Guest of Honour Hon Sheila Chikomo joins the EU Ambassador His Excellency Jobst von Kirkmann and delegates for a group photo at the EU residence in Harare on May 9, 2024
By Dickson Bandera
HARARE, 10 May 2024 – The European Union (EU) Delegation to Zimbabwe yesterday celebrated Europe Day with a vibrant event highlighting the deep-rooted partnership and shared values between the EU and Zimbabwe.
The celebration, held at the EU Delegation premises in Harare, was graced by Zimbabwe’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honorable Sheila Chikomo, as the Guest of Honour.
Europe Day, observed annually on May 9th, commemorates the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the European Union. This year’s theme, “Silani, Tinemi, EU With You,” emphasizes the EU’s commitment to fostering strong international partnerships and promoting unity and diversity.
The day’s festivities showcased the EU’s journey from the devastation of World War II to becoming a symbol of peace, democracy, and integration for its 450 million citizens.
The reception in Harare exemplified the EU’s “Team Europe” spirit. The EU Ambassador, alongside fellow ambassadors and honorary consuls from EU member states, proudly presented the “European Village.” This popular feature displayed the rich and diverse gastronomic traditions of Europe, offering guests a taste of various European cuisines through the #Europeonaplate series.
Attendees enjoyed culinary delights from countries such as Spain, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland and Poland, with recipes shared on social media for food enthusiasts to replicate. The evening’s excellent dishes and beverages provided a true culinary tour of Europe.
The event attracted a high-profile guest list, including government officials, members of the diplomatic community, representatives from international organizations, civil society, the private sector, media, and cultural figures.
Notable attendees included Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Home Tafadzwa Muguti, Harare Mayor His Worship Jacob Mafume, and opposition politician Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Prominent arts journalists such as Plot Mhako and Marshall Shonhayi were also present, highlighting the diverse interests and collaborative spirit of the EU-Zimbabwe relationship.
Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa, a well-known media personality, served as the master of ceremony, guiding the evening with grace and enthusiasm.
One of the evening’s highlights was a mesmerizing poetry performance by young Emily Sibanda, a poet from Victoria Falls. Her poem, focused on the empowerment of the girl child, deeply resonated with the audience. Sibanda’s use of multiple languages in her recital captivated attendees, adding a rich layer of cultural diversity to the celebration.
The event also provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to mingle and foster stronger connections and collaborative discussions. As the night’s events commenced, vehicles formed long queues by 6 PM, with thousands arriving for the grand celebration.
A significant highlight of the evening was the launch of the EU Global Gateway’s new campaign, “Silani, Tinemi, EU With You.” This campaign aims to strengthen the EU-Zimbabwe partnership through two major Team Europe Initiatives (TEIs): “Greener and Climate-Smart Agriculture” and “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.” These initiatives align with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy-1 and have a combined budget of over USD 500 million.
The “Greener and Climate-Smart Agriculture” initiative is particularly pertinent in light of the current El Niño-induced drought affecting Zimbabwe. The EU has already allocated over USD 60 million to this initiative to mitigate the drought’s impact and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This funding highlights the EU’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe through its climate challenges and ensuring food security.
The “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment” initiative seeks to enhance the role of women in Zimbabwean society, promoting equal opportunities and supporting projects that empower women economically and socially. These efforts reflect the EU’s broader commitment to human rights and social development.
Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann delivered a speech emphasizing the EU’s steadfast commitment to Zimbabwe’s development. He highlighted the numerous projects undertaken by the EU and its member states, stressing the importance of cooperation and mutual support.
“The European Union remains dedicated to contributing to Zimbabwe’s progress through sustainable projects and initiatives that align with the country’s development goals,” said Ambassador Kirchmann. “Our partnership is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and shared aspirations,” he added.
Deputy Minister Sheila Chikomo, representing Ambassador Frederick Shava, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, praised the EU’s contributions to Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
“The European Union has been a steadfast partner to Zimbabwe, offering support and collaboration that aligns with our national goals. The initiatives launched today will go a long way in addressing some of the critical challenges we face as a nation,” she said.
The reception also featured the introduction of four prominent Zimbabwean influencers who will join the “Silani, Tinemi, EU With You” campaign, helping to promote its messages and engage with the broader community.
Europe Day serves as a reminder of the EU’s foundational values of peace, unity, and diversity. This year’s celebrations in Zimbabwe not only highlighted these principles but also reinforced the EU’s dedication to building strong, collaborative relationships with its global partners.
The EU Delegation’s efforts in Zimbabwe, from supporting sustainable agriculture to promoting gender equality, exemplify its commitment to mutual respect and shared progress.
