Climate Fund Meeting Comes to Zambia

Livingstone summit to shape global climate response mechanisms

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (20-03-2026) -- Zambia is set to host a major global climate event, with the 8th Board Meeting of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage coming to the country, as Livingstone prepares to welcome international delegates for talks aimed at shaping global climate response mechanisms.

The high-level meeting, scheduled for April 2 to 4, 2026, places Zambia at the centre of global climate finance discussions amid growing concerns over access to funding, climate vulnerability, and accountability.

Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba said during a media briefing that Zambia will become the first African country to host the meeting, which serves as the supreme decision-making body of the global fund.

Mr Chibamba said the development reflects international confidence in Zambia’s institutional capacity and commitment to advancing climate action, while also coming at a time when developing countries are pushing for equitable access to climate finance.

He explained that Zambia secured the hosting rights after submitting a formal expression of interest in March 2025, which was later accepted by the Fund’s Secretariat on August 21, 2025.

Mr Chibamba said the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, established under the United Nations climate framework at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, is designed to provide financial support to countries most affected by climate change, particularly developing nations.

He noted that the Board is composed of 24 members representing both developed and developing countries, and that the Livingstone meeting will be the first to be held on African soil, raising expectations for stronger African representation in global climate governance.

Mr Chibamba said Zambia’s hosting comes against the backdrop of worsening climate impacts, including droughts, floods, and extreme weather events that have disrupted food systems, water resources, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is already affecting our communities and the national economy,” Mr Chibamba said.

He added that the meeting presents both a diplomatic opportunity and a strategic platform for Zambia to position itself to access climate financing, as competition for resources under the Fund is expected to be high.

Mr Chibamba disclosed that Zambia is currently working towards submitting a project proposal to access financing, describing it as a step toward translating global commitments into tangible development outcomes.

He, however, stressed the importance of strong institutional systems to ensure that any resources accessed are effectively managed and deliver measurable impact.

Mr Chibamba further expressed gratitude to cooperating partners supporting the proposal development process and preparations for the meeting, including capacity building in climate governance.

He said the Ministry has established a multi-sectoral local organising committee comprising government institutions and cooperating partners to coordinate logistics, technical preparations, and protocol arrangements.

Mr Chibamba added that Zambia intends to use the meeting to amplify Africa’s voice on loss and damage, particularly the need for climate finance that is timely, adequate, accessible, and responsive to vulnerable countries.

He called on stakeholders, including government institutions, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the media, to support preparations and ensure the country fully leverages the opportunity.

Mr Chibamba emphasised the role of the media in promoting transparency and public awareness, particularly around how climate funds are accessed and utilised.

Meanwhile, Gregory Saili, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative and Governance Advisor, speaking on behalf of the United Nations System in Zambia, commended the government for securing the hosting rights.

Mr Saili said the meeting reflects Zambia’s growing leadership in global climate action at a time when climate impacts are increasingly affecting communities and economies.

He noted that vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities, continue to bear the heaviest burden of climate-related disasters.

Mr Saili described the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage as a historic step toward global climate solidarity, aimed at ensuring that countries facing irreversible climate impacts receive financial and technical support.

He said the United Nations is supporting Zambia in strengthening institutional frameworks required to access the Fund, including assistance with national climate commitments and post-disaster assessments.

Mr Saili added that UN interventions in Zambia include restoring social services, rehabilitating infrastructure such as schools and water systems, and supporting community-led recovery initiatives.

He said agencies like UNICEF are complementing these efforts through remedial education programmes and strengthening health systems to ensure continuity of essential services during climate shocks.

Speaking during a preparatory engagement, GIZ Country Representative for Zambia Axel Ulmer, represented by Mr Saili, said the upcoming meeting is significant not only for Zambia but also for the global community.

Mr Saili said the meeting comes at a time when international cooperation is under pressure due to rising national interests, making it critical for countries to unite around shared challenges such as climate change.

He noted that the Fund represents a key global effort to protect livelihoods and safeguard public goods in vulnerable countries.

Mr Saili added that despite funding constraints in some regions, the German Government has maintained its commitment to climate action, with Zambia remaining a key focus country.

He said GIZ’s work in Zambia spans governance, water and sanitation, agriculture, and nutrition, all with climate change as a cross-cutting issue.

Mr Saili disclosed that GIZ has been selected as a Direct Access Entity under the Fund and is working closely with the Ministry to develop a country proposal in partnership with various stakeholders.

He said the proposal aims to strengthen Zambia’s response and recovery systems, support community-led initiatives, and enhance climate risk management frameworks.

Climate Change Expert at the Ministry, Ephraem Shitima, described the meeting as a critical platform for scaling up climate action and advancing international cooperation.

“This is an important event that provides an opportunity to build momentum toward tangible climate solutions,” Mr Shitima said.

The meeting is expected to bring together representatives from governments, international organisations, and civil society to discuss strategies, financing, and implementation measures aimed at supporting vulnerable countries.

Zambia’s hosting of the board meeting underscores its commitment to playing a proactive role in global climate discussions while positioning itself as a hub for climate resilience initiatives in the region.