by Dorcas Rumano
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday addressed other world leaders who were present at the 73rd Ordinary session of the United Nations General Assembly summit in New York City.
In his maiden speech, President Mnangagwa said he was pleased that Zimbabwe has made progress in implementing some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said, “I’m pleased to report that Zimbabwe has made substantial progress in the implementation of some of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular with regards to ensuring food security. Through our people centered policies and programmes, complemented by private sector financing and investments, farmers receive inputs, equipment and technical support.”
The President added, “In a bid to improve nutrition and broaden income opportunities, we have also extended support to grow the livestock, fisheries and wildlife sectors. We are confident that these multi-pronged programmes will accelerate Zimbabwe’s re-entry into the global economy and associated value chains.”
President Mnangagwa said the programmes that the Government is implementing are solutions to development and arresting of economic challenges despite illegal economic sanctions imposed on the country.
“This is one example of innovation, creativity and home grown solutions in addressing key developmental and economic challenges in spite of the continued illegal sanctions imposed on our country,” said President Mngangagwa.
Meanwhile, the President has called for the immediate and unconditioned removal of the illegal sanctions.
Among other issues, President Mnangagwa talked about peace, security, democracy and good governance as essential ingredients for sustainable development.
The President highlighted that in view of the fact elections are an integral element of democracy; the country held the much anticipated Harmonised General Elections on the 30th July 2018.
President Mnangagwa said, “Following my deliberate and conscious decision to open up the democratic space and emphatic call for peace, unity and tolerance of divergent views amongst our people, political contestations, election campaigning, voting and counting processes were conducted freely, peacefully and transparently.”
The President attended the UNGA summit together with Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governer, Dr John Mangudya among other Government officials.
