ADVICE MUKONO
International cooperation remains historically significant in lifting millions out of poverty, promoting shared prosperity, and maintaining peace, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon has said.
Mr Kallon revealed this in his keynote address at the recent Diplomat of the Year Awards Dinner and Ceremony in Harare, which focused on the critical role of international cooperation in fostering economic prosperity.
The UN Resident Coordinator outlined a series of engagements to facilitate a localised consultations and awareness raising campaigns to inform and profile the global Summit of the Future that takes place in September this Year, which aims at coming up with an inclusive Pact of the Future that transcends governments, the UN, and specialised organisations.
Mr. Kallon also highlighted the challenges posed by recent global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and financial instability, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to address these pressing issues.
Mr. Kallon outlined key strategies to translate ongoing consultations on advancing international cooperation into action, including revitalising multilateralism, enhancing investments in global public goods, promoting data governance in the digital economy, establishing a new Social Contract, and prioritising education and research and development.
He also underscored the importance of partnerships between international and regional financial institutions to support inclusive economic growth and reduce poverty and inequality.
Furthermore, Mr. Kallon emphasised the role of the UN in supporting national development priorities in Zimbabwe through the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
Mr. Kallon highlighted the importance of collective action, cooperation, and trust in paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for Zimbabwe and beyond. As diplomats and leaders were honoured for their contributions to advancing international cooperation, Mr. Kallon reminded attendees that every individual plays a crucial role in building a better world through solidarity, partnership, and cooperation.
The address by Mr. Edward Kallon at the Diplomat of the Year Awards Ceremony served as a call to action for renewed commitment to international cooperation for the common good and economic prosperity, setting a positive tone for collaborative efforts in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Held on 22 March 2024, under the theme of “Advancing International Cooperation – Fostering Economic Prosperity,” the Diplomat of the Year event, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, heads of UN agencies, captains of industries, members of the media, and distinguished guests to celebrate the outstanding work of diplomats and organisations in Zimbabwe.
