YouSaid · the spoken record

Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa

lines on the record: 53
first: 2019-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Collectively, let us restore human dignity, peace, security and stability, while safeguarding our planet for the shared prosperity of present and future generations. Together, in unity and harmony, we are stronger.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“It is important that we channel our collective efforts towards building peace and driving forward our development agenda for shared prosperity. There is much more that unites us than divides us. Similarly, the establishment of a fair and inclusive global security architecture has become urgent. The maintenance of peace and security should never be the preserve of a privileged few. Zimbabwe reaffirms calls by Africa for the reform of the Security Council, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. Allow me to conclude by reaffirming Zimbabwe’s commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations as we implement our global Agenda 2030.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We further call for long-term concessional loans, increased access to unused special drawing rights and the use of modalities such as debt cancellation and restructuring as stimuli for developing countries to grow their economies and build greater resilience. We strongly condemn the tendencies of some powerful countries that preach peace, human rights and democracy and yet clandestinely fund conflicts and unconstitutional changes of Governments for their own narrow interests. We further condemn the use of unilateral and illegal sanctions as a foreign policy tool at the disposal of some powerful nations, such as those sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and countries like Cuba. Such actions hamper the trust, global solidarity and multilateralism we desire.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Zimbabwe is implementing a climate change policy and response strategy while disaster management and early warning systems continue to be strengthened. The need to reform global financial institutions is of the essence to unlock funding for developing countries. The current exclusionary architecture, dominated by a few States, is failing to deliver the requisite resources for countries to finance their development priorities and other pressing health and environmental challenges. The shortcomings in the last round of special drawing right allocations should be addressed. Zimbabwe supports the stimulus package proposed by the Secretary-General.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“May I express my deepest condolences and sympathies to the Governments and the peoples of the Kingdom of Morocco and the State of Libya on the recent loss of lives as a result of the devastating impact of climate change. There is need for concrete climate action, as opposed to mere promises, so that we can strengthen our adaption, resilience and mitigation mechanisms. We must transition to a low-carbon and resilient global economy by increasing investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and green infrastructure. Commitments made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change must be honoured to deliver climate justice. It is our hope that progress will be made to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Science, technology and innovation are essential ingredients to leapfrog the modernization and industrialization of developing countries. To that end. Zimbabwe continues to reap the benefits of a comprehensive and transformative heritage-based higher education curriculum. The innovation hubs and industrial parks established within institutions of higher education have refocused young people in our tertiary institutions towards developing and producing goods and services. Allow me to reaffirm that Zimbabwe is now open for business. Building resilience and tackling the adverse impact of climate change should be an urgent priority for us all. In the case of Zimbabwe and the Southern African region, floods and droughts have affected the livelihoods of many, while hindering progress on national development.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Alongside each of those water points are commercial nutritional gardens for the empowerment of women and youth. Through the use of our own resources, we have constructed an unprecedented number of schools and clinics and provided other social amenities throughout our communities. Today’s realities across all regions bring to the fore the importance of global solidarity. No nation, no matter how powerful, can stand alone to realize sustainable and inclusive development. The high-level meetings on universal health coverage, tuberculosis and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response are welcome opportunities to reflect on the importance of maintaining essential services during pandemics and health emergencies. The realization of affordable and quality health delivery, as outlined under SDG 3. is a key deliverable for my administration.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Zimbabwe is prioritizing the eradication of poverty and improving the quality of life of our people, particularly those in rural areas. The empowerment and capacitation of communal and small- scale farmers has seen us realize food and nutrition security at both the household and the national levels. With effect from this year, our country will become a net exporter of wheat. Zimbabwe has not been spared the negative impact of climate change. My Government therefore continues to make the requisite investment in infrastructure to mitigate and build resilience towards climate change adaptation. Dams are being built across the country. In addition, we have begun an ambitious and yet achievable programme to sink solar-powered boreholes in each of our country’s 35.000 rural villages and schools.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We therefore demand that unjustified unilateral sanctions, including those imposed on countries like Cuba, be unconditionally lifted. We remain grateful for the support and solidarity of progressive countries in the comity of nations. In spite of those debilitating sanctions, the people of Zimbabwe have become masters of their own destiny. That is anchored in a philosophy that as a people, we have the duty and responsibility of developing our country, using our own domestic resources. Partners and investors are welcome, but must be guided by our own vision and national priority areas. We are recording unprecedented development and economic success milestones. For the past three years, our country has been the fastest growing economy in our Southern African region. Further.