Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Zambia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation today hosted the Zambia Tourism Council (ZTC) and key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Technology and Science, and the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF), for a strategic engagement on Zambia’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.

Chaired by Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, the meeting examined challenges affecting the growth of the industry and identified practical measures to strengthen Zambia’s position as a premier destination for international events.

The constructive dialogue underscored the sector’s immense potential and highlighted the significance of Zambia’s upcoming hosting of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a milestone that reflects the country’s growing stature and commitment to attracting world-class conferences and business events.

A team from the International Relations Association of Zambia (IRAZ) today paid a courtesy call on Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to discuss possible areas of collaboration between the Association and the Ministry in advancing Zambia’s International Relations and Diplomatic objectives.

The IRAZ team was led by the Association’s President, Ms. Rosemary Nsepe. IRAZ’s mission is to enhance inclusion, training and professionalism among formal actors of Zambia’s International Relations and Diplomacy.

During the meeting, Ms. Gundersen highlighted potential areas for collaboration in the short, medium, and long term to foster stronger cooperation between the Ministry and the Association to advance shared objectives.

The Permanent Secretary further underscored the country’s commitment to achieving its Foreign Policy objectives of Peace Security and Stability and Economic Diplomacy, noting that technical assistance aligned to this agenda would be welcomed.

In her remarks, Ms. Nsepe outlined IRAZ’s desire to work closely with the Ministry to facilitate knowledge exchange, create a path for career diplomacy and build a pool of Foreign Policy experts in the country.

IRAZ-International Relations Association of Zambia

At Charter House today, the Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, today met with Prudential Pensions Management Zambia Limited Managing Director, Mr. Kanyifwa Nyirongo, to discuss collaboration on diaspora-focused investment initiatives.

The discussions explored opportunities to support Zambians living in the diaspora through innovative investment products that promote national development and financial security.

Ms. Gundersen commended the company's efforts and encouraged the development of similar products for local citizens to enhance financial inclusion and wealth creation.

Prudential Pensions Management Zambia Limited is one of Zambia's leading pension fund administration and investment management companies, providing a diverse range of retirement planning, pension administration, and investment solutions designed to help individuals and institutions achieve long-term financial security and growth.

Zambians in the Republic of South Africa encouraged to register

zambiasagroup.com

PS Gundersen officiates at the Emerge-Eden International Model UN Conference 2026.

Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, has officially opened the Emerge - Eden International Model United Nations (UN) Conference 2026, highlighting its importance in preparing young people for leadership roles in diplomacy and international affairs.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Ms. Gundersen described the conference as a timely and significant initiative that provides young people with a unique platform to deepen their understanding of diplomacy and international relations.

She added that the Government welcomes initiatives such as the Emerge - Eden International Model UN Conference, as they contribute to strengthening the capacity of young people to participate meaningfully in national, regional, and global affairs.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the conference exposes participants to consensus - building processes and the values that underpin the work of the United Nations.

Also speaking at the event, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i., Seth Broekman, said the conference is more than a simulation exercise, describing it as a training ground for diplomacy. He emphasized that the skills participants acquire during the conference will help prepare them to tackle future challenges in an increasingly polarized world characterized by misinformation and growing pressure on public trust.

Eden University Vice Chancellor, Dr. Alvert Ng’andu, expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the United Nations and Emerge Zambia for their support in making the conference possible. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing platforms that empower young people and promote global citizenship.

The Emerge - Eden International Model UN Conference 2026 is being held under the theme, “Beyond 2030: Rethinking Global Cooperation in a Polarized World,” bringing together young leaders to engage in discussions on the future of international cooperation and global governance.

SADC Launches ICT-Focused Electoral Observation Training Programme in Lusaka.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) has officially launched a regional training programme in Lusaka for 100 electoral stakeholders, aimed at enhancing the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based methodologies in SADC Electoral Observation Missions.

Speaking during the opening ceremony,Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the training demonstrates the region’s collective commitment to strengthening democratic governance, electoral integrity, and regional stability.

Ms. Gundersen noted that the programme comes at a critical time when SADC Member States are intensifying efforts to strengthen democratic processes in line with the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections of 2021. She emphasized that election observation remains a vital instrument for promoting transparency, credibility, and public confidence in electoral systems.

She further highlighted Zambia’s long-standing record of peaceful political transitions, noting that the country continues to regard credible elections as fundamental to national unity, democratic consolidation, and sustainable development.

The Permanent Secretary observed that traditional manual approaches to election observation are increasingly inadequate in addressing the geographical scale and logistical demands of regional electoral missions. She encouraged participants to fully engage in the training, stressing that the skills and knowledge acquired would be essential for future observer deployments across the region.

Also speaking at the event, SEAC Deputy Chairperson Advocate Kasumpa Mwansa Kabalata said the programme is designed to equip participants with practical skills, technical expertise, and digital tools necessary for effective election observation within the SADC framework.

Ms. Kabalata explained that trained observers would be deployed across SADC Member States to monitor electoral processes and assess the extent to which citizens are able to freely exercise their democratic rights. She underscored the importance of professionalism, neutrality, and strict adherence to established standards in the conduct of election observers.

The training programme is scheduled to run until 5 June 2026.

CONGRATULATIONS!