ZIMBABWE ELECTED TO CHAIR THE UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.  

Zimbabwe was elected to Chair the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development on the 11th of May 2007. Despite attempts by Britain and other Western countries to block Zimbabwe’s election, friendly countries maintained their support for Zimbabwe’s Chairmanship and the final vote saw Zimbabwe garnering 26 votes in its favour, in the 53-member Commission. The 21 votes against and 3 abstentions posted, failed to forestall the election of Africa’s choice of candidate.

Under the United Nations regulations, regions rotate in chairing the Commission and the 12 African countries in the Commission chose Zimbabwe as their candidate for the Chairmanship.

As Chair of the Commission Zimbabwe will be responsible for
co-ordinating the activities of the Commission for the next year.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Honourable Francis Nhema, will Chair the Commission.

During this Session the Commission will focus on agriculture, rural development, sustainable use of land, drought, desertification and sustainable development in Africa. The honour given in making Zimbabwe Chair the Commission is eloquent testimony to the country’s success in addressing the land question through its Land Reform Programme, managing successive droughts in a manner enabling it to successfully provide food for its citizens and managing to combat desertification in its most arid regions.