Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation in the fight against hunger and poverty, emphasizing the need to align global partnerships with national priorities.
Speaking during the Global Alliance Leaders Meeting on the sidelines of the Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar, Minister of Community Development and Social Services Ms. Doreen Mwamba commended the Global Alliance for convening the meeting under the theme “Reinventing International Cooperation for Fighting Hunger and Poverty to Put Country Programmes at the Centre.”
Ms. Mwamba said the theme was both timely and visionary, stressing that sustainable poverty reduction begins with empowered communities, inclusive national systems, and strong partnerships that enable people to live in dignity and security.
She highlighted Zambia’s progress in expanding social protection programmes, notably the Social Cash Transfer, which now reaches over 35% of the national population and 66% of poor households, contributing significantly to poverty reduction and improved food security.
The Minister also noted the government’s adoption of a “Cash-Plus” approach, integrating cash assistance with complementary support in nutrition, livelihoods, education, and climate resilience.
Ms. Mwamba further underscored Zambia’s investments in youth empowerment, women’s economic participation, and skills development as key pathways out of poverty.
The Minister however noted challenges such as limited fiscal space and climate-induced shocks, calling for renewed, inclusive, and predictable international cooperation that aligns with national development priorities.
“Zambia supports the call to put country programmes at the centre of international cooperation,” she stated, adding that global partnerships aligned with national strategies accelerate progress and strengthen community resilience.
The Minister reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to work with the Global Alliance and all partners to build a world free from hunger and poverty, where every child, woman, and man can live in dignity, opportunity, and hope.
