YouSaid · the spoken record

Edgar Chagwa Lungu

lines on the record: 85
first: 2015-09-24
most recent: 2020-09-24
sittings or episodes: 6
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“In this regard, we would like to urge the United Nations to remain resolute in its duty of protecting these vulnerable persons, and to redouble its efforts to bring about a more peaceful world. This is the bedrock of the UN foundation, as espoused by its Charter. Mr. President, As we mark the 75th anniversary of this, our great institution, we cannot but conclude that, the United Nations’ importance and continued relevance to mankind is beyond question. It is in this context that we need to revitalize it so that it can fulfil the ideals for which it was established. I thank you.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Although the road before us is laden with challenges, we should neither waiver, nor surrender to any cynicism on the accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For its part, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, working closely with the and other key stakeholders such as the private sector and civil societies developed the national SDGS coordination framework to guide the implementation, monitoring and reporting on SDGS and integrated it into the country’s national development plan. Mr. President, Zambia remains supportive of international efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution of conflicts through advocacy and support shown for peacekeeping missions. Zambia remains an active player in peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations in the region.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“As the pandemic pushes the global economy into a deeper crisis, the young generation is once again at risk to disproportionately bear the brunt of mass unemployment and under-protection. In this regard, I wish to share that the Zambian Government launched a multi sectoral youth empowerment programme to support the young entrepreneurs. The multi-sectoral approach has helped ensure that programmes and activities to empower and create employment opportunities for the youth are mainstreamed across all sectors. Mr. President, In 2015, we the members of the UN pledged to leave no one behind and shift world onto a path of sustainable development prosperity for all. This commitment is indeed still alive to most of us.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“I remain confident that with concerted efforts and unity of purpose, together we can conquer this pandemic on a global scale. The post-coronavirus landscape will require urgent action to guarantee recovery and to lay a solid foundation for a better world. Accordingly, Zambia supports the calls for major interventions such as: (I) debt relief and or cancellation for developing Member States; (II) enhanced collaboration in research for the vaccination and cure of COVID-19; and (III) mobilisation of resources from the local and international community. Mr. President, Prior to the onset of COVID-19, young people were already three times more likely to be unemployed compared to their adult counterparts.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“President, The theme for this session, “the future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism-confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action” presents us an opportunity to evaluate the existing multilateral approaches to address the challenges affecting our peoples. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only decimated economies and exacerbated poverty, but it has also shown us how interconnected and interdependent our world is, and how we must work together to respond effectively to these challenges that confront us today. Under these circumstances, an opportunity has manifested itself on the need to maximise our comparative advantages, as well as share expertise, innovations and indigenous knowledge to be utilised for the betterment of our people’s livelihoods.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Your excellency Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly; The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres; Distinguished Heads of States and Governments; Honourable Ministers; Heads of intergovernmental and other organisations; Excellencies; Distinguished ladies and gentlemen. Let me join the previous speakers in congratulating Your Excellency Mr. Volkan Bozkir on the assumption of the presidency of the 75th regular session of the United Nations General Assembly. I Am optimistic that your excellency’s wealth of knowledge and experience as a diplomat and parliamentarian will indeed serve us well during the 75th session. I wish to also extend Zambia’s sincere appreciation to His Excellency Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande for his able leadership during the 74th session. Mr.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“That is essential for its integrity as the custodian of international peace. Given that Africa constitutes the second largest block of United Nations membership, proposals to reform the Security Council should heed Africa’s call, as espoused in the Ezulwini Consensus. In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm Zambia’s commitment to cooperate with the international community in addressing the numerous problems affecting our people, including in efforts to end poverty. We should not remain indecisive and indifferent to that serious issue, neither should we forgo this opportunity to make the world a better place for all humankind.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“There is no doubt that the United Nations remains the only multilateral institution capable of addressing the challenges of our “one world”. The world looks to the Organization to encourage dialogue among civilizations on all global challenges in an inclusive manner, which offers the only practical way to ensure meaningful and effective international cooperation. To be effective and efficient, there is a need to reform the United Nations, as we will over the coming year in commemoration of its 75 years of existence, and to reflect on its future. Zambia believes that in the context of the evolution of the United Nations, the time has come for meaningful reform, including of the Security Council, which should be representative, democratic and accountable to all Member States, irrespective of status.