PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
New York, 05.02.2026 – Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Zambia Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable, and inclusive policies.
Delivering Zambia’s National Statement during the 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development at the United Nations Headquarters on 3rd February 2026, Ms. Kawandami underscored that these policies build on the legacy of the Copenhagen Declaration and the Doha Political Declaration.
The Session is being held under the priority theme “Advancing Social Development and Social Justice through Coordinated, Equitable, and Inclusive Policies.” Zambia’s participation reinforces its commitment to the 2030 Agenda, African Union Agenda 2063, and the principle of leaving no one behind.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted that Zambia has strengthened child protection systems, expanded social assistance, and improved access to education and health services to safeguard vulnerable children and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
She noted that the Government has committed to promoting dignity and inclusion for older persons through expanded social assistance and community-based support systems, while also advancing youth empowerment through skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives.
“Zambia has strengthened inter-ministerial coordination to ensure social development considerations are effectively mainstreamed into economic, infrastructure, and sectoral planning,” Ms. Kawandami stated.
She highlighted that social protection programmes continue to expand in coverage and effectiveness, supporting poverty eradication, shock responsiveness, and productive inclusion, especially for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The Permanent Secretary also underscored the need for strong data, evidence, and effective financing for development, and welcomed reforms to the international financial architecture and enhanced cooperation for social investments.
While acknowledging persistent challenges such as unemployment, informality, inequality, and vulnerability to economic and climate shocks which disproportionately affect African and other developing countries, Ms. Kawandami reaffirmed Zambia’s readiness to engage with Member States, civil society, and development partners in pursuit of equitable and inclusive social development for all.
Issued by:
Namatama Njekwa
First Secretary – Press and Public Relations
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations
