By Amos Sikaonga 
By Amos Sikaonga
President Hakainde Hichilema has urged scientists and researchers to work closely with the government in addressing the escalating challenges of climate change.
President Hichilema said the devastating effects of the 2023/2024 drought which severely affected food, water, and energy security demonstrated that climate change is not a distant threat but a lived reality for Zambians.
He said this in a speech delivered on his behalf by Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha, at the official opening of the International Conference on Climate Resilience and Adaptation (CLARE),
“As Zambians, we have witnessed extreme weather events from floods that wash away homes, schools, and clinics to droughts that leave our fields barren.”
“These are not just statistics, they represent the struggles of our farmers, families, and communities, and they threaten the very foundation of our economy,” he said.
He stressed the need for multifaceted and socially inclusive responses to climate change, stating that the crisis affects everyone regardless of profession, status, or geography.
“It is imperative that governments, researchers, communities, civil society, and the private sector unite to confront this common threat,”President Hichilema stated.
“Researchers and policymakers must work hand in hand to guide effective climate action.”
The Head of State praised this year’s CLARE theme, “Co-creating Climate and Adaptation Resilience Narratives,” for its focus on collaboration and storytelling.
He emphasized the importance of drawing on a wide range of experiences from local communities and Zambian scientists to global partners in Africa and the wider Global South.
“Solutions often lie in unexpected places such as local farmers, traditional leaders, and women’s groups, especially in vulnerable communities like Kanyama, hold deep, practical knowledge that must be respected and integrated into climate strategies,” President Hichilema stressed.
He further emphasized the value of humble science that prioritizes lived experience and local adaptation methods.
President Hichilema also called on global climate financing institutions, including multilateral development banks, to reform their frameworks to better support countries like Zambia.
Cecilia Chiluba