Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
ZIMBABWE values the prevalence of peace, development and tranquillity in the world, and will continue promoting mutual respect with friendly nations in a bid to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
This was said by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza during the Dag Hammarskjold commemorations at Africa University on Tuesday.
Minister Mugadza said Zimbabwe’s relationship with Sweden remains cordial since the war of liberation to date, with the European nation funding a number of developmental projects in the country.
Dag Hammarskjold was the second United Nations Secretary General, who left a legacy as a diplomat dedicated to see a just and fair world – where all nations have equal voices.
He died in a suspicious plane crash on September 18, 1961.
The plane crashed in Ndola, Zambia on his way to meet the late President of Katanga, Moise Tshombe.
His aim was to unite the breakaway region of Katanga with three provinces and unify the Congo.
“As we commemorate the life and legacy of Hammarskjold, a Swedish national and diplomat, Government, through the astute leadership of President Mnangagwa, acknowledges the strong diplomatic relations between Sweden and Zimbabwe, which goes back to as far as 1980 when we gained our independence.
“Even before independence, we also recognise Swedish humanitarian support to many liberation movements in Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe. Lest we forget, we should remember how Hammarskjold strongly supported the decolonisation of Africa.
“As we know, Hammarskjold gave his life for peace, unity, justice and development, the very mantra that sets and guides the philosophy of our President. We also recognise his legacy as he shaped lasting ideas about the role and responsibilities of the international civil servant, creating standards of professionalism against which his successors continue to be measured against today.
“We continue to appreciate the strong mutual cooperation that exists between Zimbabwe and Sweden in many areas, including efforts towards achieving equity, and quality in health through universal health coverage, and provision of advisory and technical support within the spirit of achieving Sustainable Development Goals and the universality of leaving no one behind.
“Taking the spirit of Hammarskjold forward, the Embassy of Sweden through the Culture Fund continues to support the arts and cultural sector in Zimbabwe, by providing financial and technical support to cultural practitioners and institutions with the aim of ensuring that the youth are empowered through power of creative arts in ways that help them to positively transform lives,” said Minister Mugadza.
Swedish Ambassador, His Excellency Per Lindgarde said his country fully supports efforts to reform the United Nations Security Council to add African countries as, both permanent and non-permanent members of the council.
“Sweden supported both ZANU and ZAPU during the war of liberation. The on-going conflicts and questioning of the relevance of the international humanitarian law and United Nations Charter may have far reaching global consequences including for Africa. In several regions of Africa, including Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali, non-state armed groups are actively engaged in violent conflicts.
“These groups are violating international humanitarian law which serves to protect civilians and regulate conduct during hostilities. Sweden remains particularly committed to enhancing understanding, and respect for international humanitarian law among non-state groups in Africa through targeted programmes and collaborative efforts.
“Hammarskjold who served as the second Secretary General of the United Nations between 1953 and 1961 was known for carrying the UN Charter in his pocket. He understood that UN is not perfect, but knew it is indispensable. For eight decades the United Nations is the cornerstone of the multilateral system.
“The UN General Assembly is the global town hall in which all countries are represented and have a voice, and it is the foundation of building peace and global solidarity. UN remains the only forum in the world where countries come together to transform common facts into shared solutions.
“Hammarskjold’s legacy and thinking remain relevant to this day. It was his ambition to shape the UN into a body that protects peace, development and human rights.
‘‘The many crises in our world today shed a harsh light on the need to reform our multilateral systems. We need global governance structures that can withstand challenges of our time and against attempts to undermine the UN Charter. The UN Security Council needs to be reformed. Sweden supports the balanced expansion of the Security Council to better reflect the current global political and economic realities. This can be achieved by such means as adding permanent and non-permanent seats, including seats for African countries. We have to make sure that the United Nations is ready to meet the challenges of its age,” he said.
Dr Akok Manyuat Madut, the Head of Mediation and Dialogue Division at the African Union said peace and security is panacea to the development of African continent, which was Hammarskjold’s vision.
