Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
First Lady Esther Lungu
First Lady Esther Lungu says as the country plans to commence the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is imperative that it focuses on the improvement of the various dimensions affecting the well being of humanity such as health, education, entitlements and empowerment.
Speaking at a diplomatic club gala dinner in Lusaka last evening, Mrs. Lungu says unless marginalised groups such as women and youth live a long and healthy life and unless they have access to knowledge and a decent standard of living and participate in the activities of their communities can the country begin to see a meaningful sustainable development and economic growth.
Mrs. Lungu says there is no debate that a country like Zambia struggling to improve the social and economic welfare of her people should concentrate on both human and economic growth.
She points out that the stability of governments, the growth of economies and the development of social sectors are directly impacted by the well being of youth citing that young people can offer solutions to many challenges that countries are facing and hence the need to find ways of engaging them in the process of development.
And Mrs. Lungu has observed that despite the challenges faced by young people, they are a great source that can be used in alleviating the many problems stressing that young people should therefore be involved in the development process.
She has commended the government for recognizing the important role of youth and women in the socio economic development of Zambia although more still remains to be done.
She has further encouraged the government to work together with civil society organizations to ensure youth friendly health services are available to young people as stipulated in the national youth policy and as is required.