt more severely. People’s health, peace, prosperity, infrastructure, and other economic activities across many sectors in Africa are exposed to significant risks associated with climate change,” she writes in the report. Agriculture is the mainstay of Africa’s livelihoods and national economies – supporting more than 55% of the labor force. But its agricultural productivity growth has declined by 34% since 1961 due to climate change. This decline is the highest compared to what other regions of the world have experienced. Projected annual food imports by African countries are expected to increase by about a factor of three, from US$ 35 billion to US$ 110 billion by 2025. The level of loss and damage, and therefore the costs incurred, will depend on many factors, including the level of ambition of global mitigation actions and the level of investment in adaptation at the local level. In a 4 °C warming world, with strong regional adaptation, “residual damages” costs equivalent to 3% of Africa’s projected gross domestic product could be incurred annually by 2080. The loss and damage costs in Africa due to climate change are projected to range between US$ 290 billion and US$ 440 billion, depending on the degree of warming, according to the UNECA’s African Climate Policy Centre. Climate change and the diminishing natural resource base could fuel conflicts for scarce productive land, water, and pastures, where farmer-herder violence has increased over the past 10 years due to growing land pressure, with geographic concentrations in many sub-Saharan countries, according to the report. The report, with an accompanying story map, is the result of a multi-agency effort. It includes input from the African Union Commission, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, and contributions from African National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, WMO Regional Climate Centres, specialized United Nations agencies, the African Development Bank, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, and numerous experts and scientists. Key messages Temperature: The average rate of warming in Africa was +0.3 °C/decade during the 1991–2022 period, compared to +0.2 °C/decade between 1961 and 1990. This is slightly above the global average. The warming has been most rapid in North Africa, which was gripped by extreme heat, fueling wildfires in Algeria and Tunisia in 2022. Rainfall: The Horn of Africa faced its worst drought in 40 years, with Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia particularly hard hit. The “triple-dip” La Niña was a substantial contributor. Five consecutive failed rainfall seasons reduced agricultural productivity and food security. In Somalia, almost 1.2 million people became internally displaced by the catastrophic impacts of drought on pastoral and farming livelihoods and hunger during the year. A further 512 000 internal displacements associated with drought were recorded in Ethiopia. Many parts of the Sahel experienced significant flooding during the monsoon season, with Nigeria, Niger, Chad and the southern half of Sudan particularly affected. Tropical Cyclones: The South Indian Ocean experienced an active tropical cyclone season despite an unusually late start. The Southern Africa region was hit by a series of tropical cyclones and tropical storms in the first months of 2022, leading to flooding and population displacement. There was little time for recovery between shocks in nations like Madagascar. Sea-level rise: The rate of coastal sea-level rise in Africa is similar to the global mean value of 3.4 mm/year. It is, however, slightly higher than the global mean along the Red Sea (3.7 mm/year) and along the western Indian Ocean (3.6 mm/year). Climate Adaptation: Per capita emissions of carbon dioxide in Africa in 2021 were 1.04 metric tons per person, compared with the global average of 4.69 metric tons per person. More than 50 African countries have now submitted their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Agriculture and food security, water, disaster risk reduction, and health are the top priorities for adaptation. Implementing Africa’s NDCs will require up to US$ 2.8 trillion between 2020 and 2030. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has doubled its climate finance to US$ 25 billion by 2025 and devoted 67% of its climate finance to adaptation, in addition to its effort to raise up to US$ 13 billion for its Africa Development Fund. Notes for Editors The World Meteorological Organization is the United Nations System’s authoritative voice on Weather, Climate and Water www.wmo.int WMO wishes to thank all the Members, partners and experts who contributed to this report. For further information contact: Clare Nullis, WMO media officer, cnullis@wmo.int or media@wmo.int , Tel +41-79-7091397

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Press Release

02 October 2023

United Nations Zambia to host Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Run in Lusaka to mark UN Day