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The spectre of international terrorism has, in recent times, assumed a dangerous momentum of its own. Terrorism does not discriminate between combatants and non-combatants. Innocent bystanders have to bear the brunt of that scourge. To protect human life, the international community should continue to seriously address that vice. The Assembly must expedite its conclusion of the long-overdue comprehensive Convention of the Organization of the Islamic Conference on Combating International Terrorism. In our pursuit of the fight against terrorism, the Zambian Government has recently established an anti-terrorism centre, a national body that includes all national stakeholders, to coordinate the counter-terrorism efforts of individual security agencies, in keeping with the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In that role, Zambia contributed to the regional mechanism on conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts. As a State party to several international instruments aimed at countering the threat of proliferation, Zambia hosted a SADC regional awareness meeting on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1540 (2004). The resolution is a vital element in the global architecture to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons to non-State actors, including terrorists. If properly implemented worldwide, it stands as a major contributor to preventing possible humanitarian, political, economic and environmental catastrophes should any of those weapons be used to cause large-scale casualties and suffering. It is clear that such a possibility is not just theoretical.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We are also repealing several discriminatory and outdated statutes related to children in order to come up with a children’s code to domesticate the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. As a designated African Union Champion on Ending Child Marriage, I am encouraged that the campaign is growing from strength to strength. However, much more needs to be done. We call on all partners to join efforts and together, let us raise our voices to protect our children and young people. Peace, security and the rule of law continue to be the basis for the meaningful development of any society. In keeping with that understanding, Zambia was, for a year, until last month, Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Together, let us help to improve the lives of our peoples. The horrifying shadows of poverty are darkened even further for Africa’s refugee children. Zambia is a plateau of peace and a home to many refugees. We appeal to the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations of the world to help us share that burden. Together, we can restore dignity and help look after refugees. Zambia continues to make tremendous strides in the campaign to end child marriage. We have also continued in that regard to engage traditional leaders to reform traditions and customs that promote child marriage. Currently, we are in the process of harmonizing statutory and customary law on marriage to prohibit early marriages.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“To that end, Zambia’s seventh national development plan has targeted the most vulnerable members of society to enhance their capacity to be involved in the country’s economic and social life, in an effort to raise their standards of living. My Government has taken steps in that regard to ensure that there is equitable access to quality education for all Zambians, by providing universal basic education within the shortest realistic time frame. A comprehensive programme of health reforms is also under way and that should also result in the improvement of the well-being of our people. However, the measures and programmes that the Government has undertaken are not enough to fully attain the objectives of those programmes of action, mainly due to limited financial resources. We call on all partners to join efforts.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In our quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the MDG trend is, unfortunately, likely to continue unless Africa devises more innovative ways of addressing its development challenges. The Centre in Lusaka will bring the initiative closer to home for our Southern African region. It will be a vehicle for facilitating engagement among Governments and other stakeholders to accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and for deepening regional integration. My Government attaches great importance to the needs and welfare of all, with a specific focus on women, children and youth.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Over the past years, Zambia has made important developmental efforts and we are determined to foster an all-inclusive development paradigm based on Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Barely one month ago, on 7 August, Zambia had the honour to host a launching ceremony in Lusaka for the Sustainable Development Goals Subregional Centre for Southern Africa. The establishment of the Centre underscored our collective resolve as Southern African countries to win the war against poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy, through the exchange of best practices and joint action. However, we must also keep in mind that most African countries were not able to attain the forerunner Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), mainly because of various challenges, including inadequate financial resources.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In that regard, Zambia appreciates the hosting of the Elephant Summit initiative in Kasane, Botswana, in April this year, as well as Africa’s Wildlife Economy Summit in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in May this year, convened by the African Union and the United Nations Environment Programme. Those summits, among other things, recognized the need for partnerships with communities and the private sector as key in securing wildlife and enhancing economic benefits from wildlife. In our continued effort to support that cause, Zambia will host a follow-up summit in May 2020, in the tourism capital of Livingstone. I call upon our international collaborators to work with the countries of the region to achieve a successful outcome for our wildlife.