Zimbabwe showcases climate agenda at UN summit
NEW YORK - Zimbabwe has presented its climate action agenda on the global stage at a high-level Climate Summit convened by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Representing the country, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi outlined Zimbabwe's climate resilience strategy, highlighting efforts to link environmental sustainability with key economic sectors that support livelihoods and national development.
Addressing the High-Level Event on Climate Action and the Just Transition, Rwodzi reaffirmed Zimbabwe's commitment to the Paris Agreement and the country's Third Generation Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which targets a 40 percent reduction in per-capita greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
She said the goal aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's development agenda, which integrates climate resilience and sustainable economic growth across sectors including agriculture, water, infrastructure and tourism.
"Tourism depends on healthy ecosystems, biodiversity and climate-resilient destinations. For us, climate action is not separate from development - it is development," said Rwodzi.
The minister highlighted several locally driven initiatives aimed at strengthening climate adaptation and resilience.
Among them were Climate-Smart Agriculture programmes and the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation farming initiative, which she said are helping smallholder farmers improve productivity, strengthen resilience and enhance food security amid drought conditions and changing rainfall patterns.
Rwodzi also pointed to Zimbabwe's mineral value-addition strategy as part of the country's contribution to the global energy transition. She said local lithium processing had resulted in the production of more than 16,000 tonnes of lithium sulphate valued at nearly US$100 million, positioning Zimbabwe as a participant in the clean energy value chain rather than merely a supplier of raw minerals.
"Climate action must deliver economic value, jobs and improved livelihoods. Our transition must be just, and it must create value at home," she said.
Her remarks came as Zimbabwe was named among the first six countries selected to receive dedicated United Nations support aimed at transforming mineral wealth into opportunities for industrialisation, employment creation and revenue generation.
The other countries selected under the initiative are Guinea, Indonesia, Madagascar, Nigeria and Zambia.
Zimbabwe is also preparing to host the first gathering of all UN Tourism Member States as part of the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027. The event is expected to advance discussions on sustainable tourism while showcasing Zimbabwe's natural heritage, wildlife resources and community-based tourism initiatives.
The Climate Summit called on countries, particularly major economies responsible for the bulk of global greenhouse gas emissions, to develop credible pathways for transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Zimbabwe said it remains committed to working with international partners to advance climate objectives while ensuring that no community is left behind.
