dyton mupawaenda
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
IN an era marked by global turmoil, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has emerged as a beacon of stability.
Despite confronting challenges ranging from localised conflicts to climate change, the region’s collaborative efforts in governance, peacekeeping and development have drawn international commendation.
Speaking at the recent virtual SADC-ICP dialogue platform meeting, chairperson of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, highlighted the region’s resilience and strategic initiatives.
“The SADC region enjoys a relatively high level of stability,” he said. “Diplomatic, political, and military efforts are underway to ensure that sustainable peace is achieved in all member states.”
Ambassador Chimbindi said while the region remained largely stable, pockets of unrest had triggered humanitarian challenges, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children. He underscored SADC’s commitment to addressing these issues through targeted peacebuilding measures.
“We are united as a region in providing support to those displaced and in helping communities return to normalcy,” Ambassador Chimbindi said.
Peacebuilding efforts have been complemented by the successful conduct of peaceful elections in several member states this year.
Ambassador Chimbindi said adherence to democratic principles, as outlined in the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, had been pivotal in strengthening the region’s political stability.
He called on international co-operating partners to support these electoral processes, describing them as “critical mechanisms for preventing conflict and fostering governance”.
Beyond peacekeeping, SADC had prioritised infrastructure development to bolster economic integration and regional growth.
Ambassador Chimbindi said there were ongoing efforts under the SMART Development Corridors Framework, which co-ordinates multi-sectoral programmes aimed at creating jobs and improving citizens’ quality of life.
“Strategic corridors are the backbone of our infrastructure development,” he said, emphasising the importance of roads, energy networks, and trade corridors as catalysts for productivity and progress.
“Climate change remains a formidable challenge to the region’s stability. Recent El Niño-induced droughts have highlighted the vulnerability of agriculture and water resources, prompting calls for increased climate finance.”
Reflecting on outcomes from COP29, Ambassador Chimbindi said least developed countries and landlocked developing countries bear the brunt of climate change. “We must strengthen disaster preparedness and invest in adaptation strategies,” he said.
SADC’s collaborative efforts with international cooperating partners have also been instrumental in driving regional integration.
SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi expressed optimism about the outcomes of the dialogue, calling for collective action to achieve the region’s aspirations.
“This platform reaffirms our shared commitment to integration and sustainable development,” he said. “Through mutual trust, respect, and collaboration, we can build a stronger, more resilient SADC region.”
Ambassador Petra Pereyra, Chair of the international cooperating partners, praised SADC’s leadership and reaffirmed the partners’ commitment to aligning their support with regional priorities.
“Our collective contributions aim to address development and peace challenges.”
Online Reporter
