Signing for change: leaders and community unite for climate justice
By Shikanda Kawanga - SDI/PPHPZ
On 21 January 2025, a powerful movement for climate justice took centre stage in Lusaka. In a historic moment, Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Muwezwa I stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. With a firm stroke of the pen, she signed a pledge to champion local climate action. This act was more than symbolic—it was a rallying cry for communities, leaders, and policymakers to unite in the fight against climate change.
The air buzzed with anticipation as Ministry of Green Economy Director Ephraim Shitima and PPHPZ Country Coordinator SDI-VCA Nelson Ncube followed suit. Their signatures solidified the commitment of government and civil society to ensuring climate finance reaches those who need it most. One by one, attendees joined in, each signature a declaration of unwavering support for climate justice.
Zambia’s Republican President Hakainde Hichilema declared the 2023-2024 farming season drought a national disaster, affecting over 6.6 million people across the country. The urgency of this pledge could not be overstated.
Extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, and shifting rainfall patterns continue to threaten the livelihoods of countless communities, especially those already on the margins. But on this day, a united front emerged—leaders and citizens alike stood together to confront the climate crisis head-on.
At the heart of this movement lies a commitment to equity. Climate finance must flow to the grassroots, empowering local communities to lead their resilience-building efforts. The Next Level Grant, launched in tandem with this pledge, is a beacon of hope, ensuring that resources are available and accessible to those at the frontline of climate change.
This landmark event is more than just a pledge—it is a promise. It promises that the voices of the most vulnerable will not be ignored, that traditional leadership and government will work hand in hand to combat climate injustices, and that a sustainable future is within reach if we stand together and take bold action.
A wave of determination swept through the gathering as the ink dried on the final signatures. The message was clear: climate justice is not a distant dream—it is a cause worth fighting for, and the fight has begun. Thanks to the VCA.