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“we must scale up investments in people and communities by ensuring access to quality education, health care, clean water and sanitation for all. The creation of economic opportunities, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, especially among women and young people, must remain a priority. Zimbabwe continues to entrench democracy, constitutionalism, good governance and the rule of law. following the recently held 2023 harmonized general elections. I am pleased to highlight that our country enjoyed peace before, during and after our free. fair, transparent and credible elections. Zimbabwe has been under illegal, unilateral economic sanctions for 23 years, imposed by some Western countries. Those sanctions were designed to subjugate the sovereign will of the Zimbabwean people.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“By working together, we can harness our expertise and learn from one another to strengthen international institutions for the accelerated attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The impact of conflicts, terrorism, climate change-induced natural disasters, biodiversity loss and the rising prevalence of disease and pandemics, especially in the developing world, deserves our urgent attention. Regrettably, progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been uneven, while global solidarity has been tested and self-interest supersedes cooperation. We have a duty to reignite our commitment to the principles of the 2030 Agenda and rekindle the spirit of multilateralism. To accelerate action on the SDGs.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“I wish to congratulate Mr. Dennis Francis on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session. We are confident that under his stewardship, we will make progress on the important global agenda before us. He can be assured of Zimbabwe’s support throughout his tenure. I also pay special tribute to his predecessor. Mr. Csaba Korosi. for leading the seventy-seventh session. We value the role he played to promote science in our overarching goal to improve the lives and livelihoods of all. It is imperative that we recommit to the Charter of the United Nations, multilateralism, solidarity, justice and the peaceful settlement of disputes for sustainable development and a shared future. That calls on us all to respect the sovereign equality of nations, big or small, poor or rich.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Zimbabwe subscribes to the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration as the sustainable approach to the reform of the Security Council. In conclusion, Zimbabwe reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and multilateralism in the resolution of the complex and intersecting challenges facing our world. The implementation of the inclusive 2030 Agenda remains our biggest hope for the future we all want. There is indeed a more compelling case for enhanced solidarity, cooperation and partnerships if we are to respond effectively to these challenges and ensure our collective survival. The United Nations should remain the beacon and source of hope for the global citizenry. As leaders, we have a weighty burden and responsibility to make the United Nations deliver to the expectations of all the peoples of the world.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In southern Africa, we remain seized with insecurity and terrorist insurgency in northern parts of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique and conflicts in parts of the Great Lakes region. Emboldened by our SADC regional philosophy that an injury to one is an injury to all, we continue to pool our resources to fight terrorism and other threats to peace, security and stability in our region. We appeal to the United Nations to render the requisite support to our efforts to restore peace in the affected areas. Zimbabwe stands committed to playing its part for the realization of peace and security within various United Nations, African Union and SADC peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. The scale and gravity of our challenges today cannot be addressed through old structures and old ways of doing business.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The policy is underpinned by the principles of mutual understanding and respect, cooperation, partnership and shared values with other members of the international community. We desire to be a friend to all and an enemy to none. My country is greatly concerned that more than 20 years after the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, hate crimes, xenophobia, racial discrimination and intolerance have continued to increase at an alarming rate, including at the international level. There is a need, therefore, to recommit to fighting those scourges in all their forms and manifestations. The spread of terrorism and the intensification of old conflicts on the African continent and throughout the world have been a setback to our quest to silence the guns.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Notwithstanding our success, the ongoing deleterious effects of the illegal sanctions continue to hamper and slow our progress and the realization of sustainable and inclusive development. Zimbabwe is a peace-loving country. We remain indebted to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and the African Union, as well as other progressive members of the comity of nations for their unwavering support and calls for the removal of these unwarranted and unjustified sanctions. We once again call for their immediate and unconditional removal. My country welcomes the findings of the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, who visited Zimbabwe in 2021. At the international level, Zimbabwe has adopted an engagement and re-engagement policy.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In the same vein, my Government is promoting heritage-based rural industrialization to guarantee improved livelihoods and incomes for all communities, based on their respective, unique natural resource endowments. Zimbabwe is modernizing and industrializing based on our local resources and human capital base. Inspired by the historic monument, the Great Zimbabwe, from which our country’s name is derived, we are building our country brick by brick, stone upon stone, with the support of our friends and partners. As my Government continues to entrench democracy, good governance and the rule of law, we are committed to vibrant, competitive and peaceful political contestations.