By Joseph Mapalo Kamanga
The Zambian government has officially moved to strengthen its climate action goals through a national validation workshop held today at The Urban Hotel. Dr. Douty Chibamba, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, opened the event to review a critical assessment of the country’s climate capabilities.
The workshop focused on the “Enhancing Zambia’s NDC Implementation Project” (EZ-NDC), an initiative funded by the European Union. This project aims to help Zambia meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, which are formal commitments to reduce national emissions and adapt to climate change.
During his remarks, Dr. Chibamba explained that while institutional frameworks exist, a recent assessment identified significant gaps that must be addressed. Key challenges include a lack of coordination between agencies, a need for more technical and human capacity, and difficulties in managing climate data. The report also noted that climate considerations are not yet fully integrated into planning and budgeting processes, particularly at the sub-national level.
“Ambition alone is not enough,” Dr. Chibamba stated, emphasizing that the success of Zambia’s climate goals depends on the processes put in place and the capacity of the staff running them. He described the assessment as a strategic way to take stock of where the nation stands and where it must go.
The European Union was represented at the event by Ms. Lana Žutelija, alongside senior government officials, the GGGI project team, and representatives from civil society and the private sector. Dr. Chibamba praised the inclusive approach of the project, noting that climate action is a shared national responsibility that no single institution can deliver in isolation.
The government intends for the outcomes of this workshop to lead to actionable recommendations that align with national development goals.
Ultimately, these collective efforts are aimed at safeguarding the economy, protecting livelihoods, and securing a sustainable future for the people of Zambia.
©️Zambia Reports , 14th May 2026