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The Herald
Political editor rejected by fungus
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has called for mutual respect among nations, a genuine multilateralism backed by much-needed reforms at the United Nations (UN) to achieve a peaceful and stable world.
The president called for the unconditional elimination of the illegal sanctions that were unilaterally imposed on the country by the United States and some western nations of the European Union (EU).
In his speech at the high-level general debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last night, the president said that Zimbabwe was committed to building a better world, but that nations should respect sovereignty and equality of others. He said illegal economic sanctions imposed on the country should be removed as they stifle the country’s economic growth.
“There is no better way to achieve a peaceful and stable world than through mutual respect, genuine multilateralism backed by much-needed reforms, and respect for international law. Recommitting ourselves to these ideals will pave the way for the just world we all long for. “President Mnangagwa expressed concern over the lack of reform of the Security Council, which has so far excluded the voice of Africa and Africans.” They have passed. more than 15 years since the adoption of the Ezulwini Consensus, reaffirmed in the Sirte Declaration. It is deeply regrettable that the reform of the Security Council and the implementation of Africa’s position have not been achieved. We cannot continue with a situation in the that more than 16 percent of the world’s population has no voice in decision-making. This is a serious indictment of our declared commitment to multilateralism and the basic principles of natural justice, equity and equity.
The president said that while the UN continues to make a rewarding qualitative difference in the lives of many people, the sad part of this year’s 75th anniversary is that it has been marred by the Covid-19 pandemic that forced the annual conference to seize. celebrate virtually.
The theme for the 75th session is “The future we want; the UN we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism ”.
“Today, humanity is at a crossroads in facing complex challenges that do not respect borders. Multilateralism is increasingly threatened by the blind pursuit of narrow interests. Therefore, we must strengthen international friendship and goodwill, as well as uphold mutual respect and observe the sovereign equality of States, ”said President Mnangagwa.
The president told the assembly that Zimbabwe is now on a new path towards achieving sustainable development, but like all nations, the country has not been spared from the Covid-19 pandemic and the devastating effects of illegal sanctions. unjustified imposed by some western nations.
“Zimbabwe is on a new path. Like other nations in the region, we face humanitarian challenges that in our case have been aggravated by illegal sanctions, the negative impact of climate change and aggravated by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, “he said.
The President added that illegal economic sanctions represent a threat for the country to achieve sustainable development.
“Recently, the Secretary General of the UN; the High Commissioner for Human Rights; and the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, all recognized the deleterious effects of the illegal economic sanctions in our country. This is a violation of international law and compromises Zimbabwe’s ability to implement and achieve Sustainable Development, especially SDG 2, 3, 8, 9 and 17. We therefore call on the General Assembly to speak out strongly against these unilateral illegal sanctions. “said the president.
Despite the challenges facing the country, the president said his administration continued to record remarkable achievements towards sustainable development that would ensure that no one is left behind.
“Our macroeconomic stabilization reforms have seen the reduction of the budget deficit to single digits, as well as a positive balance in our current account, along with exchange rate and price stability.
“Important infrastructure projects are being carried out, such as the rehabilitation and construction of health services facilities, water and sanitation infrastructure, as well as roads, dams and bridges throughout the country. Investments in mining, agriculture, tourism, energy and manufacturing are increasing ”, said the President.
The Second Republic, under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, has transformed Zimbabwe in a short space of time with projections pointing to the achievement of the president’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030.
The president told the UNGA that the implementation of the second phase of the Ease of Doing Business Reforms will help improve the country’s ranking in the World Bank.
In addition to implementing economic measures towards sustainable development, the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa has also implemented political reforms and an entrenched constitutionalism.
“My administration is decisive in strengthening constitutionalism, democracy and the rule of law, including the protection of property rights. My Government’s commitment to these cardinal principles remains unwavering. In this spirit and in keeping with our Constitution, in July of this year my Government finalized the historic Global Compensation Deed (GCD), with former white farm owners. We have the support and goodwill of the international community in mobilizing resources to implement the agreement, ”he said.
The GCD will see the Government of Zimbabwe, working with former white farmers, mobilizing resources to pay for improvements made on farms in accordance with the country’s Constitution.
In addition, the president said that the alignment of the country’s laws with the Constitution is nearing completion, and that several laws are being enacted to strengthen institutions.
“The series of political reforms will benefit the majority of Zimbabweans as we consolidate our respect for human rights.
“My administration attaches great importance to fostering national unity and cohesion. The culture of dialogue in all sectors is taking root, with activities and programs under the auspices of our homegrown Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) gaining momentum, ”he said.
Turning to the scourge of Covid-19, the president said Zimbabwe will continue to implement measures to slow the spread of the global pandemic, including staged lockdowns and a $ 720 million economic stimulus package.
“Zimbabwe welcomes the calls by the UN Secretary General and WHO Director Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus for the Covid-19 vaccine to be treated as a global public good with guaranteed fair distribution and mechanisms to ensure equality. access.
“We are encouraged by the ongoing cooperation between the UN Secretary-General, the G20 and the Bretton Woods institutions to find solutions to developing country debt and related problems. Although the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have supported the debt stagnation until the end of the year, much remains to be done ”.
The president told the annual indaba of the world family of nations that Zimbabwe is committed to “strengthening public health systems, towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to achieve this, international solidarity and partnerships are essential.”
The president said that as the world marks the 25th anniversary of the 4th World Conference on Women on October 1, Zimbabwe has “taken important steps in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration.”
The steps that Zimbabwe has taken to implement the Beijing Declaration include the adoption of a gender-sensitive Constitution, the establishment of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, and also the enactment of various laws to prohibit all practices that violate women’s rights. and girls, such as forced and child marriages and discrimination against women in matters of inheritance, the president said.
Apart from that, the President also highlighted the importance of peace and security to achieve sustainable development.
“Peace, security and stability are a prerequisite for sustainable development. This can only be achieved in an inclusive process characterized by equally shared commitments and responsibilities. We count on the international community to strengthen its support for the peace efforts led by the AU. We also look forward to further collaboration between the AU and the UN to maintain sustainable international peace and security in accordance with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, more particularly to ensure the effective implementation of the AU’s campaign on ‘Silencing weapons’. .
“Self-determination and independence are intrinsic and fundamental rights that everyone should enjoy without distinction. We urge the Security Council to redouble its efforts to end the occupation of Western Sahara.
“Zimbabwe also requests the Secretary General to appoint his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara without further delay.”
The 75th session of the UN General Assembly opened on September 15, and the high-level General Debate will take place from September 22 and is scheduled to end tomorrow. The meeting of the General Assembly will come to an end on the 29th with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the existence of the world body.
Established in 1945, the UN has celebrated its 75th anniversary with the world body’s Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, calling for an extended “popular debate” that “promises to be the largest and most far-reaching global conversation about building the future we want.” . .
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Namibia’s President Hage Geingob and Chinese President Xi Jinping are among the leaders who have spoken at the high-level General Debate so far.
Praising the UN’s 75-year journey, Chinese President Xi said on Tuesday that Beijing will not allow any country to control the destiny of others and act as a “boss of the world.”
“Still less should one be allowed to do what he wants and be the hegemon, the bully or the boss of the world,” said President Xi.
