Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
A delegation of eight Permanent Representatives to the United Nations spent this Thursday in Zimbabwe on a full-day familiarisation tour, exploring the country’s key peace and security institutions at the invitation of Government.
The delegation that touched down at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport this Thursday began its tour at the National Heroes Acre, where they had an appreciation of the country’s history and where heroes and heroines lie.
From there, the delegation proceeded to the SADC Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre, where they were apprised of the role of the centre in peace efforts within SADC, AU and the United Nations.
The delegation also had an opportunity to ask questions on the centre’s operations and implications on global peace efforts.
Tasked with training military personnel, the delegation also had an introductory lecture at the Zimbabwe National Defence University (ZNDU), with the Vice Chancellor- Air Marshall Michael Moyo stating that the university is a centre of excellence in areas of peace and security governance, multilateral diplomacy and how it extends beyond national boundaries serving as a regional and continental platform for dialogue on peace building, conflict resolution and sustainable development consistent with the United Nations Charter.
The final stop in the delegation’s day 1 in Zimbabwe was a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira at his Munhumutapa offices.
Professor Murwira said Zimbabwe is ready to take a lead in global peace efforts, detailing the country’s involvement in previous engagements in countries such as Sudan, DRC and Liberia among others.
Representatives commended Zimbabwe’s support to the United Nations Charter.
The United Nations Charter is the founding document of the United Nations, signed in 1945 after World War II to promote international peace, security, cooperation and respect for human rights.
A central pillar of the Charter is the United Nations Security Council, which bears primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, hence Zimbabwe’s bid seeks to solidify the role of this global body.
