Permanent Secretary (PS) Gundersen Pledges Closer Collaboration with Zambia’s Creative Industries to Harness Potential of Arts and Culture

Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy as a strategic tool for strengthening international relations and enhancing Zambia’s global identity. Ms. Gundersen notes that beyond its diplomatic value, culture and the arts hold significant potential to contribute to the country’s economic development by harnessing Zambia’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant creative sector to unlock new economic opportunities.

The Permanent Secretary was speaking last evening, when she featured on a panel discussion dubbed “The role of art and culture in diplomacy”, held at the Henry Tayali Art Gallery in Lusaka.

The panel, facilitated by Mr. Maanka Chipindi, Director of the National Arts Council of Zambia (NAC), also featured Dr. Samson Kantini, Secretary General of the Zambia National Commission for UNESCO, and Mr. Bwalya Miko, a Board Member of the NAC. The discussion was attended by His Excellency Mr. Tewfik Mahi, Algerian High Commissioner to Zambia, and various Zambian artists.

Ms. Gundersen assured of a closer collaboration between Zambia’s creative industries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, through the Missions Abroad, to harness the potential of arts and culture in unlocking economic opportunities, promoting creative enterprise, attracting investment and creating employment, particularly for young people.

Ms. Gundersen also encouraged players in the arts and creative industries to incorporate the Brand Zambia initiative into their creative works as a way of promoting the country’s identity, heritage and cultural assets on the international stage.

She further highlighted the political will demonstrated by President Hakainde Hichilema, particularly through the establishment of a dedicated Ministry responsible for arts and culture, as evidence of Government’s commitment to giving the sector greater attention and support.

Dr. Kantini commended the establishment of the Ministry responsible for arts and culture, describing it as a positive step towards according the sector the recognition and attention it deserves.

Meanwhile, Mr. Miko called for the integration of cultural diplomacy into the training of diplomats through the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (ZIDIS), emphasising the importance of equipping diplomats to appreciate and promote Zambia’s art and culture in their engagements with other countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation – Zambia.