The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, together with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts and the Presidential Delivery Unit Zambia, joined forces on 27 June 2026 for the second edition of the Climate Run and Tree Planting initiative held at NASDEC. The event brought together government officials, students, private sector representatives and sports stakeholders in a coordinated effort to promote environmental awareness and climate action. It highlighted the growing urgency of addressing climate change through practical and community-driven activities. The initiative combined physical activity with environmental restoration, creating a strong message of collective responsibility. It also demonstrated government’s commitment to integrating climate awareness into public engagement platforms.
Speaking to participants, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, emphasized that climate change is no longer a distant issue but a present reality affecting communities across Zambia. He noted that rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and environmental degradation are already impacting livelihoods. He stressed that government has introduced deliberate policies aimed at addressing these challenges in a structured and sustainable way. These include restoring degraded forests, promoting cleaner energy sources and encouraging public participation in environmental protection. His message reinforced the importance of shared responsibility in responding to climate risks.
Mr. Chileshe further explained that environmental protection requires active involvement from citizens at all levels of society. He encouraged participants to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives, including tree planting and responsible resource use. He highlighted that government efforts alone are not enough without community participation. The Climate Run was presented as an example of how sport can be used to mobilize awareness and action. The event demonstrated how public engagement can be transformed into meaningful environmental impact.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Dr. Douty Chibamba, also addressed the gathering through representation by Principal Climate Change Officer Mr. Herrick Mwewa. He highlighted the severe impact of the 2023 to 2024 drought on Zambia’s key economic sectors, including energy, agriculture and education. He explained that the drought exposed the country’s vulnerability to climate shocks and underscored the need for stronger resilience strategies. Dr. Chibamba commended the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts for organizing the initiative, noting that it uses sport as a unifying tool for environmental advocacy. He described the event as a powerful symbol of collective action against climate change.
Dr. Chibamba called on both government institutions and the private sector to take a more active role in championing climate action. He emphasized that building a resilient and sustainable Zambia requires coordinated efforts across all sectors of society. He encouraged organizations to invest in environmental protection initiatives and support climate adaptation programs. He also stressed the importance of long-term planning in addressing environmental challenges. His remarks highlighted the need for sustained commitment rather than short-term responses.
The event also saw active participation from Chongwe Municipal Council Town Clerk Mr. Dawson Mukwato, who led municipal officials in supporting the initiative. Their involvement reflected the importance of local government participation in national environmental programs. Students from various higher learning institutions also took part, demonstrating youth engagement in climate action. Private sector representation, including Varum Beverages, added a corporate dimension to the initiative. Paralympic officials were also present, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the event.
The Climate Run and Tree Planting initiative at NASDEC showcased how collaboration between government, youth, private sector and civil society can drive meaningful environmental action. It reinforced the importance of combining awareness with practical activities such as tree planting to restore ecosystems. The event also demonstrated how climate change awareness can be integrated into sports and community engagement. Through continued collaboration, Zambia aims to strengthen its resilience against climate impacts and promote sustainable development. The initiative stands as a clear example of how collective effort can support a greener and more sustainable future for the country.