WELCOMING REMARKS PRESENTED AT THE 2ND EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA (IRAZ) DIPLOMAT’S ROUNDTABLE MEETING HELD AT INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, LUSAKA, 30TH APRIL, 2025

BY MRS HOPE CHIFULO NGOMA- IRAZ Board Member
  1. Your Excellency Mr. Han Jing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Zambia
  2. The Assistant Director Development Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international Cooperation of Zambia, Mr Boyd Muleya
  1. Ambassador George Zulu the chairperson of International Relations Association of Zambia Advisory Board (IRAZ)
  1. Dr. Kasuka Mutukwa, the founding Secretary-General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum
  2. Dr. Fredrick Mutesa, Secretary General -Zambia China Friendship Association
  3. Apostle Andrew Mwindwa
  1. Government officials here present
  2. Representatives of Diplomatic missions accredited to the republic of Zambia
  3. Distinguished guests
  4. Friends from the media
  5. Ladies and gentlemen

On behalf of the International Relations Association of Zambia (IRAZ), it is my distinct honor and a privilege to welcome you to the 2nd Edition of the Diplomats’ Roundtable Meeting.

The theme guiding today’s roundtable  being “Zambia in a Changing World: Adapting Foreign Policy to Emerging Geopolitical Realities” could not be more timely.

From shifting power dynamics, climate diplomacy, economic realignments, and regional integration challenges, to the rise of new global actors and the role of technology in diplomacy, Zambia, like many nations, must continuously recalibrate its foreign policy to remain relevant, strategic, and effective.

This forum is a response to that call.

It is a space designed not just to observe global changes but to understand them, to question them, and most importantly, to consider Zambia’s strategic positioning amidst them.

We recognize that diplomacy is not static, it evolves. And the responsibility of guiding that evolution lies not only with our leaders but with emerging thinkers, young professionals, and active citizens.

At IRAZ, our vision is “To be the torch-bearer of inclusion and professionalism by enhancing the International Relations profession”

We are here to bridge generations, ideas, and institutions. We believe that preparing Zambia’s next generation of diplomats requires engagement with those who have walked ahead and those shaping the path today. That is why today’s gathering is so important.

We look forward to an insightful exchange of ideas, robust reflections, and renewed commitments to Zambia’s role in the global arena.

With those few remarks, I warmly welcome you all to the 2nd Edition of the IRAZ Diplomats’ Roundtable Meeting

Thank you, and may we have a productive and inspiring session ahead.Bottom of Form

I thank you.