By 
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, has emphasised the need for a collective response to overlapping global shocks, including pandemics, climate-induced disasters, and economic disruptions.
Haimbe urged Commonwealth Member States to leverage their shared values and unity to address pressing global challenges.
He delivered the message in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry Permanent Secretary Etambuyu Gundersen at the 25th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting.
This is according to a statement issued in New York by Zambia’s First Secretary for Press and Public Relations, Namatama Njekwa, at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2025, at UN Headquarters in New York.
Haimbe called for a collective and action-oriented approach to address global challenges.
“The Commonwealth Secretariat must prioritise support for early warning systems, social safety nets, and responsive policy frameworks to ensure no member nation is left behind in times of crisis,” he said.
He also highlighted persistent challenges such as access to finance and fair trade, particularly for small states and Least Developed Countries.
Reaffirming democratic governance as a core Commonwealth value, Haimbe noted it remained under pressure in many regions.
Read More: Foreign Affairs minister, Haimbe, calls for collective action on eastern DRC conflict
“There is need for continued support for free and fair elections, judicial independence, and anti-corruption efforts, enhanced engagement in conflict prevention and peacebuilding initiatives, protection of media freedom, and the defense of human rights, among others,” he emphasized.
The meeting stressed the collective responsibility of nations in tackling global crises such as peace, climate change, and economic inequality. Ministers further advocated for an intensified commitment to multilateralism.
They also reviewed progress made since the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa and agreed on a roadmap for advancing the Commonwealth’s mission until CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.
Meanwhile, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey called for a renewed focus on multilateralism as the foundation of global cooperation.
The meeting was also attended by Zambia’s High Commissioner to London, Macenje Mazoka, along with other senior government officials.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments