Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
HARARE-ZIMBABWE has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development and intergenerational solidarity.
This was Vice President General Retired Dr. Constantino Chiwenga’s rallying point during his virtual address to delegates attending the 2025 International Conference on Nation Building, currently underway in Bangkok, Thailand.
Held under the theme: “Nation-Building, Wellness, and Peace in the Ageing World,” the conference brings together global policymakers, researchers, and civil society actors to develop sustainable solutions for countries experiencing demographic shifts.
In his virtual remarks, Vice President Chiwenga praised the Nation-Building International Institute for fostering global dialogue on the ageing population phenomenon.
He outlined how Zimbabwe, guided by its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), is expanding social protection, enhancing universal health coverage, and aligning national policies with international frameworks such as the Madrid Plan of Action on Ageing and the AU Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons.
“We are living in an era marked by remarkable advances in healthcare, nutrition, and life expectancy. The demographic landscape is shifting rapidly, with ageing populations emerging not only in developed nations but across the developing world. This transformation demands urgent, coordinated policy responses and robust international cooperation. Zimbabwe remains fully committed to fostering inclusive social dialogue as a pathway to equitable development and sustained peace. Our government, in collaboration with humanitarian actors, continues to strengthen healthcare systems with a focus on chronic care management and palliative care services to meet the unique needs of our elderly citizens.
“In our country, life expectancy is rising, and our demographic structure is evolving. While the youth account for over thirty percent of our population, the elderly are also increasing in number. Balancing the developmental needs of these two demographic cohorts- ensuring access to healthcare, housing, and social protection-is at the core of our national planning,” Vice President Chiwenga said.
Vice President Chiwenga implored the international community to support ageing populations through the sharing of best practices, equitable access to technical assistance, and age-sensitive labour reforms.
“Let us build inclusive nations where age is not a limitation but a valued stage of life. Let us construct societies where wisdom is utilised, dignity is upheld, and intergenerational cooperation is the norm. An ageing world is not a looming crisis-it is a reality we must embrace, shape, and lead together,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s participation at the conference adds a unique voice from the Global South, offering a grounded example of policy innovation, cultural integration, and inclusive governance.
The International Conference on Nation Building runs from the June 25 to 27 and continues to serve as a global think-tank on building equitable, peaceful, and resilient societies.
At a policy level, Zimbabwe has adopted flexible retirement measures to adapt to longer life expectancy, including raising the public service retirement age from 65 to 70.
Through its Public Service Commission, the country has introduced a Retirement Benefits Department and post-retirement re-skilling programmes aimed at keeping retirees economically engaged.
Vice President Chiwenga also highlighted Zimbabwe’s Tripartite Negotiating Forum comprising Government, labour and business as a model of inclusive social dialogue.
The forum facilitates consensus on labour reforms, promotes active ageing, and drives continuous skills development across all age groups.
Another key aspect of Zimbabwe’s approach is the promotion of traditional and nutrient-dense foods such as finger millet, sorghum, and pearl millet, which the Vice President described as “essential to sustaining longer, healthier lives.”