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“That is especially important as women bear the brunt of poor service delivery at the local level. The establishment of gender and youth focal desks within Government ministries has helped to mainstream the issues of young people, particularly young women. Sustainable socioeconomic development is an indispensable imperative for the enjoyment of the fundamental rights of any people. The Policy on Devolution and Decentralization has seen increased budgetary support directly to local authorities. Communities at the village, ward and district levels are now making independent decisions and prioritizing their programmes and projects, informed by the most pressing needs at their level. That has seen the rapid construction of schools, clinics, water and sanitation infrastructure, and other social amenities in the most remote areas of Zimbabwe.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“My country notes that more work needs to be done globally to close the gender gaps that are often aggravated in times of crisis. Opportunities are being created for all Zimbabweans, especially for women and youth, to realize their individual and collective potential. Milestones have thus been achieved in the implementation of SDG 5 on gender equality, leading to expanded empowerment and employment opportunities for women and young people. The proportional representation for women in Parliament is enshrined in the Constitution. Under my leadership, Zimbabwe has legislated reserved youth seats in the National Assembly. To further strengthen participatory democracy and good governance, my Government has introduced a 30-per cent quota for women in local authorities.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Education is a key driver of sustainable development with a direct impact on SDG 4, on quality education; SDG 5, on gender equality; and SDG 17, on partnerships for the goals. Zimbabwe has embarked on reforms based on our Heritage Based Education 5.0 model, which emphasizes science, technology, innovation and industrialization. Those are indeed necessary tools to leap forward the modernization and industrialization of our countries in the developing world. My Government is equally providing quality, inclusive and accessible education through the roll-out of a phased, free primary school education system. The Transforming Education Summit during this high-level week is a timely and welcome development that should help revitalize the education sector, even more so after COVID-19-induced disruptions.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“There is therefore a need for a global financial system that is just, more inclusive and responsive to the challenges we face. Equally, the international trade architecture under the World Trade Organization has remained largely exclusive and indifferent to the needs of developing countries. The African Continental Free Trade Area is thus expected to be the panacea for Africa in trading and stimulating economic growth and development. The Free Trade Area must be complemented as we strive to improve production and trade in goods and services. The liberalization of services and strengthening of competition policy and intellectual property rights, as well as the adoption of digital trade, should also be enhanced.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Our “Zimbabwe is open for business” mantra has fostered strong partnership between the Government and the private sector for inclusive and sustainable development. Massive infrastructure development projects, which include dams, energy plants and roads, have broadened our national economic asset base, as well as production and productivity enablers, while enhancing regional connectivity and integration. The current global financial architecture has demonstrated its inadequacies in addressing the challenges that confront us. An increasing and unsustainable debt burden, the prohibitive cost of borrowing, illicit financial flows and the exploitation of natural resources from developing countries have all combined to relegate developing countries to the periphery of the global financial system.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The provision of technical extension services for improved land and water use has seen the widespread adoption of climate-smart agricultural innovations, with evident upward increase of incomes among communal and smallholder farmers, as well as women and youth in agriculture. Zimbabwe is committed to 2030 Agenda and has, to that end, mainstreamed the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our national economic development blueprint, the National Development Strategy. We acknowledge the support of the United Nations in the alignment of the Strategy with the Sustainable Development Goals. Economic reforms have been implemented, resulting in significant progress in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining and tourism.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In our case, Zimbabwe is making concerted and deliberate efforts to integrate climate action into our national policies, strategies and planning. That includes strengthening the resilience and adaptive capacity of the most vulnerable in our society. Additionally, my Government is implementing an ambitious programme to increase the number of dams for irrigation. The programme is expected to create greenbelts across the country as we reduce dependence on rain-fed agricultural activities while enhancing export-led production and productivity. Our comprehensive Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy is focused on increasing production and productivity across the agriculture spectrum. That was instrumental in our unprecedented realization of national wheat self-sufficiency, as well as increased exports in horticulture.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Furthermore, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in the light of different national circumstances must also be reflected. Financing for climate change has remained inadequate, leaving the scope for effective and just transition to renewable energy among developing countries under serious threat. It is our hope that at the twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Egypt later this year, the developed countries will deliver more concrete action on climate change, not just for mitigation targets, but also in relation to adaptation, loss and damage, climate-specific finance, technology transfer and capacity-building.