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“As a developing country, Zambia needs assistance to enhance its capacity in key areas, such as scientific research, early warning, rapid response and the transfer of appropriate technologies to help cope with the negative impact of climate change. In addition, scaling up global efforts to address climate change should certainly include providing increased accessibility to financial support, in particular for countries with limited resources, in order to enable them to make their fair contribution to the global effort and also bear the general climate-change-induced cost burdens. The need to secure and promote the well-being of wildlife flora and fauna as an environmental good for ecological and socio-economic benefit cannot be overemphasized.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Early this year, three of Zambia’s neighbouring countries — Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe — were affected by cyclones. Not far away, half of Zambia experienced a severe drought that has since resulted in low crop productivity and low water levels for hydroelectricity generation. Therefore, opposite climatic extremes occur in the same neighbourhood. As a consequence, Zambia is now scaling up its efforts to diversify energy production. Other priorities include increasing the adaptive capacity to reduce vulnerability and building resilience against extreme weather events, such as droughts and flooding. The impact of climate change requires global collaborative efforts and support for mitigation and adaptation strategies.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“If anything, the recent gains should spur us to do even more to finish the job and ensure that no child goes to bed hungry anymore. We must ensure that nobody is forced to choose between sending her daughter to school and sending her to work. Everybody has the opportunity to fully participate in their country’s economic and civic life. Zambia applauds the leadership that the United Nations provides in tackling climate change, as was illustrated only a few days ago by the hosting of the Climate Action Summit. Climate change frustrates efforts to raise the standards of living for the world’s poor. Scientists have spoken and we have seen with our own eyes the devastating impact that climate change has had on our environment.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The theme for this session, “Galvanizing multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion”, presents an opportunity to re-examine our priorities, redefine our mission and sharpen our vision as we approach the seventy-fifth anniversary of this Organization. It is a call for us to generate an atmosphere in which the United Nations family can implement its priority programmes, especially in key areas such as alleviating poverty, in order to enhance the human condition throughout the world. The eradication of poverty is feasible — we have seen remarkable progress across every dimension of poverty, while malnutrition and youth illiteracy have both substantially decreased. Such progress is gratifying but is still inadequate. One billion people continue to live in extreme poverty.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Let me join previous speakers in congratulating His Excellency Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande on his assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventy-fourth session. I would like to assure him of our full cooperation in the discharge of his responsibilities, and I am confident that his wealth of experience and wisdom will prove invaluable in guiding us successfully through the current session. I also want to express Zambia’s sincere gratitude to Her Excellency Ms. Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces for her exemplary work during the seventy-third session.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In that regard, we also support the call for a non-permanent seat for small island developing countries, whose challenges are so unique that it is imperative that their perspective be incorporated as a new dimension into the United Nations approach to international peace and security.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The year 2019 will mark the fortieth anniversary since reform of the Security Council became an item on the agenda of the General Assembly. The President of the Assembly has been entrusted by world leaders with leading the process of reforming the Security Council. We are therefore hopeful that she will report substantive progress by the time we mark the fortieth anniversary next year. I want to reiterate that Africa remains steadfast and united in its call for two permanent and five non-permanent seats on the Security Council. Not only is that a matter of common decency involving the correction of a historical injustice, it is also a matter of restoring the dignity of Africa, which today remains the only continent without permanent representation on the Council.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I want to recognize the decision by the Secretary- General and his team regarding the progress made in fulfilling his mandate for reform of the United Nations development system, United Nations management and the peace and security pillar. However, we are deeply concerned about the fact that negligible progress has been made on reforming the Security Council. We also want to recall that in 2000, during the Millennium Summit, world leaders called for a speedy and logical conclusion to the negotiations on Security Council reform. Five years later, at the World Summit, leaders expressed concern at the slow pace of progress and urged that negotiations on Security Council reform be expedited. To date, we are still no closer to agreement on a fundamental issue that seeks to make the United Nations truly representative, democratic and effective.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We are hopeful that this will provide us with an opportunity to improve global governance on migration and refugees, as well as to strengthen the contribution of migrants to sustainable development. In that regard, I want to underline the importance of respecting the principle of shared responsibility for hosting and supporting the world’s refugees and migrants. Going forward, I want to reaffirm my Government’s commitment to its international obligations under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, whereby we will continue to play a meaningful role in assisting people affected by conflict situations and other human rights violations.