Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Zimbabwe has assured its global peers of its undiluted commitment to address climate change and double efforts in curtailing global warming, despite its historically insignificant role in creating the problem.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga gave the assurance when he addressed the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation here yesterday.
Dr Chiwenga is on a working visit, which has seen him partake in economic development engagements.
Zimbabwe’s participation at the climate change conference is part of the Government’s diplomatic offensive through which the Second Republic is seeking an amplified progressive international voice.
In his address, VP Chiwenga said it is crucial for international financing mechanisms, including the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund, to be adequately resourced.
“Though countries like Zimbabwe bear minimal historical responsibility for global warming, we remain steadfast in our commitment to low-carbon development, as reflected in our ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement,” he said.
“It is imperative that global climate financing mechanisms — including the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund — are adequately resourced.
“We also call upon international financial institutions, private sector actors, and bilateral donors to significantly scale up climate financing, particularly for adaptation, mitigation and glacier-related scientific research that informs sound policy decisions.”
VP Chiwenga took the opportunity to extend an open invitation to all delegates at the conference to participate in the 15th Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, set to be held in the resort city of Victoria Falls from July 23 to 31.
“Please allow me to take this opportunity to extend an open invitation to all present to attend the 15th Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, to be held in the majestic city of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from July 23 to 31 this year,” said VP Chiwenga.
“The sustainable management of wetlands is integral to the global water agenda, and we look forward to coming up with actionable outcomes at the meeting.”
The Vice President’s participation in the conference reinforces Zimbabwe’s commitment to addressing climate change while simultaneously fostering economic diplomacy in Central Asia.
He noted that the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change highlights how rapid glacier melting is driving extreme weather, increasing droughts and floods globally.
VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe faced its worst drought in over 40 years during the 2023/2024 season due to El Niño, warning that glacier melting could reduce Africa’s Gross Domestic Product by up to three percent by 2050.
Zimbabwe is advancing its National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, focusing on water harvesting, sustainable groundwater use, conservation agriculture, and enhancing transboundary water cooperation through key Global Water Conventions.
“Recognising that climate change knows no borders, Zimbabwe currently falls under formal agreements or transboundary arrangements to enhance water cooperation and shared water management,” said VP Chiwenga.
“Zimbabwe has also acceded to key Global Water Conventions, reaffirming our commitment to collaborative stewardship of shared water resources.”
Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon proposed establishing a laboratory for glacier research in his country, saying climate change has already led to the disappearance of around one-third of the world’s mountain glaciers, affecting not only ecosystems but also various aspects of human life.
United Nations agencies were consistent in their messaging that issues of climate change cannot be the responsibility of a few or some, but of all.
