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Harare hosts climate change conference: Focus on resilience, sustainability, and youth engagement

Published

1 year ago

October 3, 2024

BY STAFF REPORTER

The second Climate Change and Development Conference opened yesterday in Harare, with a call to action to address the pressing climate challenges facing Zimbabwe.

The conference aims to cultivate collaborative dialogue and innovative solutions to build resilience and secure a sustainable future.

“The time for action is now,” said Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, in his remarks at the conference.

“We must mobilize resources and strategic planning to align national efforts with global climate initiatives.”

The conference launched several strategic documents, including the Zimbabwe National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, the Green Resilient Recovery Strategy and Investment Plan, and the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy Investment Framework. These initiatives aim to guide comprehensive national strategies that respond effectively to the realities of climate change.

The conference today will cover diverse themes, including the impacts of climate change on health, gender-responsive climate action, and the integration of climate technology and finance to drive sustainable development.

Workshops and expert panels will facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among various stakeholders, including academia, government, civil society, and the private sector.

A key focus of the conference is the role of children and youth in climate action. “We must prioritize the voices of children and women as we develop climate policies,” said Kallon. “Their perspectives are crucial for creating effective solutions that will shape a sustainable future.”

The conference aims to empower stakeholders at community and national levels to create a resilient and sustainable future for Zimbabwe.

By fostering proactive collaboration and a shared commitment, participants will address the serious effects of climate change while safeguarding the well-being of both present and future generations.

The conference runs until this evening , and is expected to finalize its key results and recommendations for action in the fight against climate change.

In the community

MP press govt on Binga hospital, mortuary crisis

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Members of the Parliament of Zimbabwe have raised concern over the state of health services in Binga District, questioning delays in upgrading key facilities.

Binga South MP, Fanuel Cumanzala asked the Minister of Health and Child Care:

“Whether there are any plans to rehabilitate Binga District Hospital to make it suitable for a nursing school, as earlier announced by the government.”

He further queried:

“Whether there are any concrete plans to permanently resolve the challenges faced by Binga District, particularly regarding the mortuary, which has not been fully operational for a long time.”

In a follow-up question, the legislator pressed government on broader service delivery gaps:

“What measures are being taken to improve healthcare services in Binga District, particularly in rural areas.”

“What measures are being implemented to reduce incidence of malaria and waterborne diseases in the Zambezi Valley.”

“Whether there are any plans to upgrade and expand healthcare facilities in Binga District in light of population growth and increased economic activity.”

No response was recorded in the proceedings

In the community

Hwange residents invited to constitutional amendment public hearing

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Residents in Hwange are set to have their say on proposed changes to the country’s supreme law as the Parliament of Zimbabwe rolls out public hearings on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill.

The outreach programme will reach the coal-mining town on Tuesday, 31 March, with the hearing scheduled for 10am at Edmund Davies Hall, located at the No.1 Colliery Club near Thomas Coulter Primary School.

Attendance is free, and members of the public are being encouraged to participate and express their views on the proposed amendment.

According to Parliament, the hearings are part of a nationwide consultation process aimed at gathering citizens’ input before the bill is finalised. The proposed legislation—Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill (H.B. 1, 2026)—seeks to introduce changes to key governance provisions.

The Matabeleland North outreach will begin in Tsholotsho on Monday, 30 March, before moving to Hwange, then to Binga on Wednesday, 1 April, and concluding in Lupane on Thursday, 2 April.

Parliament has also opened channels for written submissions, which can be sent to the Clerk of Parliament or via email.

However, authorities have warned that individuals wearing military uniforms, political party regalia, or carrying flags and badges will not be allowed into the hearings.

Residents in and around Hwange are urged to attend in numbers and make their voices heard.

In the community

Free dental outreach treats over 700 in Victoria Falls

Published

3 days ago

March 17, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

More than 700 residents in Victoria Falls have received free dental care following a three-day outreach programme held at Mkhosana Clinic.

The initiative, led by global charity SmileStar in partnership with CIMAS, saw 705 patients treated between 9 and 11 March. The programme builds on previous outreach efforts in the region and is expanding this year to include Matobo.

A team of 16 volunteer dental professionals—many from Dentex—provided urgent treatment, pain relief, and oral health education, while also sharing skills with local healthcare workers.

Team leader Dr Mitesh Badiani said tooth decay linked to high sugar consumption, particularly among children, was the most common issue encountered.

“Many of these dental problems are preventable, and education plays a key role in helping to avoid such problems in the future,” he said.

The outreach received support from Africa Albida Tourism, with the team hosted at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

Africa Albida Tourism managing director Nigel Frost said the initiative would have lasting benefits for the community.

“This initiative provides vital dental care and education that will continue to benefit the residents of Victoria Falls long after the clinics have ended,” he said.

Mark Cockburn added that the programme highlighted the impact of volunteerism in addressing healthcare gaps.

Following the Victoria Falls outreach, SmileStar continued its programme in Hwange, before moving to Matobo today and tomorrow at Ethandweni Children’s Home, with a target of treating more than 1 000 patients across the three regions.