EPD2026: Official Opening

Official Opening Speakers

Website: https://ccz.org.zm/

An ecumenical body that brings together major Protestant denominations in Zambia, including the United Church of Zambia, the Reformed Church in Zambia, and the Anglican Church. Established in 1944, it advocates for social justice, good governance, peace-building, and human rights while coordinating humanitarian and development programs for its member churches.

Website: https://cejzambia.org/

A Zambian non-governmental organization focused on promoting environmental rights, climate justice, and sustainable natural resource management. It advocates for communities affected by mining and pollution while pushing for stronger environmental laws and corporate accountability.

A vibrant Pentecostal church based in Lusaka, Zambia, known for its dynamic worship services and strong emphasis on faith, healing, and prosperity teaching. Led by Bishop Eddie Mulenga, the church runs community outreach programs, a school, and regular conferences that attract members from across the city.

Website: https://www.sarwatch.co.za/

An independent, nonprofit organization based in Johannesburg, South Africa, that monitors corporate and government conduct in the extraction of natural resources across Southern Africa, assessing their contributions to sustainable development and community upliftment. It actively engages in Zambia through research, advocacy, and partnerships with local civil society and mining-affected communities, particularly on issues like corporate social responsibility, environmental impacts, and equitable resource governance in the mining sector.

Website: https://cornerstone-intl.org/

A Munich-based foundation and non-governmental organisation committed to environmental protection, renewable energy, and sustainable development through community-centred approaches guided by its ethos, Strength through Unity. Operating globally, CsI integrates clean energy, ecosystem protection, youth education, and social inclusion to strengthen environmental resilience while improving long-term livelihoods for communities.

Website: https://www.mgee.gov.zm/

A Zambian government ministry responsible for formulating and implementing policies on climate change, environmental protection, forestry, and the transition to a green and circular economy. Established in 2021, it drives national strategies like the National Policy on Climate Change and the Eighth National Development Plan’s focus on sustainable development.

Key Presentations

EPD Framework strategy implementation success, opportunities and challenges:

CEJ and its Consortium Partners have successfully launched a series of activities from the framework focusing on environmental justice, sustainable development, and community engagement. These activities address local environmental challenges, such as pollution, deforestation, and impacts of climate change. The consortium has made significant progress in building a network of stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, NGOs, CSOs and the private sector. To sustain and expand the efforts of CEJ and Partners under the EPD Consortium, there is a call for support in terms of funding. Funding is essential for the ongoing and future projects of the consortium.

Issue Based Paper on Tailings Dam Management in Zambia:

Zambia's mining sector is a crucial component of its economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings and employment. However, the management of tailings dams structures designed to store the byproducts of mining operations poses serious environmental and social risks. Tailings dams are an integral part of the mining process, responsible for containing waste produced during ore processing. In Zambia, where copper mining is predominant, the management of these facilities has become a critical issue due to incidents of dam failures, environmental degradation, and social conflicts with local communities
EPD2024
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUBMISSION. YOU WILL RECIEVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL SHORTLY.