Zimbabwe heads for G77+China

This week, Zimbabwe will participate in the G77 group plus China summit, where developing nations from the Global South will explore the utilization of technology for economic progress. The summit occurs at a time when these Global South countries, mainly in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, are seeking ways to address the existing global economic imbalance that favors developed nations.

Zimbabwe, in particular, is experiencing rapid economic growth due to President Mnangagwa's commitment to building an empowered upper-middle-income economy. Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Cuba, Mr. Paul Chikawa, disclosed to the media that Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is slated to represent President Mnangagwa at the summit.

Ambassador Chikawa explained that the G77+China group gathers nations under the United Nations umbrella to pursue economic development, engage in collective bargaining and negotiations, and advocate for their economic interests as members of the Global South.

In addition to Vice President Chiwenga, Zimbabwe will also be represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Shava. The delegation aims to engage with high-level Cuban officials during the summit to further the economic agenda, building upon the established and steadfast political relationships.

Ambassador Chikawa emphasized the importance of leveraging this multilateral platform, aligning with Zimbabwe's foreign policy pillars of affirmation, engagement, and re-engagement. Active participation in group dynamics, like the G77+China, underscores the commitment to engagement as part of foreign policy.

Established in 1964, the G77 has grown to include 134 full member countries, along with China, the world's second-largest economy. China conducts business with Global South nations on mutually beneficial and non-exploitative terms.

This year's summit centers around the theme, "Current challenges of development: Role of science, technology, and innovation," as member nations seek to leverage scientific and technological advancements to drive economic growth.

Sources close to various delegations have indicated the intention to adopt the "Havana Declaration" during the summit. This declaration will commit member countries to championing various changes in the global economic architecture to support the marginalized Global South.