Zimbabwe, UN intensify National Consultation Ahead of Summit of the Future

11 September 2024, Harare - In a noteworthy diplomatic engagement today, Mr. Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, had a cordial and constructive meeting with Honorable Dr. Frederick Shava, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, at the Munhumutapa Building. The meeting highlighted the joint efforts between the UN and the Zimbabwean Government in advancing national development and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a specific focus on the ongoing national consultations ahead of the upcoming Summit of the Future.

Mr. Kallon extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Zimbabwean government for successfully hosting the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit and for stepping into a leadership role under His Excellency President Dr. ED Mnangagwa. He reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting Zimbabwe in achieving the strategic objectives of the SADC.

Amid discussions on preparations for the Summit of the Future, scheduled for later this month [22-23 September] in New York, Mr. Kallon commended the leadership shown by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in conducting extensive national consultations with support from the United Nations. Honorable Minister Dr. Shava is set to be the Guest of Honour and deliver a keynote address during an all-stakeholders consultation meeting scheduled to take place on Thursday 12 September, a culmination of a series of engagements and emphasizing Zimbabwe’s preparedness to actively engage in the forthcoming UN General Assembly.

The meeting also spotlighted the progress of the 2022-2026 Zimbabwe UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Mr. Kallon noted the ongoing implementation of development programmes and projects that align with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting a notable disbursement of about US$1.2 billion in development initiatives at the mid-point of the Cooperation Framework. Additionally, he addressed the collaborative response by UN and humanitarian partners to the challenges posed by the El Niño-induced drought, referencing a US$340 million flash appeal aimed at strengthening the national drought response strategies.

Honorable Minister Dr. Shava expressed appreciation for the United Nations’ excellent support across various development and humanitarian areas. He emphasized the crucial role of the UN in aligning its efforts with Zimbabwe's national development priorities through the Cooperation Framework. The Minister also recognized the essential assistance provided by the UN amid the current drought crisis. He pointed out the government's commitment to preventing starvation while working for resilience-building initiatives to better prepare for future climatic challenges potentially intensified by expected La Nina conditions.

Honorable Minister Dr. Shava underscored the importance of sustained, systematic collaboration with the UN and partners, especially as Zimbabwe assumes the SADC chair. He reiterated his commitment for enhanced regular briefings for the diplomatic and international community to foster mutual understanding and dialogue.

The meeting concluded with mutual assurances of ongoing cooperation, reflecting a shared dedication to tackling immediate humanitarian needs and advancing sustainable development goals in Zimbabwe including through revamped regional and international trade and collaboration, continued dialogue on debt and arrears resolution, development financing and advancing South-South and Triangular Cooperation.