Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
Zimbabwe has now entered into final preparatory phase ahead of the upcoming United Nations Security Council (UNSC) non-permanent seat elections scheduled for next week in New York and the country remains confident of securing the seat, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, has said.
In an interview with our sister paper The Sunday Mail last week, Professor Amon Murwira said the final phase will involve engagements with other contesting countries as well as presentations outlining the country’s position on the UNSC non-permanent seat.
Professor Murwira said Zimbabwe’s presentation will focus on four key thematic areas namely multilateralism and inclusivity, trade, peaceful co-existence, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
He said these thematic areas will form the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agenda should the country secure the seat.
Last week Zimbabwe together with Trinidad and Tobago, participated in a briefing session for candidates bidding for the UNSC seat with the session attended by attended by UN member states and civil society.
Professor Murwira also said Zimbabwe’s candidature has been well received by countries across the world, a development that has significantly boosted the nation’s confidence ahead of the elections.
Elections for the UNSC non-permanent seat for the 2027/28 term with elections are set for June 3.
Zimbabwe, which is Africa’s sole candidate, has already secured backing from more than 135 countries, including all 54 African Union member states.
The country has also received endorsement from Caribbean and Pacific regions as well as Central and Eastern countries.
Professor Murwira said some of the support was on reciprocal support while other countries were “just” supporting Zimbabwe’s candidature.
“So we have gone to states in the Pacific region, we have gone to the Caribbean, we have gone to Eastern Europe and we have approached a huge number of United Nations members on reciprocal support arrangements as well as just support,” he said.
“We have been very well received for example we are the sole candidate of the African Union which means 54 countries are behind us in terms of support.
“Then we are supported by the Asia-Pacific region, we are supported by the Americas region, we are supported by the European region.
“Just recently one of the countries this week paid us a visit just to come and support Zimbabwe to be the European country.
“So, we are really on a very good footing and we are looking forward to a very good election on the 3rd of June.”
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He said the final phase of preparations will also entail joint meetings and receptions with other countries bidding for the seat.
“Over the next two weeks we are going to meet, to have meetings with fellow countries that are candidates, fellow candidates, in order to understand each other,” Professor Murwira added.
“ We will do joint presentations as well as do joint receptions so that we conscientize the world as to what we stand for.
“Zimbabwe is going to emphasize the importance of multilateralism and inclusivity across all nations, big or small, following the ideal of sovereign equality of nations.
“Discussions have to take place because the supremacy of diplomacy is what we are looking for.
“One, multilateralism, which means respect of international law. Two, peaceful coexistence among nations and number three, peaceful resolution of disputes.
“In addition, the basis for peace is for people to integrate economically, take the supremacy of trade and diplomacy.
“So, trade as an instrument of diplomacy is very important because trade talks about peace.”
Writing on its microblogging site, X, Zimbabwe embassy at the United Nations (UN) said Zimbabwe had last week attended joint sessions with other candidates bidding for the seat, a move that strengthens transparency, inclusiveness and accountability among nations.
“Zimbabwe, together with Trinidad and Tobago, participated in a briefing session for uncontested candidates for election to the United Nations Security Council,” the mission said.
“The session, attended by Member States and civil society, was organised by the World Federation of United Nations Associations.
“The briefing provided an opportunity for the Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe to the United Nations, Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu, and the Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr Neil Parsan, to present their countries’ priorities should they be elected to serve on the Security Council.
“It also allowed for an open and constructive exchange with Member States and civil society through a question-and-answer session.
“Zimbabwe values such engagements, which help bring the United Nations closer to the people it serves, while strengthening transparency, inclusiveness and accountability in multilateral processes.”
The 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC are elected by the United Nations General Assembly, which comprises 193 member states.
Voting is conducted by secret ballot, with candidates required to secure a two-thirds majority — at least 128 votes — even if running unopposed.
