President Hakainde Hichilema has addressed the third session of the thirteenth National Assembly on the progress made in the application of National values and principles as provided by the Republican constitution.

President Hichilema said that governments efforts to promote morality and human dignity, upholding good governance as well sustainable social economic development anchored on hard work is yielding dividends.

Article 9(2) of the constitution requires the President to report to the National Assembly, the progress made in the application of our national values and principles.

“Madam Speaker, the national values and principles are important in moulding the character of our nation. They influence our conduct as individuals and society. The also guide the development and implementation of state policy. Our constitution, under article 8, prescribes the national values and principles as morality and ethics; patriotism and national unity; democracy and constitutionalism; Human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non-discrimination; good governance and integrity; and sustainable development,” President Hakainde said.

The President said that citizens have an urgent and compelling duty to fulfil national values and principles which should never be sacrificed for anyone or any reason.

“Every stand we take for morality and ethics, every act of patriotism, and every step towards unity, strengthens the fabric of our nation inline with our motto of one Zambia one nation,” President Hakainde said.

The President bemoaned the incidences of social vices such as early child marriage, teenage pregnancies, alcohol and substance abuse and gender-based violence in the country. He also expressed concern with the high number of divorce cases especially among high couples.

The President has urged the Church and traditional leaders to enhance marriage counselling and teaching emphasizing the need for strong families capable of raising children into responsible citizens.

President Hichilema also said that he government is committed to deepening democracy and constitutionalism. He expressed delight that Zambia has been named among the top three most democratizing countries in the World, by V-Dem.

Further, the President hailed the impact of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in accelerating community driven local development in rural districts.

The President also said that the country was making progress in the fight against corruption which has seen the establishment of the asset recovery inter-agency coordination framework in 2023 that has resulted in the recovery of millions of Kwachas in movable and non-movable assets.  

He further said that the government, in 2023 enacted the Access to Information Act in order to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public affairs.

On the issue of sustainable development, the President called on citizens to utilize resources and manage the environment in a sustainable manner adding that all citizens have an obligation to work towards addressing challenges of pollution, climate change and over exploitation of natural resources.