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PRESS RELEASE
(For immediate release)
20th May, 2026

GLOBAL LEADERS CONVENE TO ADDRESS THE GLOBAL HOUSING CRISIS AS ZAMBIA CALLS FOR INVESTMENT TO ACCELERATE RURAL DEVELOPMENT

BAKU, Azerbaijan: Zambia is actively participating in the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) to share its national urban planning and development milestones, as well as acquire more global support aimed at addressing its rapid urbanization needs.

Jointly organised by the UN-Habitat and the Republic of Azerbaijan, the premier global conference on urbanization is taking place at the Baku Olympic Stadium from May 17th to May 22nd, 2026, and has gathered policymakers, urban planners, advocates, and business leaders to confront one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the global housing crisis.

With nearly three (3) billion people globally lacking access to affordable shelter, this year’s theme, "Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities," centers on transforming housing into a primary driver of inclusion, resilience, and sustainable development.

The Zambian delegation, led Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary (Administration) Dr. Gabriel Pollen, comprises officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Ministry of Finance and National Planning, National Assembly of Zambia, and Parastatal Institutions, joins international dialogues focused on resolving the global housing crisis, building climate resilience, and establishing scalable models for sustainable development.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Forum, Dr. Pollen highlighted the strategic value of WUF13, stressing that Zambia’s participation aligns directly with the Nation's policy to foster sustainable human settlements and seeks to address challenges such as informal settlements and critical housing deficits across both urban and rural areas.

Dr. Pollen stated that Zambia is utilising WUF13 to lobby investment support in upgrading informal settlements-such as the ongoing Kanyama Township project, and integrating it into a well-serviced municipal network.

On Climate resilience, he highlighted that the Country is discussing pathways with stakeholders to invest in sustainable human settlements that can withstand climate-related threats, as well as exploring public-private partnerships (PPPs) to drive infrastructure development within Zambia.

“Housing is more than just shelter, it is a human right and the very foundation of human dignity, health, and economic opportunity. Therefore, Zambia's engagement at WUF13 underscores its broader national commitment to the UN's Urban Agenda and the SDGs,” Dr. Pollen stated.

The Permanent Secretary indicated that during the interactive forum sessions, the Zambian delegation will engage with innovative regional urban approaches, including Azerbaijan’s modern “Smart Village” concepts-that integrate infrastructure directly into rural and peri-urban growth centers.

“As Zambia experiences rapid urban growth, participating in the WUF13, allows us to exchange best practices, showcase our progress on localizing the SDGs, and mobilize international support for our local actions," he stated.

Further to this, Zambia is scheduled to host a session on SDGs in Action which will showcase transformative partnerships and community led initiatives in SDG implementation.

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The Public Relations Unit
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

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Reporter Elias kazumba benchmark TV Zambia
19/05/2026

VICE PRESIDENT NALUMANGO PRESIDES OVER THIRD GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON ORAL BIBLE TRANSLATION. Her Honour the Vice President of Zambia, Dr. W.K. Mutale-Nalumango, MP, presided over the Third Global Gathering of Oral Bible Translation on Wednesday, 19 May 2026, at Ciera Resort, Lusaka.

Speaking to delegates from Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, the Vice President stated that oral Bible translation was advancing in over a thousand languages and was transforming communities across continents. "This year's global gathering is anchored on a powerful declaration:

'Many Voices, One Story – Multiplying Impact for Lasting Fruit.' This is not just a theme. It is a reality already unfolding across the world," Dr. Mutale-Nalumango said.

She cited last year's dedication of the first oral New Testament for the Senga people of Zambia and said more languages were now receiving their first oral New Testaments.

The Vice President described the movement as "fast-growing" and said it was meeting people in oral communities "where they are" while honouring their culture.

The gathering brought together representatives from Faith Comes By Hearing USA, Every Tribe Every Nation USA, BILTA Zambia, Word for the World Zambia, Spoken Worldwide USA, the Permanent Secretary for National Guidance and Religious Affairs, and Bible translating organisations and agencies from across the globe.

Dr. Mutale-Nalumango called for stronger global partnerships and urged local churches to take ownership of the work ahead of the 2033 phase of oral Bible translation.

She said the effort would require "greater unity, deeper collaboration, stronger commitment and bold faith." "Let this Oral Bible Translation gathering be more than a celebration.

Let it be a catalyst for more translations so that every person, in every oral language, hears and engages with the Scripture," she said.

The Vice President declared the conference officially open and welcomed delegates to experience Zambia's hospitality and tourist attractions during their stay.

The conference is focused on expanding access to Scripture for oral language communities worldwide.

President Hichilema selects Journalist Njenje Chizu.

He states, "I am deeply humbled by the trust the President of the Republic of Zambia and the entire UPND administration have placed in me. I am equally grateful to Her Honour the Vice President,

Dr. W.K. Mutale-Nalumango, for her mentorship, guidance, and unwavering support for young leaders," he said.
W.K Mutale Nalumango Office of The Vice President - Zambia BenchMark Tv
Njenje Chizu

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