UNZA, Green Economy explore research partnership

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Gilbert Siame has underscored the importance of research and development and has called for the development of a learning programme at the University of Zambia (UNZA) that can make a meaningful contribution to the Ministry, particularly…

 Minister of Green Economy and Environment Gilbert Siame has underscored the importance of research and development and has called for the development of a learning programme at the University of Zambia (UNZA) that can make a meaningful contribution to the Ministry, particularly in climate change policy and adaptation.

Dr Siame made the remarks during an engagement meeting with UNZA management from the School of Natural Sciences. The discussions focused on exploring areas of collaboration between the two institutions and identifying ways to generate tangible impact, particularly through climate change initiatives.

Dr Siame, who emphasised the President’s vision for the Ministry, said research and development would provide a pathway towards achieving the Government’s goals through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.

He said Zambia’s ability to access green financing for climate change initiatives would depend on building strong institutional capabilities, competitiveness and human-resource capacity.

“We need to re-imagine things and for me it is a motivated and capable staff. The political direction will be solid and clear,” he said.

Dr Siame said this could be achieved through a strategic partnership with UNZA, which has several departments with the capacity to make a greater contribution to national development.

“We need partnerships, we can’t do this on our own. We need to see how academia can help us. If we increase our capacity we will get more things done,” he said.

The Minister expressed the desire for a holistic partnership that would enable UNZA to contribute significantly to national development.

He also challenged UNZA departments to reimagine their capabilities through various partnerships aimed at strengthening academic impact and generating benefits for both the Ministry and the country.

Dr Siame said UNZA could help actualise the Government’s agenda by collaborating with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment across the various disciplines offered by the university.

He said such an approach would promote efficiency and innovation in critical sectors, including agriculture, mining, insurance and engineering.

Dr Siame further noted that each department at UNZA had unique strengths that could be leveraged through knowledge-sharing and collaboration with the Ministry.

He disclosed that resources were available to support the partnership, which is expected to commence in January, and urged UNZA to make a practical contribution to the Grow Zambia agenda.

UNZA Vice-Chancellor Professor Mundia Muya commended the Government, through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, for initiating what he described as an impactful development, saying successful implementation of the partnership would contribute significantly to national economic growth.

Professor Muya also congratulated Dr Siame on his appointment as Minister of Green Economy and Environment, noting that he is a UNZA alumnus, and expressed optimism about future collaboration between the two institutions.