Zambia will from 10 to 12 October 2019 host the 12th United Nations – UN All Africa Games 2019 aimed at promoting good health and well-being in line with Sustainable Development Goal – SDG number 3.
The games, which will be organised and hosted by the United Nations in Zambia, will see about 1,200 participants from over 14 countries compete for honors at the annual United Nations sporting event to be held in Lusaka.
This is the first time that Zambia is hosting this prestigious event, with last year’s games having been successfully held in Mphumalanga, South Africa, under the auspices of the United Nations in South Africa.
UN Zambia Resident Coordinator, Dr George Okech in a media statement availed to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT stated that the United Nations is open to partnership, sponsorship and co-branding with Government, private sector and sports associations, for Zambia to successfully host these annual continental games.
He said twelve disciplines including athletics, basketball, chess, football, netball, swimming, golf, tennis, volleyball and parasports present life changing opportunities for the private sector in the areas of brand marketing, sales, and Corporate Social Investment.
“As UN Zambia, we are honoured to host the games. This is a huge undertaking that needs sponsors to join hands with us. We invite the private sector to come on board and partner with us to ensure success of these games,” said George Okech.
Dr. Okech also noted the support so far received from the Zambian Government in the lead up to the UN games and has since expressed gratitude to the Government through line ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Health, Youth, Sport and Child Development for the support and guidance provided to ensure that a truly memorable and professional sporting event is held.
A local organising committee comprising UN staff and representatives from the Government and private sector has since been constituted to prepare all components of the games required for the country to successfully host the games.
The hosting of sports and business meetings has notable economic benefits for Zambia as the visiting teams will boost air and road transport, hotel and accommodation facilities and forex spend into the market. Zambia’s ministry of tourism has been urged to rather focus on hosting events kind of tourism attractions as an alternative to ministry and the Zambia Tourism Agency concentrating on investing in travel to endless international expos whose value addition is at most times questionable.
