New York, 14 July 2026
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing climate-resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) solutions and advocating for urgent reforms to the global debt architecture in order to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Delivering Zambia’s General Debate Statement during the Ministerial Segment of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) at the United Nations Headquarters, Engineer Romas Kamanga, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, said that as the world enters the final four years of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the momentum generated by the Forum will be critical in shaping ambitious outcomes for the 2026 UN Water Conference.
Engineer Kamanga underscored that WASH in healthcare facilities is not only a public health priority, but also a vital climate adaptation measure. He called for strengthened country-level delivery of the Water Forward initiative, effective implementation of the UN Resolution on WASH in Healthcare Facilities, and the accelerated integration of climate-resilient WASH into Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans.
The Permanent Secretary further emphasised that without adequate financing, the Sustainable Development Goals will remain beyond reach. He therefore called for reforms to the global debt architecture and international financial systems, as well as the timely implementation of the Sevilla Commitment, in order to close the SDG financing gap.
He also highlighted that achieving the SDGs requires implementation driven from the ground up. In this regard, he promoted Voluntary Local Reviews as practical tools for planning, accountability, and stakeholder engagement, adding that Zambia looks forward to presenting its Voluntary National Review in 2027.
Zambia’s participation in the HLPF is in line with the country’s foreign policy of fostering multilateral cooperation and leveraging international platforms to advance national development priorities. It also ensures that Zambia’s voice is heard in shaping global solutions on water security, climate resilience, and sustainable financing.
Engineer Romas Kamanga is leading the Zambian delegation to the Forum, which opened on 7 July 2026 and will conclude on 16 July 2026. The Forum is being held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) under the theme: “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all.”
Also participating in the Forum are Dr. Gabriel Pollen, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development; Dr. Chola Milambo, Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations; and other senior government officials.
By: Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation-PR Unit
