Debra Matabvu in Antalya, Türkiye
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga is expected to arrive here today to represent President Mnangagwa at the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), where Zimbabwe will push for greater international support to strengthen climate resilience.
VP Chiwenga will address the leaders’ summit, deliver Zimbabwe’s national statement, participate in discussions on key issues, including the energy transition, and hold high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference.
His participation comes as Zimbabwe and neighbouring Southern African countries brace for a predicted Super El Niño during the 2026/27 summer cropping season, which threatens below-normal rainfall, erratic weather patterns and higher temperatures.
In an interview yesterday, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said Harare would use the global summit to highlight the impact of climate change on livelihoods, food production and energy security while rallying international support.
“Climate change can only be addressed with the involvement of heads of State and Government. That is why the United Nations has called upon heads of State to come together, address these issues and formulate strategic decisions that can save this world,” she said.
“Zimbabwe is going to articulate the impact of climate change on our people, our environment, our food systems and the security of our energy generation capacity because we are a country dependent on rainfall and water for electricity generation,” added Dr Ndlovu.
She said Zimbabwe would advocate a just transition from coal to renewable energy, arguing that developing nations require adequate time, research and support to build sustainable alternatives.
“We are also saying to ourselves and to the world that we must have a just transition period from coal to other renewable energy sources, and we are calling for serious research and development in the renewable energy field to ensure that these systems are safe for people and fit for the future, as described by the international community,” she said.
Zimbabwe will also showcase its carbon trading framework, introduced in line with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to regulate international cooperation through carbon markets, while appealing for increased adaptation funding.
“So we will be showcasing our capacity while at the same time appealing to the international community for climate finance to support adaptation, because our people are facing serious challenges as a result of climate change,” Dr Ndlovu said.
The push for climate finance follows the devastating 2024/25 drought, the country’s worst since 1980, as farmers prepare for another potentially difficult 2026/27 season.
To cushion farmers against El Niño shocks and safeguard food supplies, Government has approved a comprehensive Summer Plan anchored on six pillars: strengthening the Strategic Grain Reserve, expanding climate-smart agriculture, improving agricultural financing, mitigating livestock losses, enhancing imports, and bolstering coordination and early warning systems.
COP31 brings together world leaders, negotiators, business executives, scientists, youth representatives, indigenous peoples and civil society organisations from parties to the UN climate convention to advance global cooperation in tackling the climate crisis.
