Zimbabwe to host UN Economic Commission for African Finance Ministers, UNFCC regional workshop

Harare (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe is set to host the 56th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (UNECA) next year.

Under the theme, “Bolstering financing mechanisms and policy frameworks for the transition to prosperous just and inclusive green economies in Africa”, the conference will run from February 28 to March 5 2024 in the resort city of Victoria Falls.

Zimbabwe was confirmed as the conference host during this year’s UNECA Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March 15 to 21.

Briefing the media after the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Janfan Muswere said about 1 000 people from the continent and beyond, comprising government officials, civic society, the UN family, experts among others, are expected to attend the event.

“The Conference, therefore, presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to enhance its global image and to market the Victoria Falls as a tourist destination of choice,” said Dr Muswere.

The event will consist of two meetings made up of the Committee of Experts for technical deliberations on the theme and statutory issues of the conference during the first three days (28 February to 01 March
2024) and the Conference of Ministers for the last two days (4-5March 2024).

UNECA will be working with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion in spearheading the organisation of the conference.

Separately, Dr Muswere said Cabinet approved the request for Zimbabwe to host the United Nations Framework on Climate Change regional workshop in 2024.

The three-day consultative group of experts (CGE) Africa regional workshop will be held in Victoria Falls.

The CGE is a body constituted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.

Its mandate is to provide technical advice and support to developing country parties in fulfilling their reporting requirements on adaptation, mitigation and support needed for climate action.

Zimbabwe’s hosting of the event will benefit the country through having more experts participating, earning more foreign currency, and presenting an opportunity to market the country as a safe travel and
tourism destination.

The UNFCCC secretariat will cover all the costs associated with hosting the workshop.

New Ziana