Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe has arrived in New York to represent President Hakainde Hichilema at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to a statement from Zambia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Haimbe is leading the Zambian delegation, which includes Minister of Health Roma Chilengi and senior government officials. The 81st General Assembly session opened on September 8, while the high-level General Debate is taking place from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Zambia’s delegation is expected to use the session to highlight the country’s priorities, including the Grow Zambia Agenda, with the government seeking technical assistance, development finance and strategic investment while aligning UN programmes with national priorities.
According to the Zambian mission, the country will also seek support for a National Architecture for Peace, strengthen diplomatic relations and promote Zambia’s international role, including its candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term.
Haimbe is expected to reaffirm Zambia’s stated commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and human rights protection during the country’s engagements in New York.
The Foreign Affairs Minister will deliver Zambia’s national statement on behalf of President Hichilema during the high-level General Debate on September 28. The UN’s official schedule confirms that the General Debate runs from September 22–26 and resumes on September 28.
The Zambian delegation will also participate in meetings involving the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, where Zambia serves as deputy chair, as well as the Group of 77 and China.
Bilateral meetings with various countries are also expected, with Zambia highlighting priorities including the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Seville Commitment.
The UN says the 81st session is focused on restoring trust and managing transformation, with the broader high-level week bringing world leaders together to discuss peace, security, sustainable development and other global issues.
