Belindah Chikandiwa
The United Nations commemorated the 80th anniversary of its Charter in Harare yesterday with Zimbabwe formally launching its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council while championing a foreign policy of human dignity and peace.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, speaking on behalf of President Mnangagwa, articulated a vision of Zimbabwe as a trustworthy and reliable global partner driven by a constitutional mandate to pursue peace and national development.
“While paying tribute to the United Nations as indispensable, Prof Murwira issued a strong call for its reform, demanding a UN “match fit for contemporary challenges”.
A significant portion of his address focused on rectifying historical injustices in global governance.
“Decisions on Africa must include Africa at the table, not on the menu,” Prof Murwira said, advocating for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council.
In the key announcement of the day, the minister revealed Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira (left) and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr Edward Kallon follow proceedings at the United Nations (UN) 80th anniversary celebrations in Harare yesterday.
“Should the membership grant us this honour,” he said, “we will bring to the Council perspectives shaped by our regional experience and a practical commitment to conflict prevention.”
Prof Murwira made a powerful call to action, rejecting “nostalgia for bad behaviour and imperial tendencies.”
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira delivers his keynote address at the United Nations (UN) 80th anniversary celebrations in Harare yesterday.
Speaking at the same event, UN Resident and Humanitarian Co-ordinator for Zimbabwe, Mr Edward Kallon, took attendees on a “flashback 80 years” to “cities smouldering” from World War II, heralding the UN as the institution born from that wreckage.
He catalogued “humanity’s greater triumphs,” from eradicating smallpox to the World Food Programme feeding 160 million people.
However, his assessment of the current global landscape was stark, describing it as becoming “more transactional, less generous and inward-looking.”
Mr Kallon revealed that humanitarian appeals are “vastly underfunded,” with only 21% of required funds received by September, leading to “closed clinics [and] reduced food rations.
Without timely, predictable financing from member states, peacekeeping and essential UN functions cannot deliver on their mandates,” he said.
Mr Kallon highlighted the “remarkable efforts” of the UN in Zimbabwe, detailing a collective contribution exceeding $1.5 billion over the past four years.
Mr Per Lindgärde, the Ambassador of Sweden to Zimbabwe, echoed the theme of multilateral commitment, highlighting his country’s dedication since the UN’s founding 80 years ago. He paid tribute to former Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, a Swedish diplomat who “set a standard of independence” and whose “moral leadership and quiet perseverance continue to inspire the organisation today.”
Ambassador Lindgärde outlined Sweden’s long-standing championing of human rights, gender equality and sustainable development. However, he delivered a stark warning on contemporary challenges. “The UN Charter… is being challenged. And we must stand by the Charter,” he said.
Ambassador Lindgärde also expressed deep alarm over the “suffering beyond imagination” in Gaza and the “largest humanitarian crisis in the world” in Sudan’s Darfur region. On UN reform, Ambassador Lindgärde aligned with Zimbabwe’s position, stating, “Sweden supports a balanced expansion of the Council by adding permanent and non-permanent seats, including from Africa.”
He detailed Sweden’s specific support, with annual contributions in Zimbabwe of around SEK 300 million (USD 32 million) focused on democracy, human rights and climate resilience. Echoing the sentiment of collective effort, Ambassador Lindgärde ended with a resonant quote from his countryman, Dag Hammarskjöld: “The United Nations was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell.”
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