Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu, yesterday met United Kingdom candidate for Judge of the International Court of Justice, Dapo Akande, in New York, where they discussed the work of the world court and emerging global justice issues requiring collective action by United Nations member states.
In a statement Ambassador Mushayavanhu said the discussions centred on the importance of reinforcing confidence in international legal institutions and ensuring that the ICJ continues to uphold fairness, impartiality and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
“The meeting provided an important opportunity to exchange views on the evolving role of the International Court of Justice and the need for Member States to collectively support the strengthening of international legal mechanisms,” he said.
He said Zimbabwe remains committed to multilateralism and to the promotion of international law as a foundation for peaceful coexistence among nations.
“As Zimbabwe, we attach great importance to institutions such as the ICJ because they play a critical role in promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes, advancing accountability and preserving the integrity of the international rules-based system,” he said.
Ambassador Mushayavanhu added that there was growing need for the international community to ensure that global judicial institutions remain accessible, representative and responsive to emerging geopolitical and developmental challenges.
“There is increasing recognition among member states that international justice systems must continuously adapt to contemporary realities while remaining firmly anchored in the principles of equity, sovereignty and equal treatment of nations,” he added.
He noted that discussions also touched on areas requiring stronger cooperation among UN member states, particularly in strengthening respect for international law and enhancing confidence in multilateral institutions.
“The effectiveness of international judicial bodies ultimately depends on the collective political will of Member States to uphold the principles and obligations enshrined in international law,” Ambassador Mushayavanhu said.
Meanwhile, the meeting comes ahead of elections for judges to the International Court of Justice for the 2027–2036 term, at a time when global attention is increasingly focused on the role of international law in resolving disputes, safeguarding sovereignty and strengthening multilateral cooperation.