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“At the household level, the provision of agriculture inputs, equipment and technical support to farmers, especially the vulnerable, has contributed to household and national food and nutrition security. However, in 2022, mid-season drought and tropical cyclones regrettably reduced the overall performance of the agriculture sector. To that end, the climate change conundrum has continued to be an albatross. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change should remain the primary platforms for negotiating our collective global response to climate change. All measures taken to achieve the targets and commitments set under the Paris Agreement have to be implemented.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Meanwhile, our focus on the construction, rehabilitation and modernization of health facilities across the country, coupled with enhanced capacities around biotechnology and the pharmaceutical value chain, attests to my Government’s determination to realize universal health coverage. Lifting many more people out of poverty and into a higher quality of life must remain at the core of both United Nations activities and the programmes and projects of our respective countries. Zimbabwe has made significant strides towards ending poverty and hunger. That has seen the implementation of various policies and programmes to support and empower communal and small-scale farmers.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The lessons from the pandemic should inspire and enable the General Assembly to urgently scale up means to build multi-pronged capacities that must guide our collective response to future pandemics and other global challenges. Despite the illegal economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe has successfully implemented its COVID-19 National Response Strategy, anchored largely by our own internal resources and institutional capacities. The proactive approach of my Administration has enabled the country to achieve high vaccination rates, extending to children up to 12 years.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The ever-looming threat associated with the “triple C crisis” of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), conflict and climate change has placed upon us an enormous responsibility to confront these interlocking challenges by strengthening multilateralism and solidarity. Terrorism, biodiversity loss, desertification, pollution and cybercrime, among other challenges, reinforce the urgent need to implement inclusive and transformative solutions that leave no one and no place behind. The seventy-seventh session comes in the wake of the debilitating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which overstretched our health-care systems and severely exposed the disparities between developed and developing countries with regard to vaccine access. Africa is among the most affected.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Their voices must be heard across our Governments and within the United Nations. Zimbabwe is privileged to be among the pioneering beneficiaries of the initiative. Delivering the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains an urgent priority for us all. Our theme for this session, “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges”, captures the importance of scaling up our actions, informed by the state of our world. The number of persons exposed to food insecurity continues to increase. Meanwhile, the scourges of conflict and climate change have become major drivers of migration and refugees.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“It is my singular honour to deliver this statement to the Assembly. Allow me to congratulate Mr. Csaba Korosi on his election as the President of the General Assembly at its seventy- seventh session. He can be assured of Zimbabwe’s full support as his guides our deliberations during the current session. I also pay special tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Abdulla Shahid, for leading the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly as the world grappled with a plethora of challenges. We commend him for the President of the General Assembly Fellowship for Harnessing Opportunities for Promoting Empowerment of Youth initiative towards enhancing youth interest, engagement and commitment in the work of the United Nations. That will go a long way towards safeguarding the interests of future generations, as embodied in today’s youth.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Self-determination and independence are intrinsic and fundamental rights that should be enjoyed by all without distinction. We call on the Security Council to increase its efforts towards ending the occupation of Western Sahara. Zimbabwe also calls upon the Secretary-General to appoint his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara without further delay. Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. Let me conclude by reaffirming Zimbabwe’s commitment to work for a better world. There is no better way of achieving a peaceful andstable world than through mutual respect, genuine multilateralism buttressed by much needed reforms and respect for international law. Recommitting ourselves to these ideals will pave way for the just world that we all yearn for. I thank you.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“This is a serious indictment to our avowed commitment to multilateralism and the basic principles of natural justice, fairness and equity. Peace, security and stability are a pre-requisite for sustainable development. This can only be achieved in an inclusive process characterized by equally shared commitment and responsibilities. We count on the international community to strengthen its support for AU-led peace efforts. We also look forward to greater collaboration between the AU and the UN in maintaining sustainable international peace and security in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, more particularly in ensuring the effective implementation of the AU’s campaign on “Silencing the Guns”.