Govt commends ABBC for promoting trust in science

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The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has hailed the Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication Symposium (ABBC) as a premier platform for convening stakeholders to shape Africa’s future through trust in science, open dialogue, and innovative solutions.

Speaking during the official closing of ABBC 2025 in Lusaka, Green Economy and Environment Minister Mike Mposha through a speech delivered on his behalf by Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba said the past decade has shown the symposium’s relevance in addressing critical challenges facing Africa.

“This year’s symposium has once again affirmed its importance by confronting a critical challenge – misinformation and disinformation that continues to undermine Africa’s adoption of biosciences and, by extension, the achievement of One Health and sustainable food systems,” Mr. Mposha said.

Mr. Chibamba has noted that the past two days of dialogue had been rich with the exchange of knowledge and innovative approaches to harnessing science in tackling pressing issues such as climate change and food insecurity, while countering narratives that erode public trust.

He has thanked the organizers for hosting a successful symposium, the delegates for their commitment and insights, and Zambia’s local team for ensuring visitors felt at home.

For Zambia, Mr. Chibamba said the discussions were timely, as the government last year domesticated the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement through the enactment of the Green Economy and Climate Change Act.

“This landmark legislation provides a solid legal foundation for regulating carbon markets, safeguarding our environment, and aligning Zambia’s policies with global climate action,” he said.

He has added that with the Carbon Market Roadmap already underway and a statutory instrument on carbon markets under development, credible and trusted science communication was indispensable.

“The success of these progressive measures depends not only on sound policy and legal frameworks but also on the ability to overcome the threats of misinformation and disinformation. Misleading narratives around climate change, carbon markets, and green economy initiatives risk eroding public trust, creating resistance, and ultimately delaying implementation,” Mr. Chibamba said.

He has further stressed that ABBC 2025 had been valuable in charting pathways to build resilience against falsehoods while reinforcing the role of science communication in fostering an informed and engaged public that actively supports Africa’s biosciences and climate agenda.

The Permanent Secretary has requested the organizers to share the symposium’s key resolutions and action points, saying Zambia stood ready to integrate them into national strategies.

“Zambia stands ready to work alongside our African partners in advancing this collective vision for a greener, healthier, and more resilient continent,” he said.

Ends……………………………..

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