Zimbabwe was recently selected into the executive committee of the World Federation of United Nations Associations during the Association’s 41st plenary assembly held in Canada .
By Pretty Chavango
Zimbabwe which was represented by Mr Fischer Chiyanike who is the President of Zimbabwe United Nations Association (ZUNA) managed to rise above stiff competition making it into the executive committee of the World Federation of United Nations (WFUNA) together with African counterpart Uganda.
Countries making up the 16 member executive committee include Cuba, Denmark, Australia and Nepal amongst others .Countries are selected after every 6 years and these 8 new members join the already existing 8 countries.
Representatives from United Nations Associations around the world gathered in Vancouver Canada focusing on global collaboration and best practices for implementation of the UN’s Agenda 2030. Running under the theme “Global Transformations: the Sustainable Development Goals,” the conference saw more than 120 countries coming together to join this cause.
Mr Chiyanike who presented on Sustainable Development Goals spoke on how ZUNA has managed to engage Universities and high schools in the country on the transition from MDGs to SDGs. Chiyanike admitted it was not easy making it into the executive committee and was happy to have been selected.
“It was very tough, they were many countries eager to be part of the committee but I managed to garner enough votes shrugging off competition, I’m happy to represent Zimbabwe and Africa.” he said.
For the next three years the committee will be looking into 17 proposed issues which are set up for deliberation on issues including peace, poverty, mainstreaming gender, climate change and human rights amongst others.
ZUNA is set to collaborate with UNA United Kingdom, a move hoped to revive bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and the British government.
ZUNA Youth President Mcleo Mapfumo was also selected into the WFUNA youth council representing Africa together with Linda Asaba from Uganda with a serving term of three years.
