Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the fight against transnational crime and armed conflict as the country prepares to assume its newly won seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
Addressing the third session of the 2026 United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 26), themed “Strengthening International Cooperation”, in New York, United States, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe said Zimbabwe would continue to champion dialogue, partnership and collective solutions to emerging global security threats.
The summit brought together police makers, ministers and senior security officials from across the world to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation in peacekeeping operations and international law enforcement.
Minister Kazembe said the increasingly complex security environment, characterised by armed conflicts and transnational organised crime, demanded coordinated responses anchored on mutual trust and shared responsibility.
“The challenges before us are significant,” he said.
“Armed conflicts and transnational crime continue to undermine peace and development.
“These realities remind us that international cooperation is indispensable.”
The minister said Zimbabwe has deployed more than 1 400 police officers to United Nations peace operations across Africa, Asia and Europe since 1991, reflecting the country’s commitment to multilateralism, peacebuilding and international solidarity.
“The United Nations Police demonstrates the strength of international cooperation,” he said.
“Through peace operations, officers from across the world serve side by side in pursuit of a common objective — the maintenance of international peace and security.
“Zimbabwe is proud to be part of these efforts.”
Zimbabwe’s participation at UNCOPS 26 comes ahead of its term on the United Nations Security Council, where it will serve as a non-permanent member from January 2027.
Minister Kazembe said Zimbabwe would use its tenure to advance cooperation based on the principles of sovereign equality and mutual respect.
“During our tenure on the Council, Zimbabwe will continue to champion dialogue, partnership and collective solutions to global peace and security challenges,” he said.
“We believe that cooperation, grounded in mutual respect and sovereign equality, remains the most effective pathway to peace and stability.”
