As part of in-country engagements ahead of Zambia’s commemoration of the 2023 World Population Day and launch of the 2023 State of World Population Report in Zambia, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, in partnership with UNFPA, held a Public Lecture with students at the University of Zambia.

The Public Lecture aimed to enhance knowledge of future decision makers, academicians and development experts around population and development issues - providing an in-depth analysis of current demographic trends affecting sustainable development globally.

Speaking during the lecture, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Mr. Charles Banda, highlighted key opportunities in a world of 8 billion people, and examined the potential challenges that must be overcome to harness Zambia’s demographic dividend, through investments in education, job training, and gender equality.

“Investments in these areas are critical for sustainable development, gender equality, human rights, and social justice. As young people, who are both our present and future, you are central to ensuring Zambia achieves a population growth that matches our economic growth’’ said Mr. Banda.

Also speaking at the lecture, UNFPA Population and Development Specialist Dr. Namuunda Mutombo shared insight into the themes of the 2023 World Population Day and State of World Population Report, highlighting the critical focus on advancing gender equality and securing rights and choices as key towards sustainable development.

“Over the past year, the world population officially hit 8 billion, signaling the need to explore innovative strategies to help realise the infinite possibilities of all the 8 billion people on our planet. University Students, such as yourselves, are central to helping us explore such possibilities” said Dr. Namuunda.