Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
ZIMBABWE is preparing for the inaugural Summit of the Future during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly where the focus will be on promoting peace, reconciliation and sustainable development.
The Summit of the Future is expected to bring forth a pact among member states to chart the way forward on issues affecting the world including opportunities and challenges in several areas such as development financing, international peace and security, science and innovation along with gender inclusivity.
This Thursday, Zimbabwe convened a national high-level stakeholder engagement in preparation for the summit.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Ambassador Frederick Shava said the summit presents an opportunity to re-affirm principles of the United Nations Charter while promoting multilateralism.
“Zimbabwe is of the view that the Pact for the Future captures our collective dedication to restoring trust and reaffirming the principles of the United Nations Charter to promote peace, security and sustainable development across the world. These aspirations align with the priorities of the African Union Peace and Security Council and SADC peace building initiatives.
“The current conflicts across the globe are stretching our multilateral system to its limit. Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that multilateral institutions are effective, fit-for-purpose, and responsive to the growing insecurity across the world.
“This will require significant reform of the multilateral system, particularly, the United Nations Security Council, whose mandate is to ensure the maintenance of global peace and security.
“A reformed, democratic and representative Security Council is our only chance to address the multifaceted security challenges we currently face, whose causes and drivers have grown to include climate change, poverty, economic crises, and natural disasters,” said Ambassador Shava.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Zimbabwe, His Excellency Edward Kallon spoke of the huge potential the Summit has in confronting global challenges.
“The Summit of the Future, an initiative by the United Nations that will take place from 22-23 September 2024 in New York, serves as a vital platform for nations worldwide to engage in multilateral dialogue, confronting global challenges.
“For Zimbabwe, this summit is pivotal in supporting its national objectives, propelling economic, social, and democratic transformations towards sustainable development and climate-smart, green industrialisation.
“For Zimbabwe, aspiring to achieve an upper-middle-income status by 2030, these multilateral frameworks present avenues to unlock significant economic and social transformations. Active participation enables Zimbabwe to harness international partnerships, address developmental hurdles, access new markets, and forming beneficial trade agreements.
“Multilateral cooperation also affords Zimbabwe platforms to articulate its concerns and priorities, aligning its development agenda with global objectives,” he said.
Issues on the agenda include accelerating sustainable development and reforming decades-old institutions, including the UN Security Council and the international financial system.
Over 130 Heads of State and Government are expected to attend the landmark event, which will be held from the 22nd to the 23rd of this month, just before the annual high-level debate at the UN General Assembly.
It will be preceded by two “action days,” where non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academics and private sector representatives will engage on the main themes.
Over 7,000 people have so far registered to participate.
The Summit is expected to adopt a Pact for the Future, with a Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations annexed to it.
