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The government has commended UNICEF for its continued role in addressing the growing impacts of climate change on children, youth and vulnerable households in Zambia.
Green Economy and Environment Minister, Mike Mposha, said UNICEF had been a reliable and strategic partner, supporting child protection, education, health and climate resilience efforts for many years.
According to a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday by Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer, Harriet Chimuka, Mposha made the remarks during a courtesy call by newly appointed UNICEF Representative to Zambia, Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah.
“Extreme weather events increasingly threaten water, health, nutrition, education and safety for Zambian families, making UNICEF’s climate-responsive social services, early-warning systems and resilience building in vulnerable districts especially critical,” Mposha said.
He welcomed Abdullah’s arrival and reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Zambia and UNICEF.
“We are confident that under your leadership, this collaboration will deepen and expand its impact, and as a Ministry, we appreciate your predecessor for the good working relationship we shared,” he said.
“The rising number of young people advocating for environmental protection is exciting because they are now aware of how climate change is affecting them,” he said.
Mposha highlighted several potential areas of cooperation with UNICEF, including strengthening climate-resilient social services by integrating climate-risk information into health, education and child-protection systems.
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Other priorities include designing climate-smart infrastructure for schools, clinics and community facilities, supporting community-based early warning and early action systems, and protecting children and women during climate-related disasters.
He also pointed to climate education and youth engagement, as well as data and evidence for loss-and-damage assessments.
Mposha noted the emerging Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, which supports developing countries coping with climate-induced shocks, such as floods, drought, extreme temperatures, livelihood disruptions and infrastructure destruction.
“Effective use of the fund will require strong inter-sectoral coordination, robust data and partnership — areas where UNICEF’s expertise is vital,” he said.
Mposha reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to deepen ties with UNICEF and explore new opportunities to build resilience, expand inclusive climate action and ensure no child is left behind in the climate crisis.
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