Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has opted to virtually attend this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) due to the continued threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged the world.

In a statement yesterday, Deputy Chief Secretary, Presidential Communication in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr George Charamba said Heads of State were given an option to either attend UNGA physically or virtually and President Mnangagwa chose the latter.

“In light of the continuing COVID-19 global threat and to allow for the consolidation of reforms and recovery of our economy whose fundamentals are pointing in a positive trajectory, His Excellency the President, Dr E.D Mnangagwa, had this year decided not to attend the United Nations General Assembly in person.

“Instead, he will participate virtually via video conferencing. This mode includes his pre - recorded address which is slotted for Thursday 23 September 2021 and any other high level meetings occurring on the sidelines of the main debate,” said Mr Charamba.

Charamba said this year’s UNGA was scheduled to take place from 21 to 27 September this year and the organizers recommended a hybrid assembly were members states would participate virtually.

“This year’s UNGA is scheduled to take place from 21 to 27 September 2021 in New York, the United States of America. Key issues and decisions are set to be discussed and decided on in the course of the General Assembly. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, organizers of the Assembly have recommended a hybrid Assembly where member states have an option to either attend physically through delegations or virtually through online platforms,” said Mr Charamba.

This would be the second year running, President Mnangagwa attending the high level annual event virtually due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. The UNGA is the main policy making organ of the United Nations and each of the 193 member states are participants with an equal vote.