The United Nations in Zambia today, 29 October 2025, held UN Day celebrations in Lusaka under the theme “UN@80: Celebrating Achievements, Shaping Tomorrow.” The event was attended on behalf of Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, by Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation.
In a speech read on his behalf, Hon. Haimbe reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the UN. He highlighted the country’s focus on translating global commitments into actionable national programs. The Minister underscored Zambia’s intent to work closely with the UN in operationalizing frameworks such as the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, the Sevilla Outcome Document on Financing for Development, the Doha Programme of Action, and the Awaza Programme of Action. He noted that the UN@80 theme reflects Zambia’s shared journey with the organization and aspirations for the future of their partnership.
Ms. Gundersen participated in a Public Dialogue titled “Building Partnerships for a Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Future.” She praised the UN-Government Partnership Framework for aligning UN operations with Zambia’s national development priorities. She called on the UN country office to strengthen coordination among UN agencies, government institutions, and cooperating partners to optimize development programs of mutual interest.
The dialogue gathered senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, UN agency representatives, academics, and students. Participants reflected on the UN’s achievements and six decades of partnership with Zambia.
Ms. Beatrice Mutali, UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia, emphasized that UN Day offers an opportunity to celebrate progress in peace, human rights, and development while planning for the future. She noted that the theme underscores the importance of cooperation and global solutions to global challenges.
Ms. Mutali highlighted the UN’s long-standing support to Zambia since independence in 1964. Key areas of collaboration include health, education, water and sanitation, nutrition, governance, agriculture, peacebuilding, and human rights. She urged stakeholders to reaffirm shared values, celebrate progress, and commit to achieving greater outcomes together.
The UN Day celebrations reinforced Zambia’s commitment to global partnerships and showcased the ongoing collaboration between the UN and the Zambian government in driving sustainable development and national priorities.