LIVINGSTONE, 26 February –  Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has concluded his three-day state visit to Zambia with an emphasis on the priority areas that he will address during his second term as leader of the United Nations.

The Secretary-General said he will address sustainable development in a comprehensive and integrated manner by addressing climate change, food crisis, energy shortages, gender empowerment and global health, including HIV and AIDS and malaria. He said that the UN will continue to assist in peace-keeping operations to ensure a peaceful world where human rights are protected.

Mr. Ban noted the dramatic changes that had occurred in the Middle East and North Africa in 2010 where citizens demanded human rights, democracy and better living conditions. He said that as a result the UN would assist countries in transition to promote human rights and dignity.

“We will address sustainable development in an integrated and coordinated manner  to ensure that all these sectors I have mentioned are addressed. I am happy with the manner the UN is addressing these matters, especially here in Zambia,” Mr. Ban said.

Mr. Ban said that the UN attaches importance to issues affecting Africa and called on countries on the continent to utilize donor aid prudently through good governance and without corruption, underscoring that the observance of human rights, especially minority rights, should be respected. He said that the UN would condemn any policy which discriminates anyone, including regarding sexual orientation.

The Secretary-General emphasized the need for the UN to make society equitable by ensuring that women and youths have equal  opportunities to education and employment, so that they reach their full potential and become future and responsible leaders.

He applauded Zambia for showing a clear path of how a democratic system can work and urged other countries to emulate this record. He expressed optimism that following discussions with His Excellency President Michael Sata, the Government of the Republic of Zambia will continue to work with the UN in addressing the five priority areas.

Zambia is to co-host of the World Tourism General Assembly here in 2013. The Secretary-General expressed his happiness that Zambia and Zimbabwe will next year co-host the UNWTO General Assembly, saying tourism was an important economic sector

Mr. Ban ended his visit to Africa’s highest copper producing country by visiting the tourist town of Livingstone, where, among other activities he met human rights clubs from secondary schools, opened a One-Stop-Tourism Licensing Centre and toured the famous Victoria Falls. He addressed an airport press conference before departure for Angola, the next stop on his tour.


For further information, contact Patrick Slavin, Chair, United Nations Communications Group, +260/211.374200 x2020, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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