Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in NEW YORK, USA
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has emphasised the need to build a more connected, resilient and inclusive world, as well as the importance of trust, especially as the world undergoes “the fastest transformation in history” driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced digital connectivity.
In a message on his official X handle soon after arriving here yesterday for the 81st Session of United Nations General Assembly, the President said the theme for this year’s gathering aptly reflected the current state of the world.
“I have arrived in New York City for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (#UNGA),” said President Mnangagwa.
“This year’s theme, ‘Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all’, captures the exact inflection point we face globally. Technology —especially AI and advanced digital connectivity — is driving the fastest transformation in human history.”
Advances in artificial intelligence and digital connectivity, he said, present immense opportunities but also require collective efforts to ensure they benefit all nations and communities.
“We cannot navigate the future without building trust first. Over the next week, I look forward to participating in high-level dialogues, bilateral meetings and community forums focused on how we can harness digital tools to protect online safety, close the global connectivity gap and ensure that AI delivers equitable opportunities for everyone, everywhere.
“The challenges ahead are complex, but the potential to build a more connected, resilient, and inclusive world has never been greater. Let’s get to work.”
President Mnangagwa is expected to undertake a series of engagements on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
Today, he is scheduled to attend a high-level Zimbabwe Business Forum organised by ZimTrade, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), as the country seeks to attract investment and unlock financing for key sectors of the economy.
He will also meet Zimbabweans living in the United States.
Tomorrow, the President is expected to hold a number of bilateral meetings, including a scheduled engagement with United Nations Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres.
On Tuesday, he will attend the UN General Debate, participate in bilateral meetings and attend a reception hosted by United States President Donald Trump for leaders.
Wednesday’s programme includes the opening and plenary segment of the High-Level Meeting commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development.
President Mnangagwa is scheduled to address the General Debate on Thursday morning.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said the President’s participation at UNGA81 comes at a time when Zimbabwe is consolidating its re-engagement efforts and preparing to assume a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
“In 2017, on 24 November 2017, when His Excellency took over, one of his main objectives, President E.D Mnangagwa’s objectives, was to integrate Zimbabwe into the global community, as well as integrate Zimbabwe into the global economy.
“And the doctrine that he had to follow in order to do that was Zimbabwe is a ‘friend to all and an enemy to none’.
“If we ask ourselves a question, did we succeed? Yes, we did. Did he succeed? Yes, he did.
“On behalf of whom? On behalf of us all,” he said.
Prof Murwira said President Mnangagwa would use his address to advance the message of peace, justice and sovereign equality among nations.
“His Excellency is going to participate with other Heads of State and Government in giving statements, positions to the General Assembly and His Excellency is scheduled to make his statement on the 24th of September at 9am. He will actually be the first to speak.
“So, we are looking forward to that statement. His Excellency’s message is always a message of peace, that together we can make the world a better place.
“But for there to be peace, it has to be a fair world where every country feels represented,” said Minister Murwira.
Zimbabwe, he added, would continue supporting reforms aimed at making the United Nations more representative, particularly through implementation of the African Union’s Ezulwini Consensus, which calls for permanent African representation on the Security Council.
“Africa, for example, does not have any veto power.
“But Africa is asking for two permanent seats rather within the Security Council based on the Ezulwini Consensus.
“The Ezulwini Consensus in Eswatini came up with a resolution that Africa must demand two permanent seats,” he said.
He also said Zimbabwe would continue advocating for a more inclusive international system anchored on justice, peace and equitable representation.
President Mnangagwa is accompanied by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications Mr George Charamba, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza and other senior Government officials.
