Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for multilateral cooperation, peace building, and concerted efforts to combat climate change, as well as address while addressing conflicts in Gaza, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and northern Mozambique.
The president’s message was delivered by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Dr Frederick Shava at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) high-level debate.
In his address, President Mnangagwa stressed the need for global unity and collaboration to overcome the world’s pressing challenges.
"Dialogue and diplomacy are indispensable in an increasingly polarized world," he said, urging the international community to prioritize multilateralism and collective efforts to address natural and man-made crises.
“The theme for this year's UNGA79 session, "Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity," resonated with Zimbabwe's vision of an inclusive and just world.
The president emphasized that achieving sustainable development is impossible without first ensuring peace and addressing the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and climate-induced resource scarcity.
President Mnangagwa highlighted Zimbabwe’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the importance of accelerating global action towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“As the 2030 deadline approaches, we must collectively enhance funding, foster innovative solutions, and accelerate action to ensure these ambitious targets are met.
“One of the key challenges we are facing is climate change, which continues to wreak havoc in Zimbabwe and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The El Niño induced drought that has severely impacted food and nutrition security across the region. In response, SADC launched a $5.8 billion humanitarian appeal to address immediate needs and build long-term resilience.
He also reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s efforts to improve food security through its Agriculture 6.0 Model, which promotes modern agricultural practices.
“We must focus on helping vulnerable communities adapt to the realities of climate change while mitigating its long-term impacts. Collective action is required to safeguard the future,” President Mnangagwa said.
On the international front, President Mnangagwa voiced support for the self-determination of Palestine and Western Sahara.
“We call for urgent international intervention to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and implement a two-state solution to resolve the conflict. In the SADC region, Zimbabwe remains committed to restoring peace in eastern DRC and northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, where insurgencies have disrupted lives.
“Zimbabwe stands with the Governments of these nations as they work toward long-term peace and stability,” President Mnangagwa stated.
President Mnangagwa also called for reforms to the global financial system and the UN Security Council, criticizing the current international financial architecture for being outdated and disproportionately affecting developing nations.
"The financial system must be reformed to be more inclusive and equitable, reflecting the diverse realities of the global community, especially the Global South,” he said.
In conclusion, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations.
"By acting together, we can advance peace, promote sustainable development, and uphold human dignity for present and future generations, calling on nations to work in unity and mutual respect to overcome today’s pressing challenges," he said.
Zimbabwe’s message at the UNGA reinforces its commitment to peace, sustainable development, and global solidarity in addressing climate change and geopolitical conflicts.
