HARARE — The Government of Zimbabwe, in partnership with UNICEF and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has launched the Climate Action for the Last Mile: Reaching the Most Vulnerable Children in Zimbabwe initiative, a landmark project aimed at strengthening climate resilience for children and their communities.
Speaking at the launch event at Kuwadzana High School 3, UNICEF Representative Etona Ekole emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change’s impact on children.
“It is alarming to note that while children are the least responsible for climate change, they bear its greatest burden,” Ekole said. “Here in Zimbabwe, 7.1 million children are highly vulnerable to climate shocks. Climate-induced disasters disrupt their education, affect their health, and limit access to clean water, nutrition, and social services.”
The initiative, supported by KOICA’s financial backing, aims to enhance access to climate-smart social services and infrastructure while improving climate policies, finance, and institutional capacity. The program will also focus on climate justice for children, ensuring they benefit from stronger legal frameworks and increased access to climate finance.
Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, noted the necessity of a collaborative approach in tackling climate-related challenges.
“Children face heightened risks of food insecurity, waterborne diseases, and limited access to education, all of which hinder their potential and future,” Nyoni said.
The project is set to directly benefit 30,000 people and indirectly reach up to one million, focusing on strengthening climate-smart water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), education, health, nutrition, child protection, and social protection systems. It also aims to empower children by involving them in climate governance, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping policies that affect their future.
Korean Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Park Jae Kyung, highlighted Korea’s continued support for climate resilience efforts in Zimbabwe, referencing other initiatives such as drought-tolerant maize production and green job creation for rural youth.
“The Climate Action for the Last Mile project will take good care of children,” Park said. “Beyond assistance for education, health, and food, the project aims to empower children for active participation in climate governance.”
Ekole reinforced UNICEF’s commitment to collaborating with the Zimbabwean government, development partners, and local communities to build climate-resilient systems and advocate for sustainable solutions.
“The actions we take today will define the Zimbabwe we pass on to future generations,” Ekole said. “Let us rise to this challenge together and ensure that no child is left behind.”
The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Adaptation Plan and Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, contributing directly to Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action.
