Haimbe to represent Hichilema at UN General Assembly

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe will represent President Hakainde Hichilema at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York. There he will deliver Zambia’s national statement and seek support for the Grow…

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe will represent President Hakainde Hichilema at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York. There he will deliver Zambia’s national statement and seek support for the Grow Zambia Agenda.

The six-day meeting runs from September 22 to 28, 2026, at United Nations Headquarters. Mr Haimbe will deliver Zambia’s National Statement on the President’s behalf during the high-level segment of the session.

The ministry’s principal public relations officer said Zambia’s participation would be guided by the country’s development priorities and foreign policy.

“Zambia’s participation will be anchored on advancing national development priorities and Foreign Policy objectives, through strengthened partnerships, resource mobilisation, and contribution to global efforts aimed at addressing shared challenges,” she said.

The first appearance since the election

This year’s session is convened under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All”.

The ministry says the gathering gives Zambia a platform to set out its national priorities to the world. It will also be the country’s first appearance on that stage since last month’s vote.

“This session further offers an opportunity to reaffirm Zambia’s longstanding commitment to peace, democracy and stability, against the backdrop of the recently concluded general elections,” the spokesperson said.

Five new diplomatic partners

The ministry expects the trip to deliver concrete diplomatic and economic results, including more resources, wider partnerships and a stronger say on global matters that affect the country.

One result is already scheduled. Zambia is expected to sign memorandums of understanding establishing diplomatic relations with five countries.

“UNGA81 will further provide an opportunity to expand Zambia’s diplomatic footprint and establish new partnerships,” the spokesperson said.

Money, skills and peace-building

The main aim in New York will be to engage international partners in support of the Grow Zambia Agenda.

The delegation will use Zambia’s partnerships to seek technical assistance, development financing and capacity-building investment. That support is aimed at economic diversification, job creation, sustainable development and better livelihoods.

The team will also approach the UN system for technical and institutional support to set up a National Architecture for Peace.

Human Rights Council bid

Zambia will co-host high-level side events on global issues, including the Pact for the Future. The events will cover sustainable development, climate action, development financing, digital transformation and reform of the multilateral system.

The delegation will also host a high-level meeting to rally support for Zambia’s bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029. The ministry says the campaign will set out the country’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights.

Meetings with the Commonwealth are also planned. They will cover democracy and governance, trade and investment, youth empowerment, climate resilience, sustainable development and institutional capacity-building.

Orders at home

Before leaving for New York, Mr Haimbe gave his senior staff their instructions.

Addressing top management at Charter House in Lusaka yesterday, in his first meeting with them since his reappointment, the minister told staff to familiarise themselves with the Grow Zambia Agenda. He said the ministry’s work must help turn economic growth into jobs and real benefits for ordinary Zambians.

He told senior managers to put efficiency ahead of bureaucracy and make sure government processes do not delay work.

He also urged staff to learn the mandates of other ministries and work more closely with them. That, he said, would help advance the President’s vision and ensure the benefits of growth reach households.

The minister said the Government would be working towards its economic growth targets over the next five years, and the ministry had to keep pace. Efficiency, he said, must come first so that the benefits of the Grow Zambia Agenda turn into better livelihoods.

Mr Haimbe praised the ministry’s two permanent secretaries for keeping it running while Parliament was dissolved.

The Zambian delegation arrives in New York for the opening of the high-level week on September 22. The Human Rights Council bid and the five new diplomatic agreements are at the top of its agenda.