‎Harare, (New Ziana)— Zimbabwe will next week host the 4th Meeting of the National Coordinators of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations, marking another significant milestone in the growing role of the country in international diplomacy.
‎In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Philisiqwe Chidawanyika said the two-day meeting, scheduled for June 8 and 9 in Harare, will bring together senior officials from 18 member states of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations.
‎”The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade wishes to inform the nation and the international community that Zimbabwe will host the 4th Meeting of the National Coordinators of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations, in Harare from 8 to 9 June 2026, in line with the doctrines, A Friend to All and Enemy to None and Zimbabwe will Forever be a Sovereign and Independent State,” she said.
She said the meeting will be held under the theme, “Effective Multilateralism in a Multipolar International Order: From Charter Principles to Practice,” with a sub-theme focusing on “Partnership and Outreach: Engagement with Regional Groups and Other Stakeholders.”
‎”The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, Hon Sheillah Chikomo will chair the meeting, with participation expected from the Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, China, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mali, Nicaragua, Palestine, the Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Syria and Venezuela,” Chidawanyika said.
‎Established in July 2021 at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations is an 18-member coalition dedicated to preserving, promoting and defending the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
The grouping, which later expanded its activities to Geneva in 2023, advocates for sovereign equality among states, non-interference in the internal affairs of nations, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the promotion of multilateralism and diplomacy as key pillars for international peace, security and development.
‎Chidawanyika said since its formation, the group has served as an important platform for dialogue, coordination and collective action aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation and enhancing the role of the United Nations in addressing emerging global challenges.
‎She said the Harare meeting is expected to culminate in the adoption of a Political Declaration outlining the group’s shared positions and future priorities.
‎Zimbabwe becomes the fourth country to host a coordinating meeting of the Group of Friends, following Iran in December 2022, Venezuela in May 2024 and the Russian Federation in April 2025.
‎The hosting of the high-level gathering underscores the continued commitment of Zimbabwe to multilateral diplomacy and its engagement with international partners on issues relating to sovereignty, international law and global governance.
New Ziana
