Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE remains fully committed to fostering inclusive social dialogue as a pathway to equitable development and sustained peace, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
He made the remarks in a virtual address to the international conference on nation-building hosted by the Nation-Building International Institute (NBII) in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday.
The NBII aims to establish a leading institute focused on the development of morally-guided leadership, lifelong learning and systematised management skills essential for nation-building.
VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe was expanding social safety nets, prioritising universal health coverage and promoting age-friendly policies that aligned with the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons.
“We are living in an era marked by remarkable advances in healthcare, nutrition, and life expectancy,” said VP Chiwenga.
“The demographic landscape is shifting rapidly, with ageing populations emerging not only in developed nations, but across the developing world. This transformation demands urgent, coordinated policy responses and robust international cooperation.
“Zimbabwe remains fully committed to fostering inclusive social dialogue as a pathway to equitable development and sustained peace. Our Government, in collaboration with humanitarian actors, continues to strengthen healthcare systems with a focus on chronic care management and palliative care services to meet the unique needs of our elderly citizens,” said VP Chiwenga.
He said life expectancy in Zimbabwe is rising and the demographic structure is evolving, with youth accounting for over 30 percent of the population while the elderly demographic continues to grow.
The Vice President said balancing the developmental needs of these two demographic groups – ensuring access to healthcare, housing and social protection – is central to the Government’s planning.
“To address these realities, we are expanding social safety nets, prioritising universal health coverage and promoting age-friendly policies,” said VP Chiwenga.
“These initiatives align with the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons.
“Nation-building in an ageing context necessitates robust inter-generational dialogue and inclusive labour policy reforms. Care for the elderly is deeply embedded in Zimbabwe’s cultural fabric. While institutional care facilities exist, family and community structures remain the primary support system.
“Zimbabwe’s Tripartite Negotiating Forum, established in 2019, exemplifies this approach by bringing together Government, labour, and business to collaboratively address demographic shifts, promote active ageing, and facilitate continuous skills development for all.
“Our National Development Strategy emphasises the importance of geriatric care and community-based support systems,” said VP Chiwenga.
He mentioned that the enactment of the Older Persons Act (2012) created institutional support mechanisms, including a dedicated fund and board, guided by the principle of “Leaving No One and No Place Behind,” enabling the Government to roll out targeted initiatives for vulnerable senior citizens.
VP Chiwenga urged the conference to champion flexible work arrangements, continuous learning, and age-sensitive employment practices.
“We urge the international community to share best practices, extend technical assistance, and ensure equitable access to global resources to support ageing populations – particularly in the Global South. Let us build inclusive nations where age is not a limitation but a valued stage of life. Let us construct societies where wisdom is utilised, dignity is upheld, and intergenerational cooperation is the norm.
“An ageing world is not a looming crisis – it is a reality we must embrace, shape, and lead together,” said VP Chiwenga.
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