BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr Frederick Shava, has said Zimbabwe is committed to the full and effective implementation of the objectives of the Summit of Future, which is set to be held on September 22 and 23 in New York, United States.
Minister Shava said this while delivering his keynote address on “International Peace and Security”, at the pre-Summit Engagement meeting in Harare on Thursday.
According the United Nations, the Summit of the Future is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.
“I take this opportunity to reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to the full and effective implementation of the objectives of the Summit of the Future which inter alia, seek ways of enhancing cooperation on critical challenges and building peaceful, just and inclusive societies, and to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources and move towards a reinvigorated multilateral system that can effectively tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow for the sake of humanity.
“Zimbabwe is of the view that the Pact for the Future captures our collective dedication to restoring trust, and reaffirming the principles of the United Nations Charter with a view to promoting peace, security and sustainable development across the world.
“These aspirations align with the priorities of the African Union Peace and Security Council and SADC peace building initiatives.
“The current conflicts across the globe are stretching our multilateral system to its limit.
“Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that multilateral institutions are effective, fit-for-purpose, and responsive to the growing insecurity across the world,” he said.
Minister Shava added that there is need for a significant reform of the multilateral system, particularly, the United Nations Security Council, whose mandate is to ensure the maintenance of global peace and security.
He further revealed that a reformed, democratic and representative Security Council is the only chance to address the multifaceted security challenges which are currently being faced, whose causes and drivers have grown to include climate change, poverty, economic crises, and natural disasters.
“On its part, Zimbabwe hopes for the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to matters of global peace and security, as a Non-Permanent Member of the Council for the period 2027 to 2028.
“Zimbabwe looks forward to playing an integral role in the maintenance of regional peace and security, following the assumption of the Chairmanship of SADC by the President, His Excellency, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
“Our region enjoys relative peace and security, a result of its commitment to uphold its sovereign and territorial integrity.
“The peace that prevails in Southern Africa, continues to create a conducive environment for sustainable development, as there can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.
“In instances where we have faced security challenges within our region, we have prioritized dialogue, and strengthening political cooperation, and enhancing democracy, good governance, and human security.
“Where requested, SADC has, and will continue to render military assistance to ensure the collective security of the region,” he said.
Minister Shava further shared that Zimbabwe firmly believes in the principle of “African solutions for African problems”, hence the country does not only call for the reform of the UN Security Council; but supports increased coordination between the UN Security Council and continental and regional peace and security mechanisms, to ensure synergy in our peace and security efforts.
“At national level, Zimbabwe has a long history of contributing to United Nations peacekeeping missions on the African continent and beyond.
“Our female security personnel, in particular, continue to serve with distinction during their deployments and have earned a stellar reputation for dedication to duty.
“Their performance has encouraged us to continue promoting active involvement of women in international peace initiatives.
“To this end, Government launched in May 2024, the Zimbabwe National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, aligning with UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
“Guided by this National Action Plan, Government will continue to ensure that women are not just beneficiaries of peace and security initiatives, but active participants.”
He also revealed that Government has introduced various initiatives aimed at addressing issues of peace, national cohesion and reconciliation through the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission.
“Through these initiatives, Government is facilitating the resolution of various historical sources of conflict, and steering the country towards national healing.
“As I conclude, I reiterate Zimbabwe’s commitment to playing its part towards the maintenance of peace and security in the region, continent, and beyond, and reaffirm the central role of the United Nations in this regard.”
Speaking at the same meeting, Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator said the objective remains to foster a future that is equitable, sustainable and just.
“The Summit of the Future, an initiative by the United Nations that will take place from 22-23 September 2024 in New York, serves as a vital platform for nations worldwide to engage in multilateral dialogue, confronting global challenges.
“For Zimbabwe, this summit is pivotal in supporting its national objectives, propelling economic, social, and democratic transformations towards sustainable development and climate-smart, green industrialization.”
He added: “this event signifies a crucial step in our journey towards the forthcoming Summit of the Future, an initiative that encapsulates our collective aspirations and addresses the urgent challenges of our era.
“The Summit of the Future stands not merely as an event on a calendar but rather a global movement designed to revitalize the essential foundations of global governance, international cooperation, and multilateralism.
“We are guided by the enduring principles of the UN Charter, a steadfast pillar supporting global peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights for over seventy years.
“This Charter obliges us to ensure that no one is left behind.
“Within Zimbabwe, our national consultations are invaluable; they affirm our understanding that local perspectives are integral to the broader global conversation.
“In the last few weeks and days, by involving media professionals, youth from all 10 provinces of the country, and members of the diplomatic corps, we have ensured that diverse voices are woven into the international tapestry.
“This vibrant blend of local dialogue and national perspective will illuminate the path towards a thorough Compact of the Future,” said Kallon.
Several stakeholders including senior government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, national and international development partners and several other delegates attended the pre-Summit Engagement, which was the last before the Summit of the Future in New York in a few days time.