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“These include the adoption of a gender responsive Constitution, establishment of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, enactment of several pieces of legislation to outlaw all practices that infringe on the rights of women and girls such as forced and child marriages and discrimination against women in inheritance matters. My Government has also set up a Women’s Bank to facilitate access to finance by women-owned businesses and projects. Your Excellencies, It is now more than 15 years since the adoption of the Ezulwini Consensus, reaffirmed in the Sirte Declaration. It is deeply regrettable that reform of the Security Council and implementation of Africa’s position has not been achieved. We cannot continue with a situation where over 16 per cent of the world’s population does not have a voice in decision making.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In this spirit, we hosted the 6th Africa Regional Forum for Sustainable Development in Victoria Falls in February 2020, which adopted the Victoria Falls Declaration on the Decade of Action for Sustainable Development in Africa. As we move forward, we believe that strengthening public health systems, international solidarity and partnerships are critical. Your Excellencies, As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the 4th World Conference on Women on 1 st October this year, I am gratified to highlight that Zimbabwe has taken major steps in implementing the Beijing Declaration.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Zimbabwe welcomes calls by the UN Secretary General and the Director General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, for the COVID-19 vaccine to be treated as a global public good with guaranteed fair distribution and mechanisms to ensure equal access. We are encouraged by the ongoing cooperation between the UN Secretary General, the G20 and the Bretton Woods institutions towards finding solutions to developing countrys’ debt and related issues. While the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have supported a debt standstill up to the end of the year, more needs to be done. As a committed partner in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Zimbabwe welcomed the launch of the Decade of Action.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Recently, the UN Secretary General; the High Commissioner for Human Rights; and the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, all acknowledged the deleterious effects of the illegal economic sanctions on our country. These are a breach of international law and compromise Zimbabwe’s capacity to implement and achieve Sustainable Development especially SDGs 2, 3, 8, 9 and 17. We, therefore, call on the General Assembly to strongly pronounce itself against these Unilateral illegal sanctions. Your Excellencies, Let me assure you that Zimbabwe continues to implement measures to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Over and above instituting phased lockdowns, following the World Health Organization guidelines, my Government has also provided ZWL$18 billion (approximately US$720 million) economic stimulus package.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“It is in this spirit and in line with our Constitution that in July this year, my Government concluded the landmark Global Compensation Deed, with former farm owners. We count on the support and goodwill of the international community as we mobilize resources to implement the Agreement. The alignment of our laws to the Constitution is almost complete, while new pieces of legislation continue to be enacted to strengthen our institutions. The raft of political reforms will benefit the generality of Zimbabweans as we consolidate our respect of human rights. My administration places great importance on fostering national unity and cohesion. The culture of dialogue across all sectors is taking root, with activities and programmes under the auspices of our homegrown Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), gaining momentum.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Major infrastructure projects are ongoing, such as the rehabilitation and construction of health service facilities, water and sanitation infrastructure as well as roads, dams and bridges across the country. Investments in mining, agriculture, tourism, energy and manufacturing sectors are on the increase. We are optimistic that the implementation of the second phase of Ease of Doing Business Reforms will help to further improve our World Bank rankings. Similarly, my Administration is decisive in entrenching Constitutionalism, democracy and the rule of law, including the protection of property rights. The commitment of my Government to these cardinal principles remains unwavering.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We must therefore strengthen international amity and goodwill as well as uphold mutual respect and observe the sovereign equality of States. Your Excellencies, Zimbabwe is on a new path. Like other nations in the region, we are facing humanitarian challenges which in our case have been worsened by the illegal sanctions, the negative impact of climate change, and compounded by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, my administration continues to record notable achievements towards sustainable development which leaves no one behind. Our macro- economic stabilization reforms have seen the reduction of our budget deficit to a single digit, as well as a positive balance of our current account, coupled with foreign exchange rate and prices stability.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“This year we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of our United Nations organization. It is gratifying that we continue to make a qualitative difference in the lives of many people throughout the world. Our jubilation has sadly been marred by the COVID 19 pandemic which has brought to the fore the importance of unity and effective multilateral cooperation in building a future we want. The theme of this 75th Session, “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitments to multilateralism-confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action”, is therefore apt and most appropriate. Today humanity is at a crossroads as we are confronted by complex challenges that do not respect any borders. Multilateralism is under increasing threat from the blind pursuit of narrow interests.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Your Excellency, Ambassador Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, fellow Heads of State and Government, Your Excellency, Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen. Allow me first to congratulate you, Ambassador Volkan Bozkir on your election to the Presidency of the 75 th Session of the General Assembly. Zimbabwe is confident that under your able stewardship, the General Assembly will proficiently address the challenges that are presently facing our organization and our world. I also wish to convey our sincere gratitude to the President of the 74th Session of the Assembly, Professor Tijjani Muhamad-Bande, for skillfully executing his responsibilities during his tenure.