Harare – Zimbabwe’s diplomatic engagement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly has been declared a resounding success, with Cabinet adopting a report highlighting major breakthroughs in bilateral relations, debt clearance support, and international re-engagement.

The report, presented by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Amon Murwira, detailed Zimbabwe’s participation at the global summit held in New York from September 22 to 29, 2026, under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All”.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed the General Assembly alongside 117 world leaders, advocating for accelerated climate action and ethical artificial intelligence while demanding the unconditional removal of illegal unilateral coercive measures.

According to the report, the address secured “decisive backing from SADC allies, the Global South, and other progressive nations.”

The Cabinet briefing revealed that Zimbabwe signed cooperation instruments with five nations – Benin, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Saint Lucia, and the Sovereign Order of Malta. Key strategic outcomes included pursuing a structured relationship with the United States, securing Commonwealth re-admission advocacy from Commonwealth Chair Antigua and Barbuda, and locking in debt arrears clearance support from Algeria and the UAE ahead of concluding a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement by October 2026.

Zimbabwe also deposited its Instrument of Ratification for the United Nations Marine Biodiversity Agreement during the summit.

The President’s participation at UNGA 81 came at a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe, which was elected on June 3, 2026 as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. Zimbabwe secured the seat in the first round of voting, alongside Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, and Trinidad and Tobago, and will assume its seat on January 1, 2027.

During his address, President Mnangagwa outlined Zimbabwe’s UNSC priorities, including preventive diplomacy, mediation and peaceful dispute resolution, and strengthening cooperation between the UN and regional organisations such as the African Union.

The government stated that the diplomatic mission “fulfilled its core objectives and built deep international trust,” positioning Zimbabwe strategically ahead of its upcoming UN Security Council tenure.