Zambia Takes the Grow Zambia Agenda to the United Nations

Zambia has used its first two days at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly to build new partnerships in support of the Grow Zambia agenda.

Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is representing President Hakainde Hichilema in New York, joined by Minister of Health Hon. Prof. Roma Chilengi. Following the President's re-election in August, the Government's second-term focus is growth: more investment, more trade and more jobs.

"Our diplomacy must help to grow Zambia," Hon. Haimbe said. "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."

On Monday, Zambia established diplomatic relations with Uruguay and Vanuatu. The agreements open cooperation in agriculture, trade and investment, climate change adaptation, eco-tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Hon. Haimbe also met Malawi's Foreign Minister, Hon. Dr George Chaponda. They agreed to explore closer cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure and connectivity, including Malawi's interest in the Lobito Development Corridor. With Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, he reaffirmed long-standing ties and thanked Cuba for its support to Zambia's health and education sectors.

Throughout these meetings, Zambia sought support for its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council for 2027 to 2029.

Prof. Chilengi attended the launch of the Accra Reset report on reforming global health governance, an approach Zambia supports.

Zambia co-hosts the Sevilla Commitment follow-up meeting on Wednesday. Hon. Haimbe delivers the National Statement on 28 September.