The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Zambia, Beatrice Mutali, has emphasised the urgency of addressing climate change, describing it as one of the most critical challenges of the time.
She has expressed her satisfaction with the establishment of a Technical Working Group (TWG) as part of the Strengthening Civil Society Voices of Climate Advocacy in Zambia project.
Ms Mutali said the initiative, supported by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and implemented by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ), represents a significant advancement in enhancing Zambia’s ability to cope with climate change by empowering Civil Society Organizations to advocate for climate action and environmental sustainability.
The UN Resident Coordinator highlighted that the collaborative approach of the project, bringing together diverse stakeholders, is of paramount importance.
“Strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations, she emphasized, is instrumental in establishing a solid foundation for effective climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in Zambia.”
These remarks were delivered in Chongwe by Paul Chitengi, a Development Coordination Officer for Partnerships and Development Finance at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, on behalf of Ms. Mutali.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary, Douty Chibamba, has reported an exceptional impact on the 2023/2024 rainy season, with over 84 out of 116 districts experiencing crop failure due to the effects of climate change.
He said President Hakainde Hichilema has since declared the drought a National Disaster and Emergency.
Dr Chibamba said as a result of the drought, there have been adverse consequences on water supply and hydroelectricity production, leading to unnecessary load-shedding for both individuals and industries.
The statement was conveyed by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Director, Environment, Godwin Gondwe, on behalf of Dr. Chibamba.
At the same function, Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) Board Chairperson Vincent Ziba described the formation of the Technical Working Group (TWG) as a pivotal moment.
He stated that the project aims to enhance the climate advocacy capacity of civil society organizations through comprehensive training, stakeholder consultations, dialogues, knowledge sharing, and the improvement of advocacy frameworks in National Adaptation Plan (NAP) processes and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) implementation.
The remarks were delivered by CEJ Board Member Boniface Mumba on behalf of Mr. Ziba.
