Online Reporter
Zimbabwe will participate in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly with the goal of turning diplomatic visibility into tangible economic returns. Our reporter Wallace Ruzvidzo (WR), who is in New York, caught up with the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ministry spokesperson, Mrs Philisiwe Chidawanyika, who spoke on the significance of the country’s participation, among other issues.
WR: What is the significance of Zimbabwe’s participation in this year’s UN General Assembly, considering our non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council starting in a few months?
PC: Zimbabwe’s participation aligns with Section 12 (2) of our Constitution, which mandates the State to promote regional and pan-African cultural, economic and political cooperation and integration through regional and international organisations dedicated to peace, well-being, and progress for the region, continent and humanity. In addition, our participation offers a strategic opportunity to build trust, strengthen cohesion, and lay the groundwork for Zimbabwe’s upcoming tenure on the UN Security Council, commencing on 1 January 2027.
WR: As a country, what issues are we going to be pushing at the UNGA?
PC: In line with the theme of the UNGA81,“Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All”, Zimbabwe will promote: the peaceful coexistence and peaceful resolution of international disputes; the sovereign equality of Member States according to the UN Charter; the reform of global governance architecture to ensure that all countries are represented in these structures; collective action towards addressing climate-related challenges that face many of our countries; language in UN resolutions that condemns unilateral coercive measures; the need for cooperation in the prevention of pandemics, preparedness and response; and the need for sustained efforts towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
WR: We recently dispatched our first diplomatic officers to New York to lay the groundwork as we prepare for our UNSC tenure. What has been their feedback so far? And will we be dispatching another team soon?
PC: Three teams have already been deployed and the full team is expected to be in New York by the end of September 2026.
The officers are already working on their various portfolios and a series of training sessions and simulation exercises have been lined up for them in the three months before we assume our seats.
That period is critical to have the team ready to begin our tenure in full force in January 2027.
WR: Can you confirm President Mnangagwa’s attendance at this year’s UNGA
PC: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is coordinating efforts to facilitate His Excellency the President’s participation at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
A number of critical high-level meetings that are scheduled for the participation of Heads of State and Government during the UNGA High-Level Week.
These will cover topics including: the Right to Development, Climate Action and the Just Transition, the Existential Threats from Sea-Level Rise, Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, the Adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the Commemoration and Promotion of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
