Dr. Frederick M. Shava, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe
By George Swarei
Harare, Zimbabwe — 12 September 2024 — The Honourable Dr. Frederick M. Shava, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, delivered a keynote address at a stakeholder engagement organized by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in preparation for the upcoming Summit of the Future. The Summit, scheduled for 22-23 September 2024 in New York, aims to tackle critical global challenges and reinforce cooperation for peace, security, and sustainable development.
In his remarks, Dr. Shava reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the objectives of the Summit, which include building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, ensuring the protection of natural resources, and fostering a reinvigorated multilateral system capable of addressing contemporary and future challenges. He expressed gratitude to the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Dr. Edward Kallon, and the United Nations Information Center for their collaboration in organizing the event.
“Zimbabwe supports the ‘Pact for the Future,’ which reflects our shared dedication to restoring trust and reaffirming the principles of the United Nations Charter,” stated Dr. Shava. He highlighted the alignment of these objectives with the priorities of the African Union Peace and Security Council and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacebuilding initiatives.
Dr. Shava underscored the need for significant reforms within multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to address global security challenges effectively. He advocated for a more democratic and representative Security Council to tackle multifaceted security issues, including climate change, poverty, economic crises, and natural disasters.
Zimbabwe, Dr. Shava noted, aspires to contribute meaningfully to global peace and security as a Non-Permanent Member of the Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. He also emphasized Zimbabwe’s readiness to play an integral role in maintaining regional peace and security, following President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s assumption of the SADC Chairmanship.
“Our region enjoys relative peace and security, a testament to its commitment to upholding sovereign and territorial integrity. Where challenges arise, we prioritize dialogue, political cooperation, and the enhancement of democracy, good governance, and human security,” he stated. Dr. Shava reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s belief in the principle of “African solutions for African problems,” supporting increased coordination between the UN Security Council and regional peace and security mechanisms.
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s long-standing contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions, particularly the distinguished service of its female security personnel, Dr. Shava pointed to the launch of the Zimbabwe National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security in May 2024. This initiative aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and ensures women’s active participation in international peace initiatives.
Dr. Shava concluded by reaffirming Zimbabwe’s commitment to maintaining peace and security within the region, the continent, and beyond, and underscored the central role of the United Nations in achieving these goals.
The Summit of the Future is anticipated to be a critical platform for renewing global cooperation and addressing the evolving challenges of peace and security worldwide.
