Online Reporter
Professor Amon Murwira
The elections for Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term are going to take place on Wednesday, June 3.
President Mnangagwa’s plan for this seat has always been to gain support based on the real values that Zimbabwe stands for.
They are values rooted in the United Nations Charter: fostering a peaceful world characterised by multilateralism, peaceful coexistence and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
That is the foundation of our campaign.
To that effect, we have based our campaign on the understanding that there are 193 member states of the United Nations (UN).
There are no small or big states — only sovereign states that are equal.
We call this the sovereign equality of states.
This has always been the stance of His Excellency, Dr Mnangagwa, and it remains Zimbabwe’s position towards the world.
We have engaged countries across the Pacific, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and many other regions of the world.
We have approached a large number of UN member states through reciprocal support arrangements and direct diplomatic engagement.
So far, the process has gone very well.
Zimbabwe has been warmly received.
We are the sole candidate of the African Union, which means we have the backing of 54 African countries.
In addition, we are receiving support from the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas and the European region.
Just last week, a European country visited us specifically to express support for Zimbabwe’s bid.
So, we are on very solid footing and looking forward to a positive election outcome on June 3.
Before the elections, we will continue holding meetings with fellow member states and candidates to deepen mutual understanding, conduct joint presentations and host joint receptions.
The aim is to help the world better understand what Zimbabwe stands for.
Zimbabwe stands for respect for international law. Zimbabwe stands for peaceful coexistence. Zimbabwe stands for the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Under Section 12, subsection 2 of our Constitution, Zimbabwe is Pan-African and is committed to participating in organisations that uphold human dignity — chief among them, the UN.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution is, therefore, highly aligned with the principles of the UN and international law.
We act according to values that are codified within our Constitution.
This gives Zimbabwe a strong and consistent position in the international arena.
As we campaign for this seat, our approach remains fully aligned with international law and diplomacy.
The next three days will be extremely busy in New York, but they will also be exciting as we continue helping the world understand Zimbabwe — and as we continue understanding the world.
President Mnangagwa, who is our lead diplomat and chief diplomat, laid out a strategy that we are following step by step, stone upon stone, leading up to the election.
We are confident and looking forward to a successful election.
If elected, Zimbabwe’s key priorities within the council will focus on strengthening multilateralism and inclusivity among nations.
The world is facing many challenges in the multilateral sphere.
In some parts of the world, there is scepticism about the effectiveness of multilateral institutions.
Zimbabwe believes strongly in the importance of multilateralism and inclusivity among all nations — big or small — guided by the principle of sovereign equality.
Dialogue must always take precedence because diplomacy is supreme.
Zimbabwe’s position is centred on three principles.
First, multilateralism and respect for international law.
Second, peaceful coexistence among nations.
Third, the peaceful resolution of disputes.
We believe the basis for lasting peace is economic integration, supported by diplomacy and trade.
Trade itself can serve as a powerful instrument of diplomacy because trade promotes cooperation and peace.
As Zimbabweans and Africans, we understand this deeply.
In the 19th century, Africa’s resources were taken through force rather than fair trade, particularly following the Berlin Conference of 1884.
Today, we advocate for a different path — one based on trade, partnership and international law.
We believe disputes should always be resolved peacefully.
Zimbabwe is committed to working with all countries as a bridge builder.
Our doctrine is simple: Friend to all, enemy to none.
This is a doctrine of bridge-building.
Our other doctrine is Zimbabwe is open for business, which reflects our commitment to trade, cooperation and peaceful engagement with the world.
Together, these principles support the peaceful world we all seek.
We look forward to the continued silencing of guns, as envisioned when the United Nations was formed in 1945.
At the same time, we support member state-driven reform of the United Nations Security Council — reforms that make the institution more democratic, more representative and more inclusive.
His Excellency, Dr Mnangagwa, has stated on many occasions that the global architecture of 1945 is different from today’s realities.
Reform of the UN must, therefore, be inclusive, collaborative and guided by diplomacy — not confrontation.
With this approach, Zimbabwe believes we can help build a more peaceful world and become a positive force for good in strengthening diplomacy as the primary tool for resolving international challenges.
Zimbabwe is ready to participate actively in global decision-making mechanisms that respect international law, peaceful coexistence and diplomacy as a tool for peace.
We believe the 193 member states of the UN can work together to strengthen multilateralism and build a better world for all.
Our final message to member states ahead of the election is this: Zimbabwe is ready to work with all members of the international community as a bridge builder — ready to listen, engage and act through diplomacy for the common good.
Professor Amon Murwira is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