The United Nations in Zambia will on Saturday 28 October 2023 hold a 5km and 10km awareness run dubbed ‘Run for the SDGs’ to create awareness about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are fully embedded in Zambia’s 8th National Development Plan and inspire action in support of these development goals. The event, which will take place at the OYDC Zambia Sports Development Centre in Lusaka, shall be open to the public with no participation fee required. Speaking during a media briefing held this morning at the UN House, UNICEF Zambia Representative and Co-Chair of the UN Communication Group (UNCG), Ms Penelope Campbell, called for concerted efforts in the attainment of the SDGs. “We want to inspire individual, family and community action in support of the SDGs in Zambia through any kind of action, no matter how small. Together we can make a difference as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requires a whole of society approach. It is not just a responsibility of government, the UN, or NGOs. It is a responsibility of all of us to be aware of and to make a difference,” said Campbell. Ms Campbell added the importance of accelerating actions for the SDGs. “Since we are at mid-point to the year 2030 with only seven more years to go, we need to accelerate actions at all levels across society. Achievement of the SDGs has been hampered but there is hope that we can rescue the SDGs by 2030,” she said. And UNESCO Zambia Team Leader Alice Saili who is also Co-Chair of the UNCG said that the 2023 UN Day commemorations will include educational outreach to colleges and universities. “Apart from a Social Media campaign and different sports and activities by UN staff and partners, we will also have dialogues with students in colleges and universities. Young people are very resourceful in terms of the actions to be taken around the SDGs. Young people need to be involved and allowed to bring their energy, innovation and creativity to support the Agenda for Sustainable Development,” said Ms Saili. United Nations Day, on 24 October, marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. The UN in Zambia commemorates this day through various activities to share key messages about the work of the UN and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided UN work for the past 77 years. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States (including Zambia) in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 SDGs, which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. Take part and learn more by registering for the “Run for the SDGs”, which is open at: https://www.unzambiarun4sdgs.com/ ###

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Press Release

19 May 2023

PRESS RELEASE

Lusaka, 18 May 2023 – The United Nations in Zambia, in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security and supported by the American Government in Zambia, has launched a Forensic DNA Laboratory under the National Forensic Science and Biometrics Department that will offer the state-of-the-art analysis of DNA evidence in the resolution of sexual and other violent crimes, especially those perpetrated against children, women and other vulnerable groups. Speaking at the launch on 16 May, the UN Resident Representative, Ms Beatrice Mutali said, “the establishment of this DNA Lab is a big and important step in our efforts to decrease the number of genuine cases lost in the judicial system as DNA is a powerful investigative tool. Therefore, strengthening the forensic system in Zambia is a big gamechanger for women and girls who fall victim to sexual offences,” The UN Resident Coordinator underscored that the establishment of this DNA Lab is a big and important step in decreasing the number of genuine cases lost in the judicial system as DNA is a powerful investigative tool. Therefore, strengthening the forensic system in Zambia is a big gamechanger for women and girls who fall victim to sexual offences. The lab, which will be hosted by Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU), is the missing link in many sexual and gender based violent cases in Zambia. The forensic DNA evidence will annul the major setbacks in obtaining the much-needed justice for survivors of rape and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). With the establishment of the Forensic DNA laboratory, witness and survivor statements regarding the crime will now be corroborated by the DNA evidence. The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Honourable Jack Mwiimbu, who was present at the launch and welcomed the Forensic DNA Lab as a development that has led the Government of the Republic of Zambia to re-commit itself to the national zero tolerance to GBV, “with the opening of the Forensic DNA laboratory, the Government of the Republic of Zambia re-comits itself to the national zero tolerance of GBV and to improve quality access to GBV response services”. The Forensic DNA Laboratory, which is managed by the National Forensic Science and Biometrics Department, will categorize traces, isolate DNA, quantify and multiply DNA, and to profile/analyze the DNA. It is a Lab that expects to prioritize the examination of evidential material from the cases of SGBV, in order to support the investigations and resolution of these cases by the Zambia Police Service. The Forensic DNA Laboratory will also work with the; Zambia Police Service officers, and the medical officers from the Ministry of Health who handle evidential material for DNA analysis, in ensuring that the identification, collection, packaging, storage and transportation of the evidential material attain the acceptable International standards. Already 30 cases have been processed successfully and enabling conclusive investigations. The United States through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and their cooperating partner, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), supported the acquisition of the equipment for Forensic DNA analysis valued whilst the United Nations in Zambia with the support of its cooperating partners, contributed to the partitioning of the Laboratory’s office space, procurement and installation of the air-conditioning systems, and the procurement of the first batch of reagents for DNA analysis. Through the GRZ-UN Joint programme on GBV Phase II that involves UNDP, IOM, ILO, UNFPA and UNICEF, the UN in Zambia has been supporting the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security on prevention and response to GBV services. This has been made possible through support from the Governments of Ireland and Sweden. The UN System in Zambia remains committed in the fight against GBV, which has been included as an important theme in our new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2023-2027, to ensure continued work towards the achievement of gender equality as well as elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls ensuring access to justice, in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals. ### For more information, please contact: Mark Maseko, National Information Officer United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lusaka, P: +260-211-386200; E: masekom@un.org

