The United National Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the government of Finland have pledged to provide technical and financial support to Zambia in strengthening water diplomacy in managing transboundary water courses.
ZANIS reports that the support follows Zambia’s participation at the 10th session of the meeting of the United Nations Water Convention which was held in Ljublijana, Slovenia from 23 to 25 October, 2024.
Zambia’s Ambassador accredited to Slovenia Winne Chibesakunda said the financial and technical pledges from various partners would not have come forth if Zambia did not participate at the 10th session of the UN Water Convention.
“That is a very big milestone for us because without attending the water convention, we wouldn’t have managed to get such pledges, “she stated.
Mrs Chibesakunda who was briefing the media shortly after the Vice President’s departure for Zambia, described Mrs Hichilema’s visit as successful.
She also disclosed that the World Bank has expressed commitment to support Zambia develop bankable projects in the attainment of Zambia’s water transformative programme.
“The World Bank has also expressed willingness to develop bankable projects in its water investment programmes and this is also a big milestone for the country,” she said.
Mrs Chibesakunda added that Slovenia has further offered Zambia support to help the country attain its green aspirations.
She said her visit has opened a big window for interaction with officials from Slovenia adding that Slovenia has further offered to have an exchange programme with members of parliament and advance interest between the two countries.
Mrs Chibesakunda added that the matchmaking event at the water convention has further resulted in establishment of new partnerships and access to additional resources for capacity building for managing transboundary water courses.
Zambia made its inaugural attendance at the 10th session of the meeting of the UN Water Convention making the country number 55 and 12th in Africa to join the water convention on the protection and use of transboundary water courses.
