PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
New York, 7th May 2026 – Deputy Secretary to Cabinet, Dr. Oliver Kalabo, has called for strengthened global cooperation to harness science, technology and innovation (STI), including Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a driver of inclusive development.
Delivering Zambia’s National statement during the Ministerial session of the 11th Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI Forum) which officially opened today at the United Nations (UN), Dr. Kalabo, who is leading the Zambian delegation, underscored that Science, Technology and Innovation must move beyond aspiration to deliver tangible impact, and must be a tool for inclusion, not exclusion.
He highlighted Zambia’s commitment under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) to invest in digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and skills development, emphasising that accelerated progress will depend on partnerships in AI capacity, clean energy transformation, and water security, among others.
Dr. Kalabo called for scaled-up financing, expanded access to space-based technologies, and effective implementation of global frameworks such as the Global Digital Compact (GDC). Zambia was one of the co-facilitators for the GDC which was adopted by the UN in 2024.
The 2026 STI Forum, being held under the theme “Transformative, equitable and coordinated science, technology and innovation for the 2030 Agenda and a sustainable future for all is co-is co-chaired by Zambia and Austria.
Opening the Forum, the President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), H.E. Mr. Lok Thapa, underscored that science, technology and innovation are not optional but fundamental to delivering the Sustainable Development Goals. He reaffirmed the need to translate commitments into action and expand equitable access to technology.
Permanent Representative of Zambia to the UN, Dr. Chola Milambo, highlighted the importance of ensuring that innovation leads to practical and scalable solutions, noting that structural barriers such as inequality, limited capacity, and financing constraints continue to hinder progress. He reaffirmed the need for strengthened collaboration to ensure inclusive outcomes.
H.E. Gregor Koessler, Permanent Representative of Austria, underscored the opportunities and risks associated with rapid technological change, stressing that effective global governance and coordination are essential to ensure that emerging technologies contribute to sustainable development.
The Forum also featured keynote contributions from leading experts, who highlighted the transformative potential of innovation across sectors while emphasising inclusive approaches.
STI Forum brought together policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda. As a core platform of the UN Technology Facilitation Mechanism, the Forum strengthens collaboration, promotes knowledge-sharing, and connects innovation to implementation.
The Zambian delegation also held bilateral engagements aimed at deepening cooperation in areas such as innovation financing, technology incubation, commercialization pathways, digital infrastructure development, and joint research initiatives.
Dr. Kalabo is accompanied by Dr. Larry Mweetwa, Director of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Ministry of Technology and Science and Mr. Joseph Tumba, Principal Planner in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from Lusaka. The delegation also comprised of Deputy Permanent Representative at the Mission, Ms. Stenah Shampile and other staff from the Mission.
Issued by:
Namatama Njekwa
First Secretary for Press and Public Relations
Permanent Mission of Zambia to the United Nations