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Press Release

18 April 2023

News Release- UN experts concerned over delay in Zambia’s debt restructuring

“We are worried that despite positive reforms undertaken by the Government of Zambia, the delays in sovereign debt restructuring compromise its ability to mobilise and maximise resources for the full realisation of human rights, as per its obligations under international human rights law,” the experts said. In August 2022, Zambia secured a 38-month Extended Credit Facility of USD 1.3 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At the end of its first review of this programme on 6 April 2023, the IMF Mission recognised the country’s progress as a result of robust structural fiscal and other reforms. However, continued delays on debt restructuring pose real risks for retrogression, including with respect to the country’s economic transformation agenda and aspirations for a better standard of living for its people. The experts said that while social spending had increased, the economic dividends of sustained reforms and debt relief will go much further in creating the conditions and opportunities on which Zambia’s population can capitalise. As per a 2022 UNDP report, more than 54 low-and middle-income countries are under critical debt distress and need urgent relief. Debt burden and prioritisation of debt servicing leads to austerity driven policies contravening international human rights obligations of States including their right to restructure sovereign debt. The experts urged the Official Creditor Committee for Zambia to aim for and share a concrete timeframe for the conclusion of its deliberations. “One of the major reasons for this delay in debt restructuring is the lack of a globally coordinated multilateral sovereign debt mechanism that places traditional and private lenders at an equal footing,” the experts said. “Despite the proactive steps taken by Zambia, undoubtedly the delay will affect the efficacy of the credit facility programme. There is a window of opportunity in 2023 to enable Zambia and its people to consolidate recent successes and all of Zambia’s partners must step-up,” they said. The experts called for a multilateral sovereign debt mechanism under the UN guided by existing human rights frameworks and principles to ensure a rights-aligned recovery for countries suffering from debt distress and a reduced fiscal space. The experts are in dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including private lenders, concerning the impact of the unsustainable sovereign debt level on the country’s ability to ensure the realisation of human rights of its population. ENDS *The experts: Ms Attiya Waris, Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights; Mr. Saad Alfarargi, Special Rapporteur on the right to development; Mr. Olivier de Schutter, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights For more information and media requests, please contact the mandate of the Independent Expert on Foreign Debt at hrc-ie-foreigndebt@un.org For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts, please contact Maya Derouaz (maya.derouaz@un.org) or Dharisha Indraguptha (dharisha.indraguptha@un.org) Follow news related to the UN’s independent human rights experts on Twitter @UN_SPExperts. Concerned about the world we live in? Then STAND UP for someone's rights today. #Standup4humanrights and visit the web page at http://www.standup4humanrights.org

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Press Release

28 February 2023

WHO Zambia releases USD285,000 to support Cholera Response in Eastern Province

Lusaka, 28 February 2023 – The World Health Organization (WHO) in Zambia has released USD285,000 to support the ongoing response to the cholera outbreak in Eastern Province. Since the outbreak was announced by the Minister of Health on January 26, 2023, a total of 191 suspected cases of cholera, including 4 deaths have been reported. As part of the outbreak response, WHO Zambia is working with the Ministry of Health at National, Provincial and District levels, including the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) to rapidly put in in place interventions that will protect people and limit the spread of the outbreak to other districts across the province. “Cholera outbreaks are of great concern to us, and especially that cholera is preventable, and Zambia has the right preventative tools in place. As WHO in Zambia we will continue to support the Ministry of Health in implementing immediate and long-term cholera control, response, and preventive measures. The funds released will help ensure that lives continue to be saved, and a resilient health system is maintained during and beyond the current outbreak," says Dr Nathan Bakyaita, WHO Representative in Zambia. The funds released will allow WHO Zambia and partners to scale up priority response activities to effectively monitor and control the outbreak by: scaling up WHO and national surveillance interventions, providing essential support to laboratories to enhance diagnosis, providing technical assistance to set up adequate cholera treatment centers, training national and district health staff in case definition and management pre-positioning cholera kits and supplies in high-risk areas conducting health education sessions and risk communication and community engagement activities “Eastern Province is uniquely positioned as some of the affected districts border Malawi and Mozambique, which too, have Cholera outbreaks, putting the whole province at high risk. For us to ensure we control and end the outbreak, we need to ensure that integrated critical tools of preparedness, response and prevention are in place. We need to enhance surveillance, care delivery and strengthen coordination and joint response at all levels,” added Dr Bakyaita. Since the declaration of a cholera outbreak in January 2023, WHO has been working closely with the Ministry of Health to support deployment of surge staff and provide logistical support in the affected districts. Note to editor: WHO Zambia in December 2022, donated Cholera Central Reference kits; cholera peripheral kits; cholera community kits; 400 cholera laboratory kits; 500 cholera investigative kits amounting to ZMW 921,545 to support the preparedness and response in hotspot areas. The WHO Zambia team is working with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen disease surveillance, provide technical assistance in all the pillars of outbreak response including case management, monitoring of water quality and chlorination of public water supplies, and promote health education and hygiene among affected and at-risk communities. For additional information or to request interviews please contact: Ms Kafusha Kapema Communications Officer WHO Zambia Email: KapemaK@who.int

