PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
New York, 29.09.25 – Honourable Mulambo Haimbe, S.C, M.P, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on behalf of Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, addressed the General Debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday, 29th September 2025.
During the 14th plenary meeting held in the General Assembly Hall under the theme, “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” Hon. Haimbe underscored Zambia’s commitment to a reformed and effective multilateral system. He issued a strong call for the reform of the UN Security Council. He reaffirmed that the Common African Position on Security Council Reform, as set out in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
The Minister called for comprehensive reform that expands both permanent and non-permanent membership to make the Council more equitable, effective, and reflective of today’s world.
On global peace, the Minister condemned war and aggression, urging conflict parties to choose diplomacy. He echoed President Hichilema’s foundational principle that “instability anywhere is instability everywhere,” and highlighted Zambia’s active role in regional peace efforts.
Outlining Zambia’s domestic progress, Hon. Haimbe highlighted transformative national reforms, including the implementation of free primary and secondary education, the expansion of universal healthcare and a social cash transfer programme reaching over 6.5% of households.
The Minister welcomed the UN80 Initiative at this critical time that the organization is facing unprecedented financial constraints. He underscored that If executed well, the reforms have the potential to transform how the UN works by enhancing efficiencies through review of the implementation of its mandates, introducing structural changes and programme realignment.
The Minister underscored that Zambia is firmly on a path to debt sustainability and renewed investor confidence following successful debt restructuring and an International Monitoring Fund (IMF) supported programme.
Addressing the existential threat of climate change, the Minister urged that the upcoming COP30 in Brazil must be a turning point from promises to action.
Hon. Haimbe highlighted Zambia’s key role in co-facilitating the Sevilla Commitment, a global consensus to close the US$4 trillion annual Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) financing gap and called for comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture.
As a Landlocked Developing Country, the Minister welcomed the Awaza Programme of Action and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to transforming from being “land-locked to land-linked,” prioritizing regional connectivity and trade.
Meanwhile, the high-level General Debate has concluded at the UN Headquarters. The 80th regular session of the UN General Assembly will continue until September 8, 2026.
Issued by:
Namatama Njekwa
First Secretary for Press and Public Relations
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations
New York
