Ireland applauds ILO’s role in strengthening social protection for vulnerable Zambians

Zambia, Lusaka (ILO News) - International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office Director for Zambia and Malawi, Mr. Wellington Chibebe, today held a high-level meeting with Irish Ambassador to Zambia, Mr. Aidan Fitzpatrick, at the Irish Embassy in Lusaka to strengthen collaboration on advancing Zambia's social protection agenda.

During the meeting, Ambassador Fitzpatrick commended the ILO for its continued technical support to the Government of Zambia, particularly in promoting inclusive social protection systems and expanding universal health coverage.

"We commend the ILO for its strong technical support in advancing inclusive social protection and universal health coverage, particularly for vulnerable populations and beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer programme," he said.

Mr. Chibebe underscored the importance of sustained collaboration in strengthening Zambia's social protection framework, highlighting ongoing progress toward the ratification of ILO Convention No. 102.

"Zambia's progress toward ratifying ILO Convention No. 102 represents a critical step toward building inclusive and comprehensive social protection systems that leave no one behind," he noted.

The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment between the ILO and the Government of Ireland to promote decent work, expand social protection coverage, and advance social justice, with particular focus on vulnerable and marginalized populations across Zambia.