Zambia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined in the Copenhagen declaration and the programme of action, to guide its social development efforts.
Leading the Zambian delegation at the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63), at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms Angela Kawandami has delivered a National Statement reiterating Zambia’s dedication to the United Nations 2030 agenda, a universal blueprint for transforming the world.
Under the theme, “Strengthening Solidarity, Social Inclusion and Social Cohesion to Accelerate the Delivery of The Commitments of The Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme Of Action of The World Summit for Social Development as Well as The Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, Ms Kawandami acknowledged Zambia’s challenges as complex and interconnected, necessitating coordinated and collaborative efforts.
In response to the challenges posed by climate change, she highlighted Zambia’s commitment to building resilience among its citizens through promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing disaster preparedness, and ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to the necessary resources to adapt to environmental challenges.
She further said Zambia is actively implementing robust initiatives aimed at reducing poverty which is estimated to be at 60 percent of the population, with 48 percent being extremely poor through economic diversification, infrastructure development, and social protection programs.
“Our social safety nets have been expanded to support vulnerable populations, and we are investing in agricultural modernization to enhance food and nutrition security for all”, Ms Kawandami said, and stated that Zambia’s national priorities are aligned with these global frameworks, recognizing that achieving the sustainable development goals is not only a collective global responsibility but also vital to the well-being of every Zambian.
The Permanent Secretary further highlighted Zambia’s considerable progress made in advancing gender equality ensuring that women have equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities given that 634 out of every 1000 female-headed households are poor compared to 588 out of every 1000 male-headed households.
