United Nations in Zambia

27/08/2026

Together with the Gender Division, the Embassy of Ireland and Civil Society, the UN in Zambia recently convened the Initiative Steering Committee to review our mid-year progress and map out the road ahead.

Here is how we are turning commitment into action across Zambia:

Inclusive Budgeting: Equipping local stakeholders to integrate gender priorities directly into community development plans.

Safe Schools: Rollout of the "Connect With Respect" program to empower teachers and students to reject gender-based violence.

Political Participation: Mentoring aspiring female leaders to strengthen their electoral nominations and civic influence.

Economic Resilience: Providing survivors with business training and assets to foster lasting financial independence.

Strengthening Care: Enhancing multi-sectoral coordination among frontline providers for survivor-centred support.

Sustainability: Designing long-term strategies to ensure these interventions create a permanent impact.

When we empower women, support survivors, and engage communities, we build a safer, more balanced nation for everyone.

20/08/2026

Discover key updates and stay informed about the meaningful initiatives taking place throughout the UN System in the country. The second quarter of 2026 reflects Zambia’s continued progress, driven by strong partnerships, innovation, and a shared commitment to inclusive development.

https://zambia.un.org/en/321282-un-zambia-newsletter-april-june-2026

Happy reading!

19/08/2026

This World Humanitarian Day, we to demand urgent accountability and protection for the aid workers who risk everything on the frontlines.

Humanitarian workers are facing unprecedented threats—from targeted attacks, restricted access, and misinformation to emerging military technologies like armed drones. Serving others should never cost a life.

When aid workers are targeted, vulnerable communities pay the price. The world must enforce international humanitarian law, ensure safe access, and hold perpetrators accountable.

▶️ Watch the UN Secretary-General’s message here: https://youtu.be/p2AkjCC-Ang

This year’s campaign focuses on legal obligations, ...

15/08/2026

14/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UN Does Not Have an Electoral Observation Mandate in Zambia

Lusaka, 14 August 2026 – The United Nations (UN) in Zambia has noted with concern false and misleading information circulating on social media alleging that UN observers had congratulated a presidential candidate following the elections held in Zambia on 13 August 2026.

The UN wishes to clarify that it has no electoral observation mandate in Zambia and has not deployed any election observers for the 13 August 2026 elections. Consequently, any claims suggesting that the UN or its representatives have endorsed, congratulated, or commented on any candidate or electoral outcome are false and misleading.

“The United Nations does not observe national electoral processes unless mandated by the General Assembly or the Security Council. While the UN supports Member States in strengthening democratic institutions and encourages compliance with international obligations and commitments, it does not pronounce itself on the validity of an electoral process or the legitimacy of electoral outcomes,” said Ms. Beatrice Mutali, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia.

The UN strongly condemns the inappropriate and unlawful use of UN emblems and urges the public and media institutions to verify information through official UN communication channels and to refrain from sharing unverified content that may contribute to misinformation and disinformation. The UN also stresses the importance of dialogue to defuse tensions and calls on political leaders to adhere to the political parties peace pledge and their supporters to reject any form of violence while awaiting the announcement of results.

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For more information, please contact:

UN Resident Coordinator Office in Zambia, E: [email protected]

12/08/2026

🌍 International Youth Day 2026

Young people are at the forefront of creating solutions, driving innovation, and building more inclusive and sustainable communities.

On this International Youth Day, listen to the message from UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier, as he recognises the contributions of young people and calls for greater investment in youth leadership and participation.

🎥 Watch the full message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as_xdv77yDc

This year's International Youth Day reminds us of a simple but powe...

04/08/2026

UN Zambia proudly reflects on its 2025 successes. Advancing sustainable development, empowering communities, and building resilience for the future. 🌍✨

Watch the highlights here: https://youtu.be/NXjOWKAf6WM
Together, we continue to invest in peace, equality, and progress. 💙

This video shines a spotlight on UN Zambia’s key successes in 2025,...

31/07/2026

Shaping the Future of Digital Learning in Zambia
As education systems continue to evolve in an increasingly digital world, technology offers significant opportunities to expand access to quality learning. UNESCO's O3 Programme convened a Stakeholder Consultation and Validation Meeting for the Online Learning Application for Zambia (OLA ZED), bringing together key stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Education, ICT specialists, teachers, parents, and learners, to review, validate, and provide input on the platform ahead of its rollout. The meeting served as an important opportunity to assess the platform's relevance, functionality, and user experience, ensuring that OLA ZED effectively responds to the learning needs of young people and supports the delivery of quality Life Skills and Health Education in Zambia.
Developed by UNESCO in partnership with the Ministry of Education with support from the Government of Sweden, OLA ZED is an AI-powered chatbot designed to provide learners and educators with access to approved curriculum resources, including Life Skills and Health Education content, through a user-friendly and accessible digital platform.
Once operationalized, UNESCO envisions OLA ZED as an innovative digital learning platform that will expand access to quality learning resources, strengthen the delivery of Life Skills and Health Education, support teachers, enhance learner engagement, encourage parental involvement, and contribute to improved educational, health, and well-being outcomes for adolescents and young people across Zambia.

31/07/2026

Celebrating International Friendship Day 2026
On 30 July 2026, UNESCO in Zambia joined ZNBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show to reflect on the significance of the International Day of Friendship and the role of friendship, unity, and solidarity in building peaceful and inclusive societies.
UNESCO believes that peace begins with mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among people and communities. In Zambia, we work with government, schools, universities, civil society, and the media to advance education, cultural heritage protection, media freedom, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
A key part of this work is supporting quality education through curriculum reforms, digital learning, teacher development, and the Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3) Programme, which empowers learners with life skills, health education, gender equality, and values that promote responsible citizenship and peaceful coexistence.
Let us continue to strengthen friendship, embrace diversity, and work together towards a more peaceful, united, and sustainable Zambia.

28/07/2026

“Behind each of these figures is a human story and, very often, a story in which a different outcome might have been possible.” Ms Beatrice Mutali, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia

Today, stakeholders from Government, civil society, academia, the private sector, development partners, and communities gathered for the National Consultation on the Multisectoral Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

In Zambia, approximately 1 in every 3 deaths is caused by a non-communicable disease, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease.

Addressing NCDs is not only a health priority it is a development imperative. Through strengthened prevention, early detection, treatment, and multisectoral action, we can save lives and build healthier communities across the country.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting Zambia's efforts to reduce premature deaths from NCDs and ensure that no one is left behind.

📢 Share this post to help raise awareness about NCDs. By spreading the message, you can help encourage screening, prevention, and healthier lives for all Zambians.