North-western Province Permanent Secretary, Grandson Katambi, has called for a unified front between the government and civil society organisations (CSOs) to foster inclusive and sustainable development while promoting transparency and accountability in human rights advocacy.
Colonel Katambi (Rtd) said the role of civil society organisations in Zambia remains indispensable and vivid, noting that they have contributed significantly to the advancement in democratic governance, inclusive development and social justice.
He said CSOs bridge the gap where state structures are limited and inspire citizens to take ownership of societal progress.
He was speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Solwezi today which was organised by People in Need (PIN) and the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) with support from the European Union (EU).
Col. Katambi said the government has incentives to support CSOs and their collective efforts in ensuring democratic governance, inclusive development and social justice are met following the limited funding and difficulties in scaling up their interventions.
He said stakeholders need to leverage each other’s strengths for a collective impact, adding that the government is committed to providing a conducive environment for both the private sector and CSOs to thrive.
The North-western Province Permanent Secretary said he was however aware that CSOs face hurdles such as limited funding, insufficient stakeholder support, and difficulties in scaling up interventions.
“Therefore, let this gathering help in reaffirming collective commitment to supporting each other. Government on its part will support you because you are not our competitors but our partners. We work for the same people to better their lives. If the government, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens work together in peace, we can build a Zambia where development is inclusive, sustainable and just,” he stated.
Col Katambi has meanwhile reminded the international and local CSOs in the province to work together by pooling expertise and sharing resources for collective impact and transformation of lives.
He noted that development cannot be the responsibility of the government alone saying it must be broad-based, inclusive and participatory.
He added that development must also harness the collective efforts of all stakeholders if poverty reduction and sustainable growth are to become a reality for the province and Zambia as a whole.
Col. Katambi further said the government is working round the clock to provide and sustain a conducive environment for the private sector and civil society organisations to thrive and contribute significantly to poverty reduction and inclusive development.
And PIN Project Manager, Nora Nyirenda, said it is imperative for organisations to contribute effectively by utilising and strengthening existing mechanisms and platforms created for sustainable development.
Ms Nyirenda said CSOs, together with the government and the private sector through the traditional leaders and corporate institutions, will be able to harmonise their voices and be able to network and complement their efforts.
She said the 2 million Euros European funded project will be implemented by four CSOs in Solwezi and Kalumbila districts targeting women, youths and the marginalised groups.
