The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), in partnership with the World Bank and higher learning institutions, has officially launched the Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) Curriculum and Training Program at Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute.
The initiative is designed to strengthen Zambiaβs capacity in managing environmental and social risks associated with development projects, ensuring that growth is both sustainable and inclusive.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift Sialubalo, MP, underscored the importance of environmental and social safeguards in driving sustainable development.
βSustainable development cannot be achieved without effective environmental and social risk management. This curriculum equips officers with the skills to ensure that projects are implemented responsibly, in line with environmental and social standards,β said Hon. Sialubalo.
The Minister revealed that 232 officers from 116 local authorities will be the first to undergo training under the Zambia Devolution Support Program, funded by the World Bank. He further called on the Local Government Service Commission to ensure that all councils have dedicated staff to coordinate environmental and social risk management.
Also speaking at the launch, the World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, Dr. Achim Fock, described the ESRM program as a milestone in Zambiaβs path toward responsible development.
βDevelopment projects, while essential, can pose risks if not properly managed. This course developed with four leading higher learning institutions and key stakeholders lays the foundation for building a cadre of skilled professionals who will integrate environmental and social safeguards into project planning and implementation,β said Dr. Fock.
Dr. Fock emphasized the World Bankβs commitment to supporting the establishment of dedicated ESRM units within institutions to sustain the newly built capacity. He also announced plans to advance the digitalization of grievance redress mechanisms (GRM) across all 116 councils, enhancing early warning systems, community feedback, and policy responsiveness.
The ESRM curriculum was developed by the University of Zambia, University of Lusaka, National Institute for Public Administration, and Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute, in consultation with national stakeholders, including the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Ministry of Health, Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), and the Zambia Institute of Environmental Health (ZIEH), among others.
This initiative aligns with Vision 2030 and the 8th National Development Plan, which emphasize green growth, environmental protection, and inclusive social development.
The launch marks the beginning of a nationwide training effort aimed at embedding environmental and social risk management into Zambiaβs development agenda, ensuring that progress protects both people and the environment.
