Zimbabwe confident ahead of UN Security Council vote

Zimbabwe says it is confident of securing enough international support in next week's election for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), as diplomatic preparations enter their final phase.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira said the country expects strong backing in the June 3 vote, where it is contesting for the 2027–2028 term.

He said Zimbabwe has already received endorsement from more than 135 countries, including the full membership of the African Union, which consists of 54 states.

Zimbabwe is Africa's sole candidate for the seat.

The elections, conducted by the 193-member UN General Assembly, require a two-thirds majority-at least 128 votes-even for uncontested candidates.

Murwira said Zimbabwe's campaign is built around four key priorities: multilateralism and inclusivity, trade as a tool of diplomacy, peaceful coexistence among nations, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

"These areas will form the cornerstone of Zimbabwe's agenda should the country secure the seat," he said.

He added that Zimbabwe's diplomatic outreach has included engagements across the Pacific, Caribbean, Europe and other regions, where the country has been "well received."

According to the minister, Zimbabwe has also engaged in reciprocal support arrangements with several UN member states as part of its broader diplomatic strategy.

Zimbabwe recently participated in a briefing session for candidates alongside Trinidad and Tobago, hosted by the World Federation of United Nations Associations, where priorities for potential Security Council members were presented to member states and civil society.

The Zimbabwe mission to the UN said the session provided an opportunity for open engagement, including a question-and-answer exchange with diplomats and civil society representatives, strengthening transparency in the selection process.

Murwira said Zimbabwe's diplomatic messaging emphasises respect for international law, sovereign equality among nations, and the importance of peaceful dispute resolution.

He also highlighted trade and economic cooperation as central pillars of Zimbabwe's foreign policy approach, describing commerce as an instrument of diplomacy that supports global stability.

"Trade talks about peace," he said.

The UNSC election is scheduled for June 3, with final voting conducted by secret ballot in the UN General Assembly.