Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is hosting the 4th Meeting of the National Coordinators of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations, in Harare running from this Monday to tomorrow (Tuesday)
The meeting is being held under the main theme, “Effective Multilateralism in a Multipolar International Order: From Charter Principles to Practice”, and the sub theme, “Partnership and Outreach: Engagement with Regional Groups and other Stakeholders”.
In his opening remarks the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira said the meeting should speak against unilateralism, by powerful nations.
“In the next two days we are expected to reaffirm the significance of multilateralism as enshrined in the UN Charter. It is our collective responsibility that it remains the foundation and standard, upon which the conduct of all States must be measured,” he said.
“Of course, the UN does not and have never claimed perfection, but we have to admit that it is the only robust and proven tool available for all humanity to settle disputes and safeguard world peace based on the sacred principle of multilateralism.”
The meeting is being attended by representatives from 18 countries that include Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, China, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mali, Nicaragua, Palestine, the Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Syria and Venezuela.
“Our task as a Group of Friends is to work on continuously and collectively reform the UN and make it more effective and representative of the current geopolitical realities,” Professor Murwira said.
The Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations is an 18-member grouping established in July 2021 at the UN in New York, and in 2023 at the UN in Geneva.
“The Group aims to preserve, promote and defend the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including the sovereign equality of States, non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, peaceful settlement of disputes, and multilateralism and diplomacy over unilateral action, as essential for international peace and security, economic development and social progress.
Since its establishment, the Group of Friends has served as a platform for dialogue, coordination, and joint action towards strengthening multilateralism and the role of the United Nations in addressing emerging global challenges. The two-day meeting will adopt a Political Declaration.
