On 9 May 2024, EU Delegation to Zambia and COMESA hosted a reception for more than 300 partners including Ambassadors of EU Member States, Ministers and Senior Government officials, guests from civil society, private sector and others.  EU Ambassador Karolina Stasiak and the guest of honour, Minister of Science and Technology Hon. Felix Mutati appreciated strengthening partnership between the EU and Zambia in a growing number of strategic sectors – infrastructure, water and energy, climate change and environmental protection, human development, support to private sector.

 “Zambia remains a priority partner for the European Union. What we are looking for is a partnership of equals, based on common values, mutual respect, trust and a shared dedication to make progress together.

 In an increasingly polarised world, where democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights are under threat, and where the respect for countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity is challenged by force, leading to conflict, we need to defend and strengthen our partnerships and trust-based relations with countries with whom we share common interests and values”, stated Ambassador Stasiak in her address.

The Focus of the evening was on youth empowerment and reflection on how to include young women and men and their innovative potential, drive and energy into political and economic life. Ms Victoria Musangu, President of the Economics Students Association at the Copperbelt University and youth representative, presented take-away thoughts from the recent Career Inspiration Fair organised by the EU for upcoming graduates and business representatives. As part of the “Count me in Campaign” dedicated to promote youth empowerment and gender equality, we invited youth artists to create in the course of the reception art pieces symbolically representing youth inclusion and empowerment.  

To pursue the Europe Month celebration, the EU and the Member States prepared a series of cultural, artistic and sport events for the Zambian public to discover and enjoy different aspects of Europe during the Festival of European Cultures.