UN Resident Coordinator, Ambassador Edward Kallon delivered a Public lecture at the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy on the Role of the United Nations in Mitigating Challenges to the Implementations of  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ambassador Kallon, discussed the pivotal role the United Nations was playing in addressing global challenges and advancing Sustainable Development.

The Ambassador narrated and explained the 17 SDGS and their role in addressing global challenges. He underscored that their implementation was exacerbated  by the current turbulent international political landscape which was significantly characterised by the ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts. He cited the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Democratic Republic of Congo among others and bemoaned that these conflicts negatively affect UN effectiveness in addressing SDGs. The Ambassador, however, clearly indicated that collective efforts from the international community, governments and civil society were needed for effective implementation and realization of the  SDGs.

The lecture reinforced the critical role of international organizations in global diplomacy and development. Participants were left with a deeper understanding of how the UN works towards creating a better world, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to these global efforts in their future careers. The critical role played by the UN member states was underscored. Participants had the chance to interact and ask various questions to the Ambassador, which he vividly tackled. The lecture was dedicated to ZID Diploma students undertaking Contemporary Diplomacy and International relations studies.