Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
ZIMBABWE has made notable progress in reducing poverty, improving healthcare, expanding education and promoting decent work – key pillars of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—despite being under illegal economic sanctions.
These remarks were made by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo during the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, held in New York from July 9 to 18, 2025.
The event brought together over 3 000 global leaders, Ministers, UN officials and civil society representatives.
This year’s theme was “UN at 80: Catalysing Change for Sustainable Development.”
Minister Moyo praised Zimbabwe’s resilience, highlighting progress in poverty eradication, quality education, healthcare, decent work and gender equality despite the ongoing sanctions.
“Guided by the National Health Strategy, Zimbabwe prioritises quality, affordable and accessible health services, including mental health, and has increased domestic funding to reach remote communities,” he said.
The country, he said, continues to empower women and youth through vocational and entrepreneurial training for micro, small and medium enterprises, driving inclusive economic growth as Zimbabwe pursues its Vision of becoming an Upper Middle-Income Economy by 2030.
“Despite the harsh sanctions imposed on our nation, Zimbabwe continues to advance critical social and economic programmes that uplift our people,” Minister Moyo said.
He also called for urgent reform of the global financial system to better support developing countries like Zimbabwe.
He urged the immediate and unconditional removal of unilateral sanctions, which remain a major obstacle to achieving the SDGs.
Minister Moyo reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda, underscoring the country’s readiness to join global efforts for sustainable development that benefit present and future generations.
“Zimbabwe remains steadfast in its commitment to achieve the SDGs and stands ready to join global efforts to deliver sustainable development for present and future generations,” said Minister Moyo.
The Government has been expanding social protection, improving healthcare access, and strengthening labour policies—all helping the country steadily advance towards meeting the global goals.
