Story by Josephine Mugiyo
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa this Thursday addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly with his speech touching on the recently-held general elections, peace as a requisite for SDGs attainment and Zimbabwe’s efforts towards food security.
President Mnangagwa arrived at the United Nations General Assembly accompanied by the First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa and government officials.
As he delivered his main address, the President began by noting the importance of re-committing to the charter of the United Nations, multilateralism, solidarity and peaceful settlement of disputes.
“It is imperative that we re-committ to the charter of the United Nations; multilateralism, solidarity, justice, and the peaceful settlement of disputes for sustainable development and a shared future. This calls on us all to respect the sovereign equality of nations, big or small, poor or rich,” said President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe recently held its general elections and President Mnangagwa briefed the world leaders on the peaceful nature of the polls.
“Zimbabwe continues to entrench democracy constitutionalism, good governance and the rule of law following the recently-held 2023 harmonised general elections. I am pleased to highlight that our country enjoyed peace before, during and after our free, fair, transparent and credible elections. Fellow African heads of state who delivered their speeches in the last days spoke strongly on the need to remove sanctions,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa also used the global platform to speak against the sanctions but noted that Zimbabwe had not buried its head in the sand but is working to build its economy.
“In spite of these debilitating sanctions, the people of Zimbabwe have become masters of their own destiny. This is anchored on the philosophy that as a people we have a duty and responsibility of developing our country using our own domestic resources,” he said.
Climate change continues to affect the globe and Zimbabwe has not been spared, and the head of state outlined the measures that have been put in place to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The President said, “My government continues to make the requisite investment in infrastructure to mitigate and build resilience investment in infrastructure to mitigate and build resilience towards climate change adaptation. Dams are being built across the country.”
As he ended his address, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to upholding the principles of the United Nations.
