"Decentralization is here to stay and councils should be ready as there is no Central government without Local government," President Hakainde Hichilema.
The 68th LGAZ Annual Conference and the 21st AMICAALL General Assembly is taking place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre from August 6th to 9th, 2024. The event was inaugurated by His Excellency, the President of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, who highlighted the vital role of local authorities in national development. In his speech, the President emphasized that elected officials—whether Presidents, Councillors, Mayors, or Council Chairpersons—are all chosen to serve the same people and must collaborate regardless of political affiliation. He stated, "Once elections are over, the constitution obligates us to work together, whether in opposition, as independents, or within the ruling party, as it is the people's choice who voted for you."
The President also affirmed that decentralization is here to stay, stressing that councils must be prepared as there cannot be a Central Government without Local Government; both must cooperate. He further noted that the challenges posed by drought, food insecurity, and energy crises would be more manageable if all leaders worked together, acknowledging that resilience is essential as climate change is here to stay.
This year's Annual Conference is themed: "Visionary Local Leadership in the Face of Current and Emerging Developmental Challenges: A Call to Action."
