Vice President Highlights Zambia’s Leadership on Global Water Security in Dubai
The Office of the Vice President has announced that Her Honour the Vice President, while in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, delivered a strategic address positioning water security as a cornerstone of Zambia’s national development, regional stability, and global cooperation.
In her address, the Vice President reaffirmed that water security remains central to Zambia’s economic transformation agenda, supporting key sectors including agriculture, energy generation, public health, and climate resilience.
She emphasised the Government’s One Government Approach, which integrates water governance across sectors while strengthening decentralisation to ensure locally driven and climate-responsive solutions.
Looking ahead to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, the Vice President called for a shift from fragmented voluntary commitments towards a binding global water governance framework.
She also urged reforms to the international financial architecture to unlock blended finance at scale and reposition water from a social good to productive capital.
She reiterated Zambia’s commitment to the Zambia Water Investment Programme, noting that US$1.82 billion has already been mobilised domestically, while a further US$3.98 billion remains available as an investment opportunity for international partners.
The Vice President stressed that global pledges must deliver measurable results, calling for predictable financing, technical support aligned with national systems, and strong accountability mechanisms.
She further highlighted the importance of de-risking water investments, integrating climate and water finance, strengthening national data systems, and enhancing cooperation across shared river basins.
Concluding her remarks, the Vice President invited partners and delegates to participate in the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, where Zambia will co-chair the Interactive Dialogue on Water for Cooperation alongside Finland.
She reaffirmed Zambia’s role as a leader in global water governance under the UN Water Convention and called on the international community to join efforts towards a water-resilient future.
The statement was issued by Mr Njenje Chizu, Press Aide to the Vice President, Republic of Zambia.
