Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing social justice, equity, and inclusive development during the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) held in Doha, Qatar.

The country’s position was delivered on 5^th November 2025, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C., M.P., who represented Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia at the high-level meeting.

In his address, Hon. Haimbe underscored the importance of collective action in addressing interconnected global challenges such as economic uncertainty, climate change, debt distress, inequality, unemployment, and conflict, all of which continue to threaten human development gains worldwide.

The Minister expressed Zambia’s support for the Doha Political Declaration, which renews the spirit of Copenhagen and reinforces the three fundamental pillars of social development: poverty eradication, full and productive employment, and social inclusion.

Highlighting Zambia’s national progress, Hon. Haimbe noted that the country continues to address youth unemployment, rural poverty, gender inequality, and climate vulnerability through policies guided by the Eighth National Development Plan, aligned with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He further stated that Zambia’s Social Cash Transfer Programme now reaches approximately 60 percent of the poorest households, providing income support to vulnerable populations. He also stated that Government has implemented free education at primary and secondary levels, expanded the National Health Insurance Scheme, and strengthened child protection systems to safeguard the well-being of children, who account for nearly half of the nation’s population.

Hon. Haimbe reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to continental frameworks under the African Union (AU), including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), and the AU Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy, noting that such initiatives demonstrate Africa’s determination to define its own development path and contribute meaningfully to global governance.

The Minister affirmed that Zambia continues to align national financing with social priorities to ensure that economic growth translates into poverty reduction and decent work for all citizens.

By Eva Hatontola Chand, Principal Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.