Hope Chanda-ZLDC Director & Commission Secretary
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 16th September 2025
ZAMBIA LAW DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION HOSTS 2ND NATIONAL LAW CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The Zambia Law Development Commission (hereinafter “the Commission”) is a semi-autonomous statutory body established under the Zambia Law Development Commission Act, Chapter 32 of the Laws of Zambia. The Commission’s primary mandate is law reform and, in this regard, the Commission recommends the revision and reform of the law in Zambia, conducts research on legal issues and holds seminars and conferences on legal matters.
The UPND-led government of His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema has demonstrated commitment to an integrated development approach as reflected in the Eighth National Development Plan, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and the AU’s Vision 2030.
The 8th NDP, the SDGs, and the AU’s Vision 2030 all emphasise the interconnectedness of development issues. The Commission, as a body mandated to reform the laws, is working to contribute towards the President’s vision of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability through revision of the laws using this integrated approach. In this regard, the Commission is set to host its second annual National Law Conference on Law and Development under the theme “Sustainable Development, Integrating Environmental Management, Justice, and Digital Innovation”.
This two-day exciting event will take place from 17th to 18th September 2025 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre. The conference will be graced and opened by the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Felix C. Mutati MP, as the guest of honour and the event will bring together senior government officials, policy makers, legal experts, members of the academia, private sector actors, civil society organisations, and it is also open to members of the public to deliberate on pressing issues at the intersection of law, environment, and technology.
The conference aims to create a platform for dialogue on how Zambia can balance economic growth with environmental protection, social justice, and technological advancements. Among the key highlights or key features of the conference will be a fireside chat on harmonising progress across environmental stewardship, equitable justice, and digital transformation. This key fireside chat will feature permanent secretaries from the Ministry of Justice, Finance, Technology and Science, and Green Economy and Environment.
Our permanent secretaries have graciously agreed to participate in this conference and to share not only the government’s vision, but also key actions and interventions that the government is undertaking in this integrated development approach. Our first day of the conference will focus on environmental and legal perspectives, and it will discuss, among others, harnessing natural solutions such as water harvesting, sustainable agriculture, and carbon capture for climate resilience.
On our first day, the conference will also discuss the legal implications of unplanned settlements on issues such as urban drainage systems. How do we balance resource extraction with environmental protection and community rights in the mining sector? We will also look at justice for future generations and the impact of the work of the judiciary on sustainable labour practices. The second day of the conference will cover innovation and justice in the digital era, and we will also have presentations from scholars and practitioners in the three thematic areas. We will be discussing on the second day how we pave a path to sustainable development through accessible probate, the role of digital tools in enhancing education and empowering the youth, how we strike a balance between data privacy and freedom of expression, and also how we modernise judicial systems through digital advancements to ensure justice for all.
This conference will go beyond legal reforms. It is also about charting a sustainable future for Zambia. It will provide a platform where innovation, justice, and environmental protection will be discussed, and we will also discuss how they intersect in the law and how they will help us shape progressive policies, laws, and practices.
The ZLDC has extended invitations to key stakeholders, partners, and members of the public with an interest in sustainable development to follow the conference proceedings and actively contribute to shaping Zambia’s future. To enhance accessibility, the event will be streamed live on selected Facebook pages and also on some media. Invited media houses are requested to be at the venue by 08:00 hours, and we request members of the public who will be interested in following the proceedings to follow us on our socials, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp, for updates on key happenings at the conference.
Statement issued by:
Mrs. Hope M. Ndhlovu-Chanda,
Director and Commission Secretary
ZAMBIA LAW DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
[ORIGINAL COPY SIGNED]