Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is set to launch Zimbabwe’s campaign for a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council.
The campaign strategy, which was approved by Cabinet yesterday, will be officially launched in Harare and New York during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September.
Addressing the post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the campaign would cement the country’s commitment towards international peace.
“Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term has already been endorsed by both the Southern African Development Community and the African Union and will be officially launched by His Excellency the President Dr ED Mnangagwa in Harare, and in New York during the 80th Session of United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
“The outcome will be the reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to upholding international peace and security as well as the generation of international goodwill towards the country,” he said.
There are 10 rotating non-permanent members on the council, along with the five permanent members taken by the US, the UK, France, China and Russia.
The top table at the UN determines how the organisation responds to conflicts around the world.
To win a seat, the country needs to secure the support of at least two thirds of the General Assembly delegations that are voting.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said Zimbabwe had been a member of the Security Council on two occasions in the early 80s and the early 90s.
“Our national objective is to build a free and democratic society that is sovereign, where people are prosperous, happy and have a fulfilling life. This can only take place in a peaceful and cooperative world that respects the sovereign equality of states, where Zimbabwe is a responsible member of this international community. The benefits (of having the seat) are immense when it comes to fulfilling our national objectives,” he said.
He said the country would be able to play a part in promoting the sovereign equality of nations while also creating an environment in which its people can thrive.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa will also launch the 2025 edition of the National Culture Month which runs from May 1 to 31.
The commemoration will be held under the theme “Celebrating Indigenous Voices”, with the objectives to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe, promote cultural diversity and foster national unity.
It also aims to showcase the diverse cultural practices and to promote intellectual dialogue for cross-cultural understanding and exchange.
“The National Culture Month Launch will be presided over by His Excellency the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa on a date to be advised, at the homestead of Chief Tshovani in Masvingo Province. The event will celebrate our identity and diverse cultures. It will also be a platform to showcase Zimbabwe’s success stories in cultural development and its commitment to fulfilling regional and international protocols that promote the growth of the creative and cultural industries,” said Minister Muswere.
He said the first week would focus on encouraging historical recipes and cooking techniques while the second week would be an Indigenous Fashion Week.
This would be followed by the National Culture month launch during the third week. The last week of the month would be the Indigenous Languages and Cultural Dialogue Week. Dr Muswere said the week would be dedicated to recognising and celebrating indigenous voices through music, dance, visual displays, poetry, films and language workshops.
“Communities are encouraged to celebrate their indigenous languages during the month of May. Provinces will schedule their activities around the culture month, and each province will host its Provincial Launch where the respective Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution will officiate as the Guest of Honour,” he added.
