Empowering Zambians for a Climate Resilient Future: Launching of the Facility for Action for Climate Empowerment to achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (FACE-NDC)

Countries all over the globe are looking for ways to unlock or tap into funds to help them climate-proof their economies and meet their climate commitments. In this context, Zambia is leading by example.

In a groundbreaking move on 25^th October 2023, Zambia spearheaded a transformative initiative— the “Facility for Action for Climate Empowerment to Achieve the Nationally Determined Contributions (FACE-NDC).” This forward-thinking initiative was launched by Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon.  Eng. Collins Nzovu at a packed Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.

With a generous contribution of EUR 17 million contribution from Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI), the 7-year-long FACE-NDC project will be supporting the Zambian government in implementing its National Climate Change Learning Strategy, crafted in 2019 with support from UN CC:Learn.

The FACE-NDC project will be implemented by a consortium of five partners: UNITAR, UNESCO, FAO, the Copperbelt University, and the University of Zambia.  Centered on collaboration, it will bring together several key stakeholders in the country, such as universities, civil society, government entities, and the private sector, to drive green initiatives, and job creation and ensure that the skills Zambians will need in the future are included in national educational and training programmes.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Green Economy and Environment in Zambia, Hon. Nzovu said:

“By implementing the FACE-NDC project, the government intention is that students, teachers, professionals, government and private actors, as well as communities at large use their improved capacities to adopt climate-friendly behavior and support a climate-resilient, low-carbon, and green transition of the economy.” And concluded his remarks by calling ‘…all stakeholders to ensure successful promotion and change of climate-friendly behavior.’

And highlighted the African proverb that says:

‘It takes a whole village to train a child’.  

In the UN Resident Coordinator’s opening remarks, delivered on her behalf by FAO Country Representative Ms. Suze Percy Filippini, Ms. Beatrice Mutali remarked:

‘This is the single largest investment in a country for climate change education, and as climate change is of greatest importance to young people it is only right, therefore, that we should increase investments in climate change education.’

With dozens of activities planned, the project will strengthen Zambia’s formal and non-formal education systems, build capacity for climate change action across the country, and put it on the right path to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 47% by 2030, as stated in the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Collaborating closely with diverse government institutions exemplifies the integration of complementary expertise from the UN system and national tertiary education institutions for transformative climate education. FACE-NDC aims to impact approximately 2 million beneficiaries, encompassing school-going learners, adult learners, teachers, educators, trainers, and professionals in both public and private sectors.

The project stands as a testament to the potential of investing in climate change education, demonstrating how such endeavors can yield transformative outcomes amidst a changing climate. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in supporting countries to achieve their ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions.