Media Key to Zambia's Development Story, Says Outgoing UN Coordinator

 By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA, 4 August 2026 — United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Ms. Beatrice Mutali, has commended the country's media for its critical role in promoting development, accountability and public awareness, describing journalists as indispensable partners in Zambia's development journey. 

Speaking during a UN Media Breakfast in Lusaka, Ms. Mutali said the gathering has provided an opportunity to share highlights of the United Nations' 2025 Annual Results Report while also recognizing the contribution of journalists in communicating the UN's support to the people of Zambia. 

She noted that the media has played a vital role in amplifying development messages, raising awareness of national priorities and helping citizens understand how the United Nations contributes to national development. 

"The media informs, amplifies unheard voices, promotes accountability and fosters constructive dialogue. By bridging policy and people, it helps citizens understand developments, their significance and their impact on communities and national progress," she said. 

Ms. Mutali praised journalists, bloggers, columnists and media houses for highlighting stories of progress in areas such as health, education, women's and youth empowerment, climate resilience, food security and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

She said the UN's 2025 Annual Results Report demonstrates that meaningful progress is achieved through strong partnerships involving government, development partners, civil society, the private sector, communities and the media. 

"The achievements we present today are not the work of the United Nations alone. They are the result of partnerships grounded in a shared commitment to improving the lives of people in Zambia, leaving no one behind," she said. 

The event also marked a moment of personal reflection for Ms. Mutali as she prepares to conclude her tenure as United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia at the end of August 2026. 

Describing her service in Zambia as both a privilege and an inspiration, she said she had witnessed the resilience, determination and optimism of the Zambian people while working alongside government, traditional leaders, civil society, development partners, the private sector and communities across the country. 

She highlighted the importance of collective action in responding to climate-related shocks, supporting vulnerable communities, strengthening human capital development, promoting social inclusion and expanding opportunities for women and young people.

 Ms. Mutali expressed pride in the way the UN Country Team had worked as one in support of Zambia's national development priorities, bringing together expertise, resources and partnerships to deliver tangible benefits for communities while strengthening national institutions. 

She emphasized that sustainable development requires inclusive approaches that invest in women and girls, empower young people, address inequalities and ensure that no one is left behind. 

Reflecting on her tenure, Ms. Mutali said development is ultimately about improving people's lives through access to quality education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

 "Behind every statistic is a human story, and those stories continue to inspire our work," she said. 

She also expressed gratitude to Zambia's media fraternity for its professionalism, commitment to factual reporting and constructive engagement, noting that credible journalism is increasingly important in an era of rapid information flows and misinformation. 

Ms. Mutali said the partnership between the United Nations and the media has helped bring complex development issues closer to the public while ensuring important stories receive the attention they deserve. 

She expressed confidence that the relationship between the UN and Zambia's media would continue to grow stronger and encouraged journalists to share their perspectives on how collaboration could be further strengthened. 

Ms. Mutali concluded by thanking journalists for their partnership throughout her tenure and said she leaves Zambia with deep appreciation for the friendships, collaboration and lessons the country has offered her.

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 Christian Nation Advocates Urge Peace, Unity and Integrity Ahead of Zambia's Elections

By Alain Kabinda 

As Zambia approaches a crucial election, advocates of the country's Christian Nation Declaration have called on political leaders, institutions and citizens to safeguard peace, uphold democratic principles and remain faithful to the values they say have shaped the nation's identity since independence.

Speaking during a public address, Bishop Billy Mfula reflected on Zambia's Christian heritage, tracing its roots to the country's founding years and the prayers of early leaders who sought God's guidance during the transition to independence.

He also referenced the historic prayer attributed to missionary David Livingstone and the 1991 declaration by former President Frederick Chiluba that Zambia is a Christian Nation, describing both as defining moments in the country's spiritual journey.

According to Bishop Mfula, the annual commemoration of the declaration serves as a reminder that Zambia's national identity is founded on faith and that public leadership should be exercised with integrity, justice and accountability.

With the country preparing for the August 13 general elections, Bishop Mfula appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to conduct the electoral process with fairness, transparency and professionalism. He said credible elections would strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions and reinforce the country's commitment to peaceful governance.

The bishop also urged political parties to place national interests above partisan competition.

"Before we belong to any political party, we are first and foremost Zambians," he said, stressing that governments and political parties change while the nation remains.

Throughout his address, Bishop Mfula repeatedly called for patriotism, warning against political violence and divisions that could outlast election campaigns. He encouraged citizens to maintain peace before, during and after voting, regardless of the outcome.

He further appealed to both the ruling party and the opposition to accept the election results should they lose, describing acceptance of the people's verdict as a demonstration of political maturity and democratic integrity.

Bishop Mfula said former presidents should continue serving the nation as elder statesmen, offering guidance and counsel to those who assume leadership. Such a culture, he argued, would encourage peaceful transfers of power and strengthen democratic governance across Africa.

In addition, he recommended that future presidents surround themselves with respected spiritual leaders who can provide prayer, moral guidance and counsel throughout their tenure.

Bishop Mfula reaffirmed support for maintaining Zambia's Christian Nation Declaration, noting that successive presidents have publicly recognised the country's Christian identity. He urged future administrations to continue promoting national prayer, Christian values and unity as part of governance.

Bishop Mfula has further calls for Zambians to remain united beyond political differences, emphasising that the country's future depends on citizens choosing peace over conflict and national unity over partisan interests.

As election day draws nearer, the message from the Christian Nation advocates was clear: democratic competition should never come at the expense of peace, and every Zambian has a responsibility to protect the country's stability, regardless of political affiliation.