Zambia takes Grow Zambia agenda to United Nations as UNGA81 general debate opens

AS the general debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly opened today, Zambia has used its first two days in New York to establish diplomatic relations with three new partners, deepen ties with Malawi and Cuba, engage the European Union and take a leading role in the global debate on financing

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AS the general debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly opened today, Zambia has used its first two days in New York to establish diplomatic relations with three new partners, deepen ties with Malawi and Cuba, engage the European Union and take a leading role in the global debate on financing for development, in a program built around the Grow Zambia agenda.

This is according to a press statement issued by Ms. Namatama Njekwa, First Secretary Press and Public Relations, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations.

Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is representing President Hakainde Hichilema at UNGA81, whose theme is “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.” He is joined by Roma Chilengi, Minister of Health.

Following the president’s reelection in August, the government’s focus for the second term is growth — more investment, more trade and more jobs for Zambians.

Haimbe said: “Our diplomacy must help to grow Zambia. New diplomatic relationships mean new markets for our farmers, new partners for our investment drive and new friends for Zambia in the institutions that shape the global economy. We have come to New York to build the partnerships that will deliver growth for the Zambian people.”

Chilengi attended the launch of the report of the Accra Reset High-Level Panel on Reform of the Global Health Architecture and Governance. The report sets out a practical reform agenda built on the principle that international cooperation should strengthen countries’ own priorities and capabilities rather than require them to organize around separate institutions and funding streams, an approach Zambia shares.

On Monday, Haimbe signed joint communiques establishing diplomatic relations with the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, with Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin, and with the Republic of Vanuatu, with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade Marc Ati. Zambia and Uruguay will explore cooperation in agriculture and livestock, trade and investment, and economic, social, cultural and people-to-people exchanges; Zambia and Vanuatu in climate change adaptation, agriculture, eco-tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Haimbe met George Chaponda, minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Malawi. The two ministers agreed to explore enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy and connectivity, including Malawi’s interest in the Lobito Development Corridor, and to convene the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation in Malawi. Zambia thanked Malawi for leading the SADC election observation mission to Zambia’s August 2026 general elections.

Haimbe also met Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Cuba. The two ministers reaffirmed the long-standing friendship and solidarity between Zambia and Cuba, and Haimbe expressed appreciation for Cuba’s support to Zambia’s health and education sectors. Both sides committed to continued coordination at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.

In its meetings with Uruguay, Vanuatu, Malawi and Cuba, Zambia sought support for its candidacy to the Human Rights Council for 2027 to 2029, and exchanged support with Cuba for its candidacies for 2028 to 2030 and for the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions.

Haimbe further paid a courtesy call on Chaloka Beyani, U.N. under-secretary-general and special adviser on the prevention of genocide, covering the rule of law, human rights, misinformation, and the value of regional early warning mechanisms and partnerships with the church, traditional leaders, the private sector and academia. He also met Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, assistant secretary-general for development coordination, on Zambia’s cooperation with the U.N. development system and a strengthened resident coordinator system.

On Wednesday, Zambia co-hosts the follow-up meeting on the Sevilla Commitment, with further bilateral meetings on investment, energy and infrastructure through the week. Haimbe delivers Zambia’s national statement to the General Assembly on Monday, Sept. 28.

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