The Republic of Zambia, through its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Dr. Chola Milambo, has been elected Vice President of the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). His nomination received endorsement from the Africa Group at the United Nations in New York, reflecting regional confidence in Zambia’s leadership.
H.E. Dr. Milambo joins a Bureau of four Vice-Presidents representing regional groupings under the Presidency of the Eastern European Group. The Bureau includes H.E. Mr. Cornel Feruță of Romania as President, H.E. Mr. Brian Wallace of Jamaica representing Latin American and Caribbean States, H.E. Mr. Jonibek Hikmat of Tajikistan representing Asia-Pacific States, and H.E. Mr. Lauri Voionmaa of Finland representing Western European and Other States.
The Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA, and UNOPS is responsible for governance and oversight of the three agencies. Members ensure the effectiveness of their mandates while promoting sound management and accountability. In this role, Dr. Milambo will continue to fulfill his duties as Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
In his acceptance remarks, Ambassador Milambo expressed gratitude for the Africa Group’s support and emphasized Zambia’s commitment to representing the continent’s interests. He highlighted the importance of safeguarding the development role of the UN and ensuring the agencies focus on the most vulnerable communities. He pledged to support the Board President in providing strategic oversight and to assist management in delivering development programs at the grassroots level.
Zambia’s Vice Presidency coincides with the UN80 Initiative, a system-wide reform designed to enhance the UN’s efficiency, responsiveness, and agility in addressing global challenges. During his one-year term, Dr. Milambo will advance Africa’s interests in Executive Board deliberations. Zambia is serving the second year of its two-year term on the Board. Other African members in 2026 include Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tunisia.
This election recognizes Zambia’s contributions and leadership at the United Nations, particularly in promoting sustainable development. It aligns with the country’s foreign policy, which emphasizes economic diplomacy and strategic engagement on global development issues.