The Zambian government has met with stakeholders to discuss policies centred on the triple global crisis of food, fuel, finance as well as climate change and its impact on human development.
Speaking when she officially opened the national workshop on strengthening capacity for evidence-based social protection policies to address the triple global crisis of fuel, food, and finance, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms Angela Kawandami said the government is alive to the various socioeconomic threats on human development and remains resolute to address such challenges.
The national workshop sponsored by the Economic Commission for Africa is the first step towards the implementation of the UN’s 3-year project to address the Triple Global Crisis in six selected countries globally including Zambia, and will be led by a team from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and Economic Commission for Africa.
Ms Kawandami therefore assured that the government is actively formulating and implementing policies that create a conducive environment for social protection and contribute to human and social development.
Ms Kawandami who appreciated the UN for choosing Zambia as a project-implementing country recognized the need to address poverty in all its forms and vulnerability and prioritizing social protection in all spheres such as health, and education through evidence-based policies.
She further said the government is aware and committed to the inherent value of support and inclusion of those left furthest behind such as persons with disabilities, women, youths, children, older persons, rural populations, and workers in the informal sector into national development.
“The government appreciates the importance of partnerships that bring together governments, the private sector, development partners, and affected populations to identify underlying problems and collectively contribute to national development”, Ms Kawandami further assured.
And speaking earlier, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms Beatrice Muntali said the UN system in Zambia is steadfast in its support of the government’s comprehensive social protection program, noting Zambia’s significant strides in strengthening its social protection system and adopting a comprehensive and sustainable approach.
Under the Department of Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the UN has further applauded the Zambian government through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services for their visionary leadership in identifying, reaching, and expanding social protection to those marginalized by society.
Ms Muntali said this is a speech read on her behalf by Peace and Development advisor, Ms Noria Mashumba.
