Zimbabwe has intensified calls for urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, declaring that the global body must reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and correct historical imbalances that continue to marginalise Africa.
Prof Murwira made the remarks during the United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate on “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centered International System,” chaired by Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China yesterday.
Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe remained firmly committed to a reformed Security Council that guarantees equitable representation, particularly for Africa, which he said continues to be excluded from permanent membership while remaining under-represented in the non-permanent category.
“Eighty years after the founding of the United Nations, the UN Charter remains the cornerstone for safeguarding international peace and security, sovereign equality among nations, and multilateral cooperation,” said Prof Murwira.
He warned that rising geopolitical tensions, unilateral measures, exclusionary practices and the selective application of international law were weakening global trust and undermining collective security.
“Selective application of international law and unilateral approaches continue to erode confidence among nations and threaten the spirit of multilateralism that underpins the United Nations system.
Strengthening cooperation between the United Nations Security Council and regional organisations is critical in addressing emerging global security challenges,” he added.
The minister also reiterated Zimbabwe’s support for the full and balanced implementation of Security Council Resolution 2719.
“Zimbabwe support the full and balanced implementation of the Security Council Resolution 2719 which seeks to strengthen the financing and operational support of African Union-led peace support operations,” Prof Murwira said.
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, Prof. Murwira said the country was ready to contribute meaningfully to international peace and security through dialogue, inclusivity and peaceful conflict resolution.
“Zimbabwe seeks to play a constructive role in promoting consensus-building, preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter.
I urge all United Nations member states to recommit themselves to the ideals of the UN Charter and work collectively toward building a just, peaceful, inclusive and equitable international order,” he concluded.
Zimbabwe has been actively campaigning for reforms within the United Nations system while pushing for stronger African representation in global governance institutions, including the United Nations Security Council.