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The world has continued to witness unprecedented mass movements of refugees and migrants, which has had political, social, economic and human rights ramifications for a number of host countries. Let me underscore the importance of collaborative efforts on the part of the global community in tackling issues relating to the current refugee and migration crisis. That will ensure safe, orderly and regular migration involving full respect for human rights and the humane treatment of migrants and refugees. We therefore welcome the convening in December of the Conference on International Migration and look forward to the upcoming adoption of the unprecedented global compact on safe, orderly and regular migration.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In 2017 my Government commenced the distribution of free sanitary napkins to girls in rural and suburban areas in an effort to keep girls in school. That programme was introduced in order to improve girls’ access to education, as a lack of proper sanitary napkins often limits their ability to attend school. In addition, we have continued to implement the re-entry policy for pregnant girls. That programme is a success, as a number of girls have been retained in school after giving birth. We believe that measure is critical to ensuring equal opportunities for our girls. We have no doubt that those and many other efforts will lay a firm foundation for our attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, on gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In our continuing efforts to contribute to regional and world peace, Zambia recently took up the chairmanship of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security of the Southern African Development Community. I can only assure Member States that we will discharge that duty with the utmost dedication to the cause of regional and world peace and security. On gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, I want to reaffirm my Government’s commitment to eliminating all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls. We are making efforts to review and enact new legislation and policies that are gender responsive. Progress is also being recorded on the implementation of our 50-50 enrolment policy, as schools are now compelled by law to enrol equal numbers of girls and boys.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Zambia is also committed to the Secretary- General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative, as set out in the Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, sent to Member States by the Secretary-General in August. I am also glad to say that my Government has recently increased its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations and is currently a major contributor to peacekeeping missions. Zambia is also one of the countries that has taken the lead in increasing women’s participation in peacekeeping operations. We also join other Member States in saluting the gallant men and women in blue helmets for the sacrifices they are making to foster peace in the world.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“It is gratifying to note that the second United Nations High-level Conference on South-South Cooperation, to be held in March 2019 in Buenos Aires, will present an opportunity to register significant progress on development cooperation among the countries of the South. To turn to the issue of peace, since 1945 the United Nations and the international community have been consistently and strongly advocating the need for the preservation and promotion of peace. Recent development frameworks have also given prominence to efforts to protect global peace and security. My Government therefore fully supports Security Council resolution 2378 (2017), which focuses on peacekeeping reforms.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I am glad to note that my Government has been making steady progress in infrastructure development as a key enabler for recovery and improvement. We are also implementing several policies and structural reforms under the Economic Stabilization and Growth Programme. As we pursue those goals, we are mindful of the challenges in mobilizing financing for development, as well as declining donor funding, particularly for least-developed countries and landlocked developing countries. We therefore call on all partners to work with us to ensure that together we can effectively implement the Sustainable Development Goals for the good of our people.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“That will be supported by a robust infrastructure development programme. In that regard, we need strengthened and mutually beneficial partnerships in the context of South-South cooperation, as well as regional and development cooperation, which remain crucial to unlocking diversified growth. Zambia is dedicated to the implementation of Agenda 2063 of the African Union, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, including on climate change, and of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the third International Conference on Financing for Development. That is why my Government has mainstreamed those global development agendas in its seventh national development plan.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 of the African Union therefore presents huge opportunities for Africa to revitalize its growth and accelerate its transformation. Both frameworks seek to achieve inclusive growth, sustainable development and peace and security for the continent. Zambia’s development path is guided by its Vision 2030 through the implementation of its seventh national development plan, which is focused on transforming Zambia into a prosperous middle-income country by 2030. To achieve that, we must overcome many hurdles. Our economy, like many other developing economies, needs to diversify. We are therefore determined to address our challenges by creating a diversified and resilient economy that is driven by the agriculture, tourism and energy sectors, among others.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In doing so, we should endeavour to explore new ideas and best practices to meet the expectations of our people, against a backdrop of the effective and efficient use of limited global resources. We are therefore confident that the President will bring a fresh dimension to the fore as we jointly seek solutions to the economic, social and political challenges that confront us. Since the founding of the United Nations 73 years ago, we believe that Africa should have made remarkable progress. Yet Africa’s economic structure has only minimally changed. That is a concern that has been voiced at both continental and global forums.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Let me join other world leaders in congratulating Her Excellency Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés on her election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy- third session. Zambia fully supports her endeavour to diligently discharge her responsibilities in the Assembly. We are delighted to note that, after more than a decade, a woman has once again taken up this important seat as the fourth female President of the General Assembly since the establishment of this world body. As the United Nations celebrates its seventy-third anniversary next month, it needs to forcefully continue to promote international peace, cooperation and the development of societies that are free from hunger, poverty and disease.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Given that Africa constitutes the second largest bloc of United Nations membership, proposals to reform the Security Council should heed the African continent’s call set forth in the Ezulwini Consensus. In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm Zambia’s commitment to cooperate with the international community in addressing the numerous problems affecting our people, including ending poverty. We should not miss the opportunity to do what we can to make the world a better place for all of us to live.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The world looks to the Organization to encourage dialogue on global challenges in an inclusive manner. This is the only practical way to ensure meaningful and effective international cooperation. There is, however, a need to reform the United Nations. Zambia believes that the United Nations reforms that have been launched will be incomplete without meaningful reform of the Security Council. It is our hope that reforms will make the Security Council more representative, democratic and accountable to all States Members of the United Nations, irrespective of status. This is essential if its decisions are to be accepted by the entire international community.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“As the designated 2017 African Union champion for ending child marriage, I am delighted to inform the Assembly that a campaign to that end has been launched in 20 of the 30 targeted countries in Africa with the highest prevalence rates of child marriage. These programmes are essential to enhancing advocacy against child marriage at the national level. The campaign is growing from strength to strength. However, much more needs to be done. We therefore call on all partners to join their efforts, and, together, let us raise our voices to protect our children and young people. The campaign will continue to gain momentum and reach out to member States to accelerate an end to this harmful practice. Undoubtedly, the United Nations remains the only multilateral institution capable of addressing the challenges of our “one world”.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Zambia has therefore continued to make tremendous strides in its campaign to end child marriage. The current prevalence rate stands at 31.2 per cent, which represents a 10.8 per cent reduction from the 42 per cent rate at the time the campaign was launched. We have also continued to engage traditional leaders in reforming traditions and customs that allow child marriage. Currently, we are in the process of harmonizing statutory and customary law on marriage to completely prohibit and eradicate child marriage in the country. Going forward, we are also repealing a number of discriminatory and outdated statutes related to children with a view to devising a Children’s Code to incorporate the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child into our domestic law.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The United Nations commitment should not be limited to preventing conflict, but should go further in seeking to protect victims of conflict, including displaced persons. There is a need for all of us to cooperate in providing for a environment conducive to respect for their human rights, social development and well-being. In this regard, I am pleased to inform the General Assembly that in June this year, in Zambia, I assented to Zambia’s Refugees Act of 2017, which further speaks to this noble duty and replaces the previous law, which did not go far enough to ensure an environment conducive to the promotion of human rights for the displaced in the region who happen to be hosted by our country, Zambia. My Government attaches great importance to the needs and welfare of all, with a particular focus on women, children and youth.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“As a member State, we note the role of the Commonwealth of Nations in various subjects such as gender and youth matters, climate change, the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, good governance and socioeconomic development. In my country, the Commonwealth Secretariat has played an important role in providing technical support during and after the previously held elections, and this we cannot ignore. Zambia has also continued to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations with a sense of duty to those persons who have found their security under threat for various reasons. In this regard, the United Nations should not shirk its noble duty to these vulnerable persons; it should redouble its efforts to bring about a more peaceful world.