Zambia Hosts First-Ever National Youth Climate Summit in Lusaka
Lusaka, Zambia – May 2025
Zambia marked a major milestone in its climate action efforts with the successful hosting of its first-ever National Youth Climate Summit in Lusaka. Held on May 18–19, 2025, the summit brought together over 1,000 young climate activists, environmentalists, students, and policymakers from across the country to discuss sustainable solutions to the climate crisis.
Organized by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the summit focused on empowering youth voices in climate decision-making and promoting innovation in renewable energy, conservation, and environmental education.
Minister of Green Economy Hon. Collins Nzovu, who opened the summit, emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping Zambia’s future.
"The youth are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today. Their passion and creativity are essential in addressing the climate emergency facing our nation," said Minister Nzovu.
The event featured workshops, panel discussions, and a showcase of green technology innovations by young Zambian entrepreneurs. Highlights included a pitch competition for eco-startups, where the winning team from Copperbelt University presented a mobile app that connects rural farmers with weather forecasts and soil management tips.
Participants left the summit with a renewed sense of purpose, forming a national youth climate network to continue collaboration and advocacy throughout the year.
Environmental activist and university student Chanda Mwansa, who attended the summit, said, “This event gave us a platform to be heard. We’re ready to take action—not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.”
The Zambian government has pledged to make the summit an annual event as part of its broader commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development.