In a significant step towards strengthening capacity for effective climate action, the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the University of Zambia (UNZA) School of Natural and Applied Sciences in collaboration with CLimate Adaptation and REsilience (CLARE Progrmme) funded by the governments of the United Kingdom and Canada through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) officially launched the 2025 CLARExchange Forum in Zambia under the theme: “Co-Creating Climate and Adaptation Resilience Narratives” at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Tuesday, 6th May 2025.
Speaking at the official opening of the CLARE program in Zambia, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, who was represented by the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Mposha, MP, pointed to the devastating impacts of extreme weather, exemplified by the 2023/2024 drought that crippled food security, water resources, and the energy sector.
“These challenges are not mere statistics; they represent the daily struggles of our farmers, families, and communities, undermining our economic foundation. Therefore, research must intensify its role in supporting adequate responses and fortifying our capacity for effective climate action,” he said.
The Head of State empathised the need for a multifaceted and socially inclusive approach to these challenges, stressing that climate change affects all segments of society regardless of socio-economic status or geographical location.
“It is, therefore, imperative that governments, local communities, civil society, the private sector, and researchers unite against this common threat. Governments and researchers must forge a closer relationship to inform climate action, necessitating a ‘whole-of-society’ and ‘whole-of-government’ approach, underpinned by robust and state-of-the-art interdisciplinary climate research,” he stated.
The President's address also highlighted the invaluable insights held by local farmers and communities, including those in the Kanyama informal settlement, traditional leaders, and women’s groups, regarding practical and sustainable practices.
Mr Hichilema advocated for "humble science" and "humble expertise" that genuinely values and learns from local knowledge of adapting to long-standing climate threats. "Climate change is fundamentally about human lives and their lived experiences," he noted, urging attendees to engage in critical discussions to inform well-considered investment plans within the context of evolving global geopolitics and climate financing frameworks. The Head of State further called upon global climate change financing frameworks and multilateral development banks to explore innovative practices that enhance the resilience of climate financing tools and platforms, particularly for Africa.
He stressed that these opportunities should be rooted in diverse socio-economic conditions and tailored to unique developmental needs. The President also indicated Zambia's intention to examine how technology and research could bolster adaptation efforts, emphasizing the indispensable role of data, climate information, and scientific research in informed decision-making and effective policy formulation.
Further, he called upon attending experts to identify ways for better collaboration between communities, government, and the private sector to foster social solidarity on climate action at national and local levels.
Additionally, the media were urged to continue amplifying the voices of those most affected by climate change and to advocate for policies prioritizing sustainability, adaptation, and resilience.
Moreover, Mr Hichilema underscored the importance of youth and women engagement and empowerment as innovators and change-makers in climate resilience efforts.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Zambia, Her Excellency, Ms. Rebecca Terzeon, affirmed the UK's commitment to genuine and equal partnerships in addressing the climate crisis and supporting the needs of the Global South.
Ms Terzeon highlighted the UK's significant investment in research and innovation globally, emphasising the crucial role of climate research in providing evidence and tools to address climate impacts and improve lives.
The Ambassador noted that CLARE champions the integration of local knowledge with technological advancements to develop effective adaptation strategies at all levels of governance.
She stated that the UK funds over 90% of the CLARE program, with co-funding from Canada, emphasizing its focus on local-led and action-oriented research benefiting the most vulnerable communities.
The UK Envoy acknowledged the obstacles posed by a warming world, where climate-related disasters are already causing significant damage, making initiatives like CLARE even more critical for building resilience and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the same function, Her Worship, the Mayor of the City of Lusaka, Ms. Chilando Chitangala highlighted the climate-related challenges facing the city, which are intensified by its growth, including flash floods and water shortages.
However, she emphasised the determination of Lusaka's residents and the city council's commitment to working with researchers and international partners to build resilience into the city's development.
UNZA Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mundia Muya, affirmed the university's commitment to the partnership on this crucial initiative, serving as a hub for dialogue, a laboratory for solutions, and a bridge between science, policy, and society.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised UNZA's belief that effective climate action must be rooted in local realities while being informed by scientific research through global partnerships, a spirit he noted was perfectly aligned with the diverse expertise gathered at the launch.
The CLARE programme is a UK-Canada £110m+ flagship research initiative on climate adaptation and resilience announced at COP26, aiming to bridge critical gaps between science and action by championing Southern leadership in research.
It supports partner governments, communities, and the private sector in using evidence and innovation to drive effective climate solutions while building the capacity of both researchers and evidence users.
With a significant majority of its funding from the FCDO and co-funding and implementation support by Canada’s IDRC, CLARE currently supports 35 research projects involving over 145 organizations across 38 countries, predominantly in Africa and Asia, with the goal of benefiting over 30 countries through diverse partnerships.