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In keeping with that understanding, my Government has continued to work in solidarity with nations that are undertaking the necessary actions to enhance their democracies. Through its membership in the African Union Peace and Security Council, Zambia has also continued to provide support for those still afflicted by conflict. My Government also looks forward to serving the Troika of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation of the Southern African Development Community from 2017 to 2020, following our recent election to the Organ. I would like to assure the Assembly that my Government will use its membership in these two bodies to foster peace globally, especially in Africa. We wish to recognize the vision and experience of the various regional and international bodies that complement the United Nations agenda.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The plan seeks to improve productivity in agriculture, create job opportunities in other sectors, such as manufacturing, and particular attention will be given to lifting standards of living in rural areas, where a new focus on agro-value addition is being implemented. Through that plan, Zambia aims to reduce poverty to minimal levels. In keeping with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development, my Government is determined to ensure the effective mobilization and use of all sources of finance, whether mobilized locally or through our international cooperation partners, for the benefit of the average person in Zambia — as long as it is not illicit financing. Peace, security and the rule of law continue to be the basis for the meaningful development of any society.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Accordingly, Zambia also calls for the transfer of appropriate technologies to help cope with the negative impact of climate change. Over the past year, Zambia has made significant developmental efforts and is determined to foster an all-inclusive development paradigm, based on the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Only a few months ago, on 21 June, I had the honour to launch the seventh National Development Plan, which is Zambia’s development blueprint for the five-year period from 2017 to 2021. Its theme is “Accelerating development efforts towards the attainment of the National Vision 2030, without leaving anyone behind”.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We have also continued to witness disasters such as droughts, wildfires, flooding and landslides; if not extreme levels of rain, it is the lack of it. As the twenty-third Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change draws near, Zambia is expectant that the Conference will, among other things, establish mechanisms for the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Furthermore, we call on all stakeholders to ensure that the Green Climate Fund is adequately funded in order to help deliver the necessary interventions globally. As a developing country, Zambia needs assistance to enhance its capacity in key adaptive areas, such as scientific research, early warning and rapid response in order to address the adverse effects of climate change.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“This year’s session is taking place against a backdrop of the adverse effects of climate change, which have spared no one nation, developed or underdeveloped. Our efforts to raise the standard of living for the world’s poor people in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals are being frustrated by the effects of climate change. We have witnessed the devastating effects of climate change on our environment. Recently, there have been many hurricanes in the Caribbean. I remember a time when forests were within a child’s walking distance, in particular in Africa, and were teeming with a profusion of flora and fauna. That is no longer the case. Unfortunately, a myriad of species of flora and fauna have become extinct in a very short time.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The theme for this session, “Focusing on people: Striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet”, provides us with an opportunity to evaluate the existing multilateral approaches to address the challenges affecting our peoples. They include threats to socioeconomic development and international peace and security. There is a need, therefore, to develop innovative approaches and responses to the challenges, which include terrorism, climate change, nuclear weapons and HIV/AIDS, among many others. In today’s globalized and interdependent world, no country, however wealthy or powerful, can resolve all those challenges single-handedly. Common solutions are therefore required through a strong United Nations.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Let me join previous speakers in congratulating His Excellency Mr. Miroslav Lajčák on his assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventy-second session. I also wish to extend Zambia’s sincere appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Peter Thomson for his able leadership during the seventy-first session. May I also convey my sincere gratitude to His Excellency Mr. António Guterres and congratulate him on his appointment as the ninth Secretary- General. I am confident that the Secretary-General will build upon the strong foundation that was laid by his predecessor, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, to whom I wish to pay glowing tribute for the manner in which he steered the Organization during his tenure of office.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Zambia’s belief in the ideals and role of the Security Council remains unshaken, and it is in that regard that I reiterate our steadfast commitment to continuing to contribute to the operations and well-being of the United Nations.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Zambia therefore fully supports the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, representing the African common position on reform of the Security Council. It is not right that Africa remains the only continent without permanent representation on the Security Council. That historical injustice must be corrected. We therefore urge Member States, including those that have vested interests in maintaining the status quo, to give due consideration to this legitimate demand from Africa. We all have an obligation to make the Security Council more representative, democratic and accountable if the Organization is going to demand democracy, representation and accountability from its Member States.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)