President to miss UNGA due to tight schedule
Victoria Ruzvidzo in NEW YORK, United States
THE 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High Level meetings begin here on Monday, with President Mnangagwa being represented by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Fredrick Shava.
Yesterday, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications) Mr George Charamba said the President will not be attending this year’s UNGA in New York owing to a tight schedule.
“In light of a dense programme in the last quarter of 2024, His Excellency, the President, Dr E.D Mnangagwa, will not attend this year’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA. His statement will be delivered by Honourable Fredrick Shava, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade who is already in New York for the Assembly,” he said in a statement.
The world is converging here to tackle global challenges that include climate change, poverty, inequality, wars and instability that confront some countries today.
The Assembly is running under the theme, “Leaving No one Behind, Acting Together For The Advancement of Peace And Future Generations”.
Key meetings include stock-taking of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals whose cycle ends in 2030.
So much remains outstanding, but most countries represented here are confident something will be salvaged over the next six years.
Some of the SDGs include no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production and climate action.
Furthermore, focus will also be on the Summit of The Future which seeks enhanced international co-operation to eradicate such challenges as conflicts and global health crises.
“The idea is to find lasting solutions to make the world a better place now and for future generations,” said a statement on the UN website.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guteress will convene the Summit of The Future to engage with all actors in this regard.
One critical issue scheduled for discussion is that of the rising sea levels where countries are expected to pledge a commitment to ameliorate the situation.
As of yesterday, global leaders were arriving in New York in preparation for UNGA.
Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire and the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Barbra Rwodzi are here for the meetings.
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