Lusaka, Zambia – The Zambian government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a new project aimed at bolstering the country’s economic diplomacy, foreign policy, and institutional capacity. The initiative, outlined in a Project Initiation Plan, seeks to support Zambia’s economic transformation.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe, SC, MP, unveiled the project at a ceremony attended by Ms. Beatrice Mutali, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia. The Minister emphasized the project’s significance in enabling the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to effectively implement its mandate, aligning with Zambia’s two-pronged foreign policy approach: peace and security, and economic diplomacy.
The Project Initiation Plan will assist the Ministry in strengthening policy and institutional reforms to drive Zambia’s economic development. Key areas of focus include enhancing the Ministry’s role as a bridge to the international community, promoting political and economic diplomacy, and leveraging technological advancements and environmental management through a multi-partner pool fund.
Minister Haimbe highlighted the expected outcomes of the project, such as the development and implementation of a Foreign Policy framework aligned with national, regional, and international dynamics. Additionally, the project will support the creation of an Economic Diplomacy strategy that focuses on trade, investment, carbon trading, critical minerals, technological advancement, and environmental management.
The Minister called upon bilateral and multilateral partners to support the initiative and expressed gratitude to those who have already committed financing and other forms of assistance. He also acknowledged the valuable support and collaboration provided by the UNDP in bringing the project to fruition.
Ms. Mutali, the UN Resident Coordinator, noted that the project aligns with the United Nations’ values and echoes the call made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for a greater connection between development and conflict prevention. She emphasized the mutually reinforcing nature of the project’s two pillars, peace and security, and development.
Ms. Mutali highlighted the complex challenges faced by governments worldwide, including globalization, climate change, energy transition, conflict, geopolitical tensions, transnational crimes, and illicit financial flows. She underscored the need for a global dialogue, as advocated by the UN Secretary-General, to address these challenges collaboratively.
The UN Resident Coordinator expressed optimism that the upcoming Summit of the Future will foster constructive discussions and promote a shared global agenda. She emphasized that local interventions, such as the Ministry’s project, can contribute meaningfully to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ms. Mutali thanked the Zambian government and the UNDP for their collaborative efforts in developing the project. She also acknowledged the support of development partners in implementing the 8th National Development Plan and the UN Cooperation Framework.
