Young People Urged to Tackle Corruption and Climate Challenges
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Zambia has called upon the nation’s youth to take the lead in addressing two of the country’s most pressing challenges—corruption and climate change. This appeal was made during the 3rd annual Junior Farmers Agriculture Show, held at the Lusaka Showgrounds on Friday, under the theme “Harnessing the Power of the Young Generation: The Future We Want.”
The event gathered young learners, farmers, and various stakeholders from the agriculture and education sectors, emphasizing the role of youth in building a fair, transparent, and sustainable future.
Addressing the attendees on behalf of ACC’s Acting Director-General, Mrs. Monica Chipanta Mwansa, the Assistant Director of the Public Education Department, Mrs. Queen Chibwe, stressed the youth’s pivotal role in fighting corruption, particularly within agriculture.
“The future we want is one where our agriculture sector thrives, supported by fairness, transparency, and accountability. Corruption remains one of the greatest threats to achieving these goals,” Mrs. Chibwe remarked.
She emphasized the importance of involving young people in anti-corruption initiatives, highlighting the introduction of anti-corruption clubs and the inclusion of anti-corruption content in school curricula.
“Your energy, innovation, and fresh perspectives are essential in fighting corruption. The duty of the youth is to challenge corruption,” she added, urging the young attendees to be champions of integrity in their communities.
The event’s Guest of Honor, Mr. Ian Miyoba, Lusaka District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), represented by Mr. Anderson Katete, Education Standards Officer, also highlighted the role of young people in combating climate change.
He pointed out that adopting climate-smart technologies and modern farming practices is crucial as Zambia continues to face the impact of climate change on food production.
“Climate-smart technologies and modern farming practices are vital as climate change continues to affect food production and agribusinesses. The Junior Farmers Agriculture Show offers young learners a platform to explore these innovations,” Mr. Katete noted.
The Junior Farmers Agricultural Show not only educates children about sustainable farming but also teaches financial literacy and introduces them to the latest agricultural technologies. Schools from across the region competed in an Agri-School Competition, showcasing their understanding of modern agriculture and sustainability.
This year’s event seamlessly combined education, the promotion of integrity, and sustainable farming practices, inspiring Zambia’s next generation to lead the country towards a corruption-free and environmentally resilient future.