Harare, (New Ziana) –The Zimbabwe government on Monday launched a major project to assist vulnerable children and communities adapt to the effects of climate change.
Dubbed “Climate Action for the Last Mile: Reaching the Most Vulnerable Children in Zimbabwe,” the project was launched at Kuwadzana 3 High School in the capital.
Supported by the Korean government through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF0, the project, which will benefit 30 000 people, 40 percent being children, aims to build resilience by improving access to climate-smart social services and infrastructure.
Speaking at the launch, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Sithembiso Nyoni noted that Zimbabwe is already experiencing extreme weather, prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall, which threaten food security, health and education, especially for marginalized communities.
“Climate change is not just an abstract concept, it is a harsh reality. Our children and vulnerable communities face increasing risks, and this project comes at a critical time to help them adapt and thrive,” she said.
Zimbabwe has been taking significant steps toward climate resilience including recently updating its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that commit to 40 percent per capita reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
Additionally, Zimbabwe is formulating a Climate Change Management Bill to strengthen legal frameworks for climate action.
Nyoni said children are not just victims of climate change but are also key players in finding solutions.
“Their voices and ideas are vital in shaping a sustainable future. The government’s vision for a climate-resilient Zimbabwe aligns with our broader goal of achieving Vision 2030 and ensuring that no one is left behind,” she said.
The launch brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, Korean embassy officials, UNICEF, civil society organizations, and youth representatives.
Nyoni urged stakeholders including the government, private organizations and civil society to collaborate and ensure successful implementation of the project.
New Ziana
