Zambia: Un Calls for Urgent Action to Address Climate Change
Zambian Population,July 2024 Photo: @UNICEF
July 25, 2024 Hour: 8:42 pm
The UN representative said the initiative, supported by the United Nations Democracy Fund and implemented by the Center for Environment Justice, an organization whose goal was to address social and environmental injustices.
On Thursday, the United Nations (UN) in Zambia called for urgent action to address climate change in the southern African nation, saying it was one of the most critical challenges of the time.
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Beatrice Mutali, the UN Resident Coordinator, said the country needed a collaborative approach in tackling climate change by incorporating all stakeholders.
“Strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations is instrumental in establishing a solid foundation for effective climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in Zambia,” she said during a meeting of a technical working group established as part of efforts to strengthen the voices of civil society organizations.
The UN representative said the initiative, supported by the United Nations Democracy Fund and implemented by the Center for Environment Justice, an organization whose goal was to address social and environmental injustices, 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.
Douty Chibamba, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, said the effects of climate change in the country were evidenced by the drought faced during the 2023/2024 season which has resulted in crop failure and affected electricity generation.
He said the drought, which has been declared a national disaster and emergency affecting 84 of the country’s 116 districts, has resulted in water supply shortages due to increased power cuts.
Vincent Ziba, chairperson the Center for Environment Justice, a non-governmental organization in Zambia, said the formation of the technical working group was a pivotal moment as it will enhance the climate advocacy capacity of civil society organizations through comprehensive training, stakeholder consultations, dialogues, knowledge sharing, and the improvement of advocacy frameworks.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: The Independent-UN
