Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) Zambia Executive Director, Maggie Mwape, has called for the invocation of the Ubuntu spirit among African countries to protect the environment.
She made this call during her presentation on African values and environmental justice at the Community of Practice Meeting in Angola, organized by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Angola Country Office, Justice and Human Rights Ministry of Angola, and UNDP Zambia.
Ms. Mwape outlined the key themes and areas of focus for (CEJ), emphasizing the organization’s unique identity and proud history in Zambia.
She highlighted (CEJ’s) mandate to create platforms and processes that foster access to quality and accurate information on environmental protection, extractive industries, sustainable energy, climate change, water security, and agriculture.
This, she noted, aims to enhance accountability for better decision-making and sustainable development.
Ms. Mwape further discussed the concept of Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are,” emphasizing interconnectedness and communal responsibility.
She connected this African value to environmental justice, stressing that collective well-being and shared responsibility for protecting natural resources are central to (CEJ’s) work.
And Ms. Mwape has further urged leaders to adequately prepare for global demand of critical minerals amid the energy transition agenda.
Angel Kasabo