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“I urge the world to be patient with us, support us and join us on this new and exciting journey. Together we will realize our common vision to build a common future free of poverty, hunger and conflict, and a safe planet that can benefit all of our peoples.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The importance of a reinvigorated and responsive multilateral system to promote global partnerships for peace and development cannot be overemphasized. Zimbabwe will continue to do its part in working towards the attainment of world peace and sustainable development. The reform of the United Nations system to make it more representative, empowered and responsive in fulfilling its mandate is long overdue. Zimbabwe remains firmly committed to the common African position, as set forth in the Ezulwini Consensus. I would like to conclude by reiterating that Zimbabwe is carrying out reforms and undertaking a collective journey towards a better and more secure future. A great task lies before us, and the road ahead is long, winding and sometimes very bumpy, but our potential and determination to succeed is just as tremendous.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We are continuing to recover from the disaster and the cost of reconstruction and recovery is estimated at approximately $600 million for Zimbabwe alone. Let me take this opportunity to thank all well-wishers from around the world for the solidarity and support that we received for relief, recovery and reconstruction and other forms of assistance in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai. Our country is an agro-based economy. The agriculture sector contributes between 15 and 20 per cent of our gross domestic product and approximately 60 per cent of raw materials for industry. The impact of climate change has affected not only our agricultural productivity and food security but also our hydropower- generation capacity and overall economic recovery, growth and development. Consequently, my Government has since declared a state of national disaster.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“New laws in those areas have been enacted. Let us accelerate our quest to end poverty by 2030. In the spirit of leaving no one behind, synergies and greater coherence in the implementation of all global frameworks on sustainable development are imperative. The theme of the seventy-fourth session of the General Assembly, “Galvanizing multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion”, is most appropriate and timely. As the climate crisis continues, the world is changing before our eyes. For us in southern Africa, Tropical Cyclone Idai recently served as a reminder that the impact of climate change and the damage it does to humankind and life on Earth are dire and irreparable. It left many thousands of people dead, injured or displaced and a trail of destroyed infrastructure.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In our quest to deepen constitutionalism, the rule of law, democratic practices, good corporate governance, transparency and accountability, the capacity of our institutions that protect democracy continues to be enhanced. The anti-corruption drive is being accelerated by my Government by supporting and strengthening institutions that help in the fight against that cancer. Notable progress has also been achieved in the area of political and legislative reforms The alignment to date of most of our laws with the Constitution is almost complete. We commend the support that we continue to receive from the United Nations Development Programme and other stakeholders. Outdated media laws on access to information and the protection of privacy and the former Public Order and Security Act have been repealed.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The new national investment policy reflects the commitment of my Government and Administration to opening up the economy. In line with our modernization and industrialization agenda, we are enhancing the quality of our education to make it more relevant with regard to modern technology and innovation. Greater focus is now being placed on science, technology and innovation, while incubation hubs and industrial parks are being established throughout the country. Increased collaboration among industry, small and medium enterprises and the education sector in support of responsive and relevant human capital development is being facilitated and encouraged. Our education system is now focused on producing relevant products, goods and services that respond to the ever-changing needs of our country and the world at large.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Unfair practices must be challenged. Injustice, racism and all forms of oppression of humankind by humankind must be opposed and rejected. My country applauds the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and all who stand with us in demanding the immediate and unconditional removal of those illegal sanctions. Those who imposed illegal sanctions must heed this call and lift them now. Cooperation is a win-win game. Sanctions are a lose-lose game. Zimbabwe deserves a restart. Zimbabwe is also reforming laws and regulations governing trade, investment and the ease and cost of doing business. Restrictions on shareholding across all sectors of the economy have been removed and some public entities are being privatized.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“It will take time for the impact of change and reforms on the general lives of our people to become apparent, but we are headed in the right direction. We will continue to put in place social safety nets to cushion the lower strata and most vulnerable members of our society and appeal for further multilateral support in that regard. Those achievements have been made despite the remaining albatross of the illegal economic sanctions, which constitute a denial of the human right of the people of Zimbabwe to develop and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, they are slowing down our progress, inhibiting our economic recovery and punishing the poorest and most vulnerable. As the United Nations, let us boldly honour the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The wrongs of the world must be set right.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)