Mnangagwa calls for global trust in AI era

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for renewed global trust and collective responsibility as artificial intelligence and digital connectivity accelerate technological transformation.

Mnangagwa made the remarks after arriving in New York ahead of the high-level segment of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which is being held under the theme: "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All." The theme is the official theme of the 2026–2027 General Assembly session.

In a post on his official X account, Mnangagwa said the theme reflected a defining moment for humanity, with technological advances developing at unprecedented speed.

He said artificial intelligence and increased digital connectivity were creating significant opportunities for economic growth and development, but also required collective action to ensure that the benefits were shared fairly and that online spaces remained safe.

The focus on AI and digital inclusion is also among the priorities of the current UN General Assembly presidency, which has identified "Innovation with Inclusion" as one of its six pillars. The UN says AI and digital platforms bring major opportunities but also risks involving inequality, bias, surveillance and misuse.

Mnangagwa said his engagements in New York would include discussions on bridging the global digital divide, strengthening online safety and ensuring that artificial intelligence creates opportunities for people across different countries and communities.

The President has a busy programme on the sidelines of the General Assembly, including participation in a high-level Zimbabwe Business Forum hosted by ZimTrade, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.

The forum is expected to focus on investment opportunities in key sectors of Zimbabwe's economy. Mnangagwa is also scheduled to meet Zimbabweans living in the United States.

He is expected to hold several bilateral meetings, including talks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, before participating in the General Debate and other high-level engagements during the week.

Mnangagwa is also scheduled to attend a reception hosted by US President Donald Trump for world leaders and participate in the high-level meeting marking the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development.

He is expected to deliver Zimbabwe's national statement during the General Debate on Thursday morning.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira said Mnangagwa's participation in UNGA81 forms part of Zimbabwe's wider re-engagement efforts and preparations for the country's bid to serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.

Murwira said Zimbabwe's foreign policy under Mnangagwa had been guided by the principle that the country is "a friend to all and an enemy to none", with the objective of strengthening its engagement with the international community.

He said the President's address would focus on peace, justice and the sovereign equality of nations, while reiterating Zimbabwe's support for reform of the United Nations system.

Zimbabwe has continued to back the African Union's Ezulwini Consensus, which calls for greater African representation on the Security Council, including two permanent seats for Africa with veto rights.

The 81st General Assembly session formally opened on September 8 and its high-level General Debate runs from September 22 to 28. Nearly 130 heads of state and government are expected to attend the High-Level Week in person.

Mnangagwa is accompanied by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications George Charamba, Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza and other senior government officials.