“No nation can prosper in isolation,” Amon Murwira, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, said, reaffirming Zimbabwe’s commitment to multilateralism.  Also welcoming the UN80 initiative, he said that any reform that sidelines the aspirations of the Global South will run contrary to the UN Charter.  The reform process must be Member State-driven and inclusive.  The global economic, political and security architecture established after the Second World War does not reflect contemporary reality, he said, noting that his country was a mere colony when the United Nations was established.  Echoing fellow African countries’ call for more representation at the Council, he said decisions on Africa cannot continue to be made without Africa at the table. “We cannot go back to 1884 when Africa was on the menu,” he said.

The women, peace and security as well as the youth, peace and security agendas are crucial to sustainable peace, he said, adding that Zimbabwe has spearheaded diplomatic efforts under the auspices of the SADC for resolving the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Zimbabwean peacekeepers have displayed a high degree of professionalism where they have been deployed, he said, noting that his country hopes to share its experiences and has put forward its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the Council for the 2027-28 term. “Zimbabwe was born out of a protracted liberation struggle,” he added — hence its solidarity with the people of Palestine and Western Sahara.

Also highlighting Zimbabwe’s doctrine of leaving no one behind, he said the country is transforming the country “brick by brick, stone by stone” through investments in fields ranging from mining to tourism. Development efforts also encompass the empowerment of women and the inclusion of people with disability. The country is focusing on renewable sources of energy and investing in climate-smart agricultural techniques.  The international community must implement the Awaza Programme of Action and the Seville Commitment, he said.  Condemning all unilateral measures imposed on his country, he called for their unconditional removal and highlighted the “human cost of sanctions”.