CUTS International, a global public policy research and advocacy organization, today commemorated its 40th anniversary and 25 years of operations in Zambia with a special event held in Lusaka.
Officiating the event Mrs. Lillian Bwalya, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, commended CUTS for its long-standing contribution to Zambia since the year 2000. She praised the organization’s role in bridging gaps between consumers, policymakers, and regulators, noting that its evidence-based advocacy continues to play a vital role in ensuring that vulnerable groups, especially consumers, are protected amid ongoing trade liberalization.
Mrs. Bwalya emphasized the need for maintaining a transparent and rules-based multilateral trading framework that allows like-minded nations to engage collectively and defend shared interests. While she acknowledged the opportunities presented by the multilateral trading system, she also cautioned about the significant challenges it poses, particularly for least-developed countries.
As part of the celebration, CUTS launched its new Consumer Portal, along with the unveiling of its latest publication titled “The Innovative Route to Development: The Indo-Pacific Perspective and the Future of G20 and Africa.” The launch was led by Mr. Pradeep S. Mehta, Secretary General of CUTS International.
In his remarks, Mr. Mehta highlighted the African Union’s recent inclusion in the G20 as a unique opportunity for Africa to advance inclusive and sustainable development. He emphasized that the new compendium brings together thought leaders from across Africa, the Americas, and beyond, exploring global collaboration in tackling traditional and emerging challenges including climate change, cyber security, and geopolitical instability.
“The future of the Indo-Pacific region will be defined by our shared ability to confront challenges through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect,” said Mehta.
He further called for a need to rethink global trade facilitation policies to ensure they are equitable and aligned with Africa’s development goals.
Other distinguished speakers include Mr. Alok Ranjan Jha, Indian High Commissioner to Zambia; Dr. Caleb Fundanga, former Bank of Zambia Governor; Mr. Zali Chikuba, Director of ZIPAR; Dr. Herrick Mpuku, founder Economic & Social leadership Foundation; and Dr. Simon Ng’ona, Trade Director at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.
The event, themed “Aligning Economic, Trade, and Regulatory Policies for Sustainable Development,” brought together over 60 key stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Discussions focused on strategies for promoting inclusive growth and development in Zambia and across other developing economies.
This compendium which is now available on the website: https://cuts-global.org/, focusing on four key areas: trade and economic cooperation, defence and security, energy and climate issues, and advancements in technology. The publication aims to help decision-makers tackle challenges related to politics, the environment, and technology.
About CUTS>
It has been operating in Zambia since 2000 under five thematic areas all with the ultimate goal of promoting consumer sovereignty. These thematic areas are; Economic Governance, Trade and Development, Consumer Welfare, Gender and Governance and Climate Change and Development.
For more information, please contact:
Nancy Mwape, CUTS Communication Officer: nkm@cuts.org or +260 0974079858 Vijay Singh, CUTS International, Delhi Assistant Director: vs1@cuts.org or +91 99102 64084
Officiating the event Mrs. Lillian Bwalya, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, commended CUTS for its long-standing contribution to Zambia since the year 2000. She praised the organization’s role in bridging gaps between consumers, policymakers, and regulators, noting that its evidence-based advocacy continues to play a vital role in ensuring that vulnerable groups, especially consumers, are protected amid ongoing trade liberalization.
Mrs. Bwalya emphasized the need for maintaining a transparent and rules-based multilateral trading framework that allows like-minded nations to engage collectively and defend shared interests. While she acknowledged the opportunities presented by the multilateral trading system, she also cautioned about the significant challenges it poses, particularly for least-developed countries.
As part of the celebration, CUTS launched its new Consumer Portal, along with the unveiling of its latest publication titled “The Innovative Route to Development: The Indo-Pacific Perspective and the Future of G20 and Africa.” The launch was led by Mr. Pradeep S. Mehta, Secretary General of CUTS International.
In his remarks, Mr. Mehta highlighted the African Union’s recent inclusion in the G20 as a unique opportunity for Africa to advance inclusive and sustainable development. He emphasized that the new compendium brings together thought leaders from across Africa, the Americas, and beyond, exploring global collaboration in tackling traditional and emerging challenges including climate change, cyber security, and geopolitical instability.
“The future of the Indo-Pacific region will be defined by our shared ability to confront challenges through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect,” said Mehta.
He further called for a need to rethink global trade facilitation policies to ensure they are equitable and aligned with Africa’s development goals.
Other distinguished speakers include Mr. Alok Ranjan Jha, Indian High Commissioner to Zambia; Dr. Caleb Fundanga, former Bank of Zambia Governor; Mr. Zali Chikuba, Director of ZIPAR; Dr. Herrick Mpuku, founder Economic & Social leadership Foundation; and Dr. Simon Ng’ona, Trade Director at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.
The event, themed “Aligning Economic, Trade, and Regulatory Policies for Sustainable Development,” brought together over 60 key stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Discussions focused on strategies for promoting inclusive growth and development in Zambia and across other developing economies.
This compendium which is now available on the website: https://cuts-global.org/, focusing on four key areas: trade and economic cooperation, defence and security, energy and climate issues, and advancements in technology. The publication aims to help decision-makers tackle challenges related to politics, the environment, and technology.
About CUTS>
It has been operating in Zambia since 2000 under five thematic areas all with the ultimate goal of promoting consumer sovereignty. These thematic areas are; Economic Governance, Trade and Development, Consumer Welfare, Gender and Governance and Climate Change and Development.
For more information, please contact:
Nancy Mwape, CUTS Communication Officer: nkm@cuts.org or +260 0974079858 Vijay Singh, CUTS International, Delhi Assistant Director: vs1@cuts.org or +91 99102 64084