Lusaka, 01.04.25 – The President of the Republic of Zambia Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, today officially opened the 3rd LDC Future Forum taking place under the theme “Enhancing Resilience: Innovative Solutions for Strengthening Least Developed Countries Resilience Against Systemic Shocks”. The opening session of the Forum, to be held from 1st to 3rd April 2025, was attended by more than 200 participants from LDCs, cooperating partners, think-tanks, civil society organizations and the UN system in Zambia.
In his remarks, President Hichilema noted the changing global and development cooperation landscape and the increasing cost of capital, all compounded by climate change, factors that require LDCs to change the way of doing things. These developments also called for reflection and introspection and to enhance resilience by planning ahead and anticipating what would come up including by leveraging technology.
He highlighted how Zambia has navigated and learned lessons from the worst ever drought that devastated the country in 2024 as a case in emphasizing the need for resilience. He underscored that resilience should be based on a proactive rather than reactive approach. He also emphasized the need to shift from consumption to investment expenditure in building resilience.
Also speaking during the opening session were the UN Under-Secretary General of the Office of the High Representative responsible for LDCs, the Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, and Malawi’s Minister of Climate Change. Zambia’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Finance and National Planning also gave remarks in the opening session.
The President underscored the importance of partnership and learning exchange in advancing the development aspirations of LDCs.
The LDC Forum brings together development stakeholders and policymakers to explore how to harness innovation, digitalization and technology to foster structural transformation and sustainable development in LDCs.
