Zambian President Sata receives award for good governance

Lusaka, Zambia (PANA) – Zambian President Michael Sata has been honoured with an award for improving government attention to the social sector and information communication technologies (ICTs).

President Sata was Sunday night presented with the 2012 South-South Global Governance leadership award by South-South News of the United Nations (UN) at a ceremony in New York, United States.

Sata, who came to power in September last year, was honoured for his relentless fight against corruption and ensuring government accountability.

President Sata was also honoured for his contribution to the social and economic development of the country since he first served as councilor and executive governor at the Lusaka City Council from 1981 to 1988 until becoming president.

Sata’s longest serving political career which stimulated innovation development, including landmark infrastructure and social service, were also recognized.

President Sata, in his acceptance speech, pledged to continue with the renewed and re-invigorated energy in consolidating the governance structures which facilitate equity of distribution of resources and infrastructure for the betterment of all Zambians and for posterity.

“I accept this award on behalf of the Zambian people who have exhibited resilience and
vigilance to ensure that Zambia continues to practice free and fair norms or electoral governance and democracy,” Sata said in a speech released by the Zambian mission at the UN in New York.

The award was co-organised by the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, the international Telecommunications Union, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and South-South Corporation.

The theme of this year’s award is e-government and sustainable tourism.

South-South News is an initiative launched in February 2010 during the 16th session of the United Nations General Assembly High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation (SSC).

The purpose for South-South News is to advance the attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through sharing of best practices in the South-South and Triangular Cooperation.

South-South News disseminates news about Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.
-0- PANA MM/VAO 24Sept2012