By Scoop Reporter
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Angela Kawandami has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to fostering full and productive employment.
This is particularly for the youth who make up 37 percent of the population.
Delivering Zambia’s National Statement during the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Ms. Kawandami pointed out that Zambia has prioritized job creation by investing in key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and technology.
She underscored the need to strengthen vocational training and entrepreneurship programs to equip Zambians with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Zambia’s participation in the CSocD63 is a strategic move for the country’s foreign policy and allows the country to promote its social development priorities globally.
And Ms. Kawandami reaffirmed Zambia’s unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined in the Copenhagen Declaration and the Programme of Action, to guide its social development efforts. She reiterated Zambia’s dedication to the United Nations 2030 Agenda, a universal blueprint for transforming the world.
“Our national priorities are aligned with these global frameworks, recognizing that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is not only a collective global responsibility but also vital to the well-being of every Zambian,” Ms. Kawandami said.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted Zambia’s commitment to building resilience among its citizens through promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing disaster preparedness, and ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to the necessary resources to adapt to environmental challenges.
Ms. Kawandami pointed out that Zambia is actively implementing robust initiatives aimed at reducing poverty which is estimated to be at 60 percent of the population, with 48 percent being extremely poor through economic diversification, infrastructure development, and social protection programs.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged that challenges that Zambia faces are complex and interconnected, necessitating coordinated and collaborative efforts, adding that Zambia must work closely with international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and fellow nations to achieve shared goals.
This is availed in a statement issued by First Secretary Press and Public Relations Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations, Namatama Njekwa.
