Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term has received a major boost, with the country set to host eight Permanent Representatives to the UN on a familiarisation tour from today as Harare intensifies its diplomatic campaign ahead of the June elections in New York.
In a statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Mrs Philisiwe Chidawanyika said the visit, scheduled for April 9 to 15, formed part of Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to consolidate support for its candidature, which has already been endorsed by Southern African Development Community and the African Union.
“Zimbabwe’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (2027-2028) continues as the country prepares to host eight Permanent Representatives to the United Nations in New York, representing countries from each of the five UN regional groups, on a familiarisation tour of the country from 9 to 15 April 2026,” she said.
Mrs Chidawanyika said the delegation includes Permanent Representatives and Representatives of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Austria, Portugal, and Trinidad and Tobago to the UN.
She said the visit is aimed at giving the diplomats first-hand appreciation of Zimbabwe’s peace, stability and role in global peace and security.
“The tour will provide the UN Permanent Representatives with an appreciation of Zimbabwe as a peaceful and stable country and its contribution to international peace and security while enhancing the country’s visibility and image, promoting Zimbabwe as a premier destination for tourism, showcasing the country’s potential in international trade and investment and demonstrating Zimbabwe’s doctrine of ‘A Friend to All and Enemy to None’,” Mrs Chidawanyika said.
She said the diplomats are expected to meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, before paying a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa.
The delegation will also tour key national heritage, defence and development sites, including National Heroes Acre, the Zimbabwe National Defence University, the SADC Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre, Great Zimbabwe Monument, Victoria Falls, Tongogara Refugee Settlement and Green Fuels.
Mrs Chidawanyika said the selected sites were meant to showcase Zimbabwe’s contribution to international peacekeeping, heritage preservation, refugee protection and sustainable economic growth.
The visit comes as Zimbabwe steps up lobbying efforts ahead of the June 3 election for the rotating Security Council seat, with the Government positioning the country as a strong advocate for multilateralism, peace and regional stability.
If elected, Zimbabwe will serve on the 15-member Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, joining other nations in shaping global peace and security decisions.
