In a significant step towards consolidating gains in student welfare, the University of Zambia (UNZA) hosted the O3 PLUS Research Symposium from 4th to 5th November 2025, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and education leaders from Zambia and Zimbabwe to advance the agenda for health, safety, and equality on campuses.
The symposium, under the theme "Sustaining the Gains: Advancing Student Health and Well-being Through Evidence and Action," served as a pivotal platform to review the achievements of the Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future Plus (O3 PLUS) programme and launch a new regional partnership to ensure its legacy.
The Honourable Douglas Syakalima, Zambia’s Minister of Education, delivered a keynote address underscoring the programme's role as a “cornerstone in advancing health, education, and gender equality.” He reflected on the past three years, noting that investing in young people's health and education is an investment in the nation's future.
A major announcement from the symposium was the official launch of the UNITWIN Network on “Transforming Lives, Shaping Futures.” Minister Syakalima described the network as a “dynamic South-South platform” and a “movement” that will serve as a knowledge hub and catalyst for innovation in creating healthy and inclusive campus environments across the continent.
“The UNITWIN Network is not just a platform; it is a movement,” the Minister declared. He strongly encouraged all higher education institutions in the region to join, positioning themselves as leaders in driving Africa's health, education, and gender equality agenda.
Both leaders acknowledged the conclusion of funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) for Zambia but framed it not as an end, but as a call to action for renewed ownership and sustainability.
“This must not be seen as an end to the vision. Rather, it is an invitation for renewed ownership, innovation, and sustainability,” Minister Syakalima asserted. He confirmed the government's commitment to working with institutions to institutionalize and scale up the programme's gains.
Meanwhile, UNZA Vice Chancellor, Professor Mundia Muya, welcomed delegates and emphasised the programme's transformative impact. “The O3 PLUS programme has been a transformational partnership,” stated Prof. Muya. “It has allowed our universities to not only promote academic excellence but also to strengthen student health and well-being as essential pillars of learning.”
He highlighted key achievements, including the institutionalisation of Life Skills and Health Education, the development of youth-friendly health services, and stronger campus responses to gender-based violence.
The symposium featured research presentations from academics and students, providing evidence to inform the next phase of the O3 PLUS initiative. The collective message was clear: the future of education in Africa is inextricably linked to the health, safety, and empowerment of its students.
As the event concluded, the focus shifted to the newly launched UNITWIN Network, which promises to be the engine for continued collaboration, ensuring that the progress made under O3 PLUS continues to shape safer, more supportive, and transformative educational experiences for all.