In all, eight papers were presented by six lecturers from the University of Zambia and two from the Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce. The first paper, Globalisation and Emerging Political Contradictions in Zambia: The Challenges of the New Millennium, by Prof. Jotham C. Momba, looks at the political contradictions that are emerging in Africa and that are linked to the phenomenon of globalisation. The paper takes as its central argument that while many positive aspects of globalisation exist there are also serious contradictions that have been brought about by this phenomenon. Among such contradictions are the shrinking role of the state in the face of increasing poverty and other negative social consequences of globalisation itself against the backdrop of increasing demands for the African state to be more accountable to the electorate; and the inability by the state to cope with increasing demands brought about by the expansion of the political space created by the increased struggle for liberal democracy.
The second paper, Assuring National Welfare in the Age of Globalisation: Problems and Prospects for Zambia, by Dr. Laurent C. W. Kaela, analyses the way in which globalisation has affected the welfare of the Zambian people. It examines the performance of the Zambian economy under structural adjustment and the state of national welfare. The paper explores the ways in which the Zambian state has been transformed under the impact of globalisation and the effect of the transformation on the provision of social services. The central argument of the paper is that Zambia's position in the world market has been a marginal one since the mid-1970s, and to the extent that globalisation has positive effects on national welfare, the country has not been positioned to reap this. Instead, the liberalisation of the economy in the 1990s and the switch to pro-market economic policies under SAP has been accompanied by deteriorating social conditions and has not yielded sustainable economic growth.
The third paper by Mr Fidelis Cheelo, The Impact of globalisation on Trade and Industry in Zambia, examines the impact that globalisation has had on Zambia's trade and industrial development. The central argument of the paper is that globalisation generally tends to produce major gains for the powerful at the expense of the poor. In the specific case of Zambia, except for the increase in communication services, the benefits of globalisation have not been felt to the fullest.
The fourth paper, Perceiving a Path for Sustainable Socio-economic Development in Africa in the Post-Cold War Period, is by Mr. Gear M. Kajoba. The paper's central argument is that the search for a development path for Africa in the post-Cold War period should be within the context of achieving a transition from centrally planned/commandist to liberalised market economies. This transition will require mobilising and motivating all the stakeholders, who include the private sector and the various social groups and institutions. This process has to be done in a peaceful and democratic manner and should be spearheaded by the middle class or the national bourgeoisie as the new vanguard, in alliance with other stakeholders within and outside Africa in what may be perceived and categorised as a National Democratic Revolution.
The fifth paper, Preparing for Zambia's Urban Future: Global Pressures and Local Forces, by Mrs. Wilma Nchito, looks at the role of the city within the global milieu. She argues that as globalisation sweeps the world economy, it becomes imperative to look at the key players in this economic era and one such key player needing attention is the city. Urban centres in the developing world especially have to play their global role with cumbersome internal problems. High poverty levels, unemployment and inequality are some of these pressing problems.
The sixth paper, by Dr. Darlington M. Kalabula, United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities: How Well Are They Known and Implemented in Zambia? examines the extent to which the UN rules are known and implemented in Zambia. The central argument of the paper is that although small efforts are being made in assisting persons with disabilities in Zambia, the Standard Rules as discussed above are not known by employers. The line ministries, namely, Ministries of Health, Education, Labour and Social Security, and Community Development and Social Services, which employ persons with disabilities, are not aware of these rules.
The seventh paper, The Impact of Globalisation on Human Resource Management in Zambia, is by Ms. Thecra Milambo. The argument of the paper is that globalisation is expected to accelerate growth in developing countries. It specifically examines the aspects of globalisation in relation to the management of human resources. It tries to look at the effects of globalisation in terms of increased competition and how Zambia can achieve competitive advantage through proper utilisation of the human resources.
The eighth paper is by Mr. Charles M. Subulwa. The paper, entitled The Impact of Cost-sharing on Demands for Basic Education in Zambia, argues that beneficiaries of primary education should not be required to pay cost-sharing and user fees. He points out that analysis of the role government should play in the provision of education indicates that basic education must be provided by the state. It is in this regard that the policy changes regarding lifting of cost-sharing measures in Zambia's primary schools that was announced by the then Minister of Education in December 2000 are welcome and may reduce the drop-out and low participation rate in basic education.
