Ms. Sylvia Chalikosa, Hon. Minister in the Office of the Vice President

His Excellency Mr. Hidenobu Sobashima, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia

Mr Steven Mwansa, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Vice President

Senior government official present

Colleagues from the United Nations,

Civil society, private sector, media and colleagues,

For decades, Zambia has shown its solidarity and humanity to those fleeing violence and persecution from neighboring countries, the region and even further afield. The world remains in great turmoil, and we all continue to count on Zambia to maintain this approach to those seeking a place of greater safety and security. UNDP will continue to support the government and people of Zambia in this in collaboration with its key partners such as the Government of Japan . In addition, in the case of Angola and Rwanda, where refugee status no longer applies, the Government of Zambia has offered those former refugees who have lived for many years in Zambia and who do not wish to return to their countries of origin, the option of taking permanent residency. UNDP has supported the creation of a Sustainable Resettlement approach to bring together those new permanent residents and Zambian citizens, on a 50-50 basis, into new communities.

Underpinning this Sustainable Resettlement approach are all the concepts of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, most particularly Leave No-one Behind. The Sustainable Resettlement Approach is innovative and forward-looking,  and is a model for working with such communities in other parts of the world.

The Sustainable Resettlement approach recognises three strands of growth necessary to create communities that are cohesive, productive, sustainable and fully integrated at all levels.

First, these communities need to be integrated into the national planning processes at national, provincial and district levels so that their needs can be identified and prioritised through a consultative basis . We strongly believe that such an approach  is essential to grow a cohesive and sustainable new community.

Second, the communities in and around the sustainable resettlement schemes need to have access to available social services and economic opportunities which is fully in line with the targets of the 7th National Development Plan. Planning for social services should flow from the first target of integrated and inclusive planning, and we look to the  relevant line ministries to ensure that  due priority is given to these new communities. Planning for  economic opportunities across all sectors.

Third, we need these new communities to be fully integrated with the surrounding society which is an important ingredient,  to promote peace and harmony including social cohesion and for the realization of their individual and collective livelihood aspirations.

Today, we are gathered for the official launch and handover of the 500,000  support from the Government and People of Japan for the Promoting Human Security Through Sustainable Resettlement Programme in Zambia for 2019-2020. These funds will be used to support all three strands of growth mentioned above.

We thank the Japanese Government for their generous contribution.  We would also like to thank the Government of the Republic of Zambia and  all other key partners for creating the right environment for this unique project.

I thank you.