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Press Release

24 February 2023

United Nations Supports Sustainable Development Efforts in Zambia

The United Nations in Zambia has called for wider stakeholder involvement in ensuring sustainable development and attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Zambia. Speaking at a Joint SDG Fund event in Lusaka on 22 February, UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Beatrice Mutali said that all stakeholders should work towards economic transformation for the benefit of the people of Zambia. Over 150 participants that included representatives of diplomatic missions, Government ministries, private Sector, think tanks, Civil Society and youth attended the event that showcased key results achieved through the Zambia Integrated National Financing Framework for SDGs joint programme, which the UN has implemented since June 2020 to support sustainable development in Zambia. Ms Mutali said this in a speech read on her behalf by International Labour Organization (ILO) Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, Mr. George Okutho. “We cannot continue with business as usual in our planning and implementation processes anymore but enhance efficiency and effectiveness of our interventions in addressing challenges to achieve the desired impact to drive the much-needed transformation to improve the lives of the people of Zambia,” Ms Mutali said. Speaking at the same event, Minister of Finance and National Planning Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane appealed for innovative approaches for development financing to ensure progress on the SDGs. In a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary for Planning and Administration, Ms Lois Mulube, Dr Musokotwane said that the Government had put in place several interventions in various sectors to support attainment of the SDGs in Zambia. He also paid tribute to the United Nations for supporting the Government’s development aspirations, as outlined in Zambia’s Vision 2030. “We appreciate the support rendered to the Government by the UN Family through the Fund in supporting budget and expenditure analysis including facilitating stakeholder engagement; a study on implementation of the decentralization policy with a focus on fiscal decentralization; development of sector financing plans including the costing of key programmes; public expenditure reviews of the social protection sector whose findings fed into the development of the sector financing strategies in social protection; and undertaking the 2022 Census of Population and Housing,” Dr Musokotwane said. To promote alternative financing for sustainable development in the country, the UN in Zambia has through five of its agencies (UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, ILO and UNECA) supported capacity development of the Government of the Republic of Zambia in planning processes and overcoming existing impediments to financing its national development priorities, including the SDGs. This programme was intended to provide catalytic support to the Government in advancing SDG implementation in the country. Amongst other things, the Fund contributed to the following: Migration of local authorities towards output-based budgeting (OBB) in all 116 districts; Construction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges and toilets through local authorities; Undertaking of the 2022 Census of Population and Housing, and the Living Conditions Monitoring Survey; preparation of the Economic Recovery Plan; COVID-19 Recovery Needs Assessment (CRNA) and other socio-economic assessments of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic; Preparation of the Eight National Development Plan; and Preparation of the Voluntary National Review (VNR) in 2020 and 2023. Other interventions included supporting the Rapid Integrated Assessment (RIA) of the Eighth National Development Plan, preparation of the Development Finance Assessment, National Budget Analyses as well as strengthening the capacity of Parliamentarians and Permanent secretaries in budget analysis. ### For more information, please contact: Mark Maseko, National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lusaka, P: +260-211-386200; E: masekom@un.org About the Joint SDG Fund The Sustainable Development Goals Fund (SDG Fund) is an international multi-donor and multi-agency development mechanism created in 2014 by the United Nations to support sustainable development activities through integrated and multidimensional joint programmes. The joint fund is managed in Zambia through UNDP, UNFPA, ILO, ECA and UNICEF. The UN SDG Fund Joint Programme is expected to develop and operationalise an Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) for sustainable development in Zambia, that will improve development financing to ensure that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure they are actualized at national and subnational levels in the framework of the Seventh National Development Plan and the plans that follow. Integrated National Financing Frameworks provide a framework for financing national sustainable development priorities and the SDGs at the country level.

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