Zambia’s Climate Voice Goes Global as Nzovu Wins Top UAE Honour

By Daily News Reporter 

LUSAKA – In a moment that underscores Zambia’s rising influence in global climate diplomacy, Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, MP, has been conferred with the prestigious First Class Order of Zayed II by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in recognition of his instrumental role in shaping landmark outcomes at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28).

The award highlights Nzovu’s tenure as Minister of Green Economy and Environment, during which he emerged as one of Africa’s leading voices in the push for climate justice—particularly the long-sought establishment of a global Loss and Damage Fund to support countries most affected by climate change.

Speaking to the Media in Lusaka Mr. Nzovu described the recognition as “not only personal, but a reflection of Zambia’s growing leadership in global climate negotiations.”

Nzovu’s climate diplomacy journey gained momentum in 2021 when he was appointed Minister of Green Economy and Environment by President Hakainde Hichilema. That same year, he attended his first Conference of the Parties—COP26 in Glasgow—where he was elected Chair of the African Group of Negotiators at Ministerial Level.

COP26 marked an important but incomplete step in the global climate finance debate. While countries failed to establish a dedicated loss and damage financing mechanism, the conference produced the Glasgow Climate Pact, which initiated a three-year dialogue on the issue and included a £1 million seed pledge from the host government.

For Nzovu and African negotiators, however, it was only the beginning of a more determined push.

At COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Nzovu played a central coordinating role as Chair of the African Group of Negotiators, rallying ministers across the continent behind a unified position.

For the first time in climate negotiations, world parties agreed to establish a dedicated Loss and Damage Fund, a breakthrough widely regarded as a turning point in global climate equity discussions. A Transitional Committee was also formed to design the fund’s operational structure, governance, and funding modalities.

Over the following year, the 24-member committee held multiple technical meetings and workshops, working through complex political and financial questions that had stalled progress for decades.

The breakthrough was completed at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, where the fund was officially operationalised on the opening day of the summit. Countries adopted the recommendations of the Transitional Committee, formally establishing the governing instrument of the fund.

The decision marked a historic milestone in global climate governance, transforming years of advocacy into a functioning international financing mechanism.

Nzovu credited the achievement to sustained African coordination and global cooperation, noting that “climate justice is no longer a demand on the margins—it is now part of the global system.”

Under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia’s participation at COP28 was strategically anchored on securing climate financing, accelerating green growth, and attracting investment into renewable energy, agriculture, and water development.

At the global leadership level, President Hichilema also played a key role within African coordination efforts that contributed to the conclusion of the Global Stocktake, a critical assessment of global progress toward climate goals.

He further championed structured carbon markets aimed at ensuring that communities protecting forests are fairly compensated, while unlocking economic value from Zambia’s vast natural resources.

Nzovu also paid tribute to the technical expertise and institutional support that underpinned Zambia’s negotiating success.

He highlighted the work of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, led by Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba, and supported by senior technical staff including Ephraim Shitima.

Working closely with African partners, the team helped shape the final architecture of the Loss and Damage Fund, which has since attracted more than US$800 million in pledged contributions to assist vulnerable countries facing climate-induced disasters.

The First Class Order of Zayed II adds an international dimension to Nzovu’s work, symbolising not only individual achievement but also Zambia’s growing reputation as a constructive and influential player in global environmental diplomacy.

The honour reflects a broader shift in global climate negotiations—one in which African voices are increasingly shaping outcomes rather than responding to them.

As climate impacts intensify across the continent, Zambia’s role in securing mechanisms for climate compensation and resilience funding signals a new era of engagement—one where negotiation translates into tangible global financial architecture.

“The work of implementation, accountability, and ensuring that vulnerable communities actually benefit from these decisions is what lies ahead,” he noted.