New York, United States, September 28, 2024 – Zambian Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Mulambo Haimbe has urged the international community to prioritize multilateralism, address debt restructuring challenges, and provide adequate support to developing countries grappling with climate change impacts.
Speaking at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Minister Haimbe emphasized the importance of the UN in fostering peace, security, and development worldwide. He highlighted the devastating effects of conflicts in various regions, particularly on Africa, leading to disruptions, rising prices, and increased cost of living.
At the regional level, Zambia, as chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation, has been actively working to maintain stability in the face of security challenges in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.
Minister Haimbe also underscored the need for urgent reforms to the international financial architecture, including the G-20 Framework for Debt Restructuring and the international tax system, to better address the development needs of developing countries.
On climate change, he called for the full implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund to assist vulnerable nations in coping with climate-related disasters.
In his address, Minister Haimbe also highlighted Zambia’s efforts to combat child marriage and promote gender equality, noting the progress made in recent years under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.
Finally, he emphasized the need for a reformed Security Council to better equip the UN to maintain international peace and security.
