President Mnangagwa in Doha for World Summit on Social Development

President Mnangagwa is in Doha for the UN’s Second World Summit for Social Development, where Zimbabwe seeks partnerships to strengthen social protection, reduce poverty and boost youth employment (image source)

HARARE — President Emmerson Mnangagwa arrived in Doha on Monday to attend the Second World Summit for Social Development, a United Nations-led conference focused on renewing global commitments to poverty reduction, employment creation and social inclusion.

The summit, taking place at the Qatar National Convention Centre from 4 to 6 November, brings together heads of state, ministers, development agencies and civil-society representatives to review the progress made since the first summit in Copenhagen in 1995 and to realign international strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Zimbabwe’s delegation is expected to showcase its domestic social programmes and seek partnerships for technical assistance and financing in areas such as poverty reduction and social protection. The President’s schedule includes bilateral meetings, sessions on labour and social protection, and participation in a ministerial roundtable on financing social development. Government sources said Mnangagwa will highlight new policies on social transfers, public works, and skills training to address unemployment and youth vulnerability, though specific funding requests were not disclosed ahead of his arrival.

Analysts in Harare say the trip provides both diplomatic visibility and an opportunity to strengthen Zimbabwe’s re-engagement drive with development partners and lenders. “Attendance at global summits signals readiness to engage, but outcomes hinge on credible policy commitments and clear financing asks,” said Dr. Tafadzwa Moyo, a development economist. He added that presenting bankable projects with measurable results would be crucial for attracting predictable support.

Civil-society organisations called on the President to use the platform to secure firm pledges for community-based social services, including reliable funding for rural clinics, school feeding initiatives and cash transfers for households in extreme poverty. Rights advocates also urged the government to engage in transparent dialogue on governance and accountability, which they argue are essential for donor confidence and effective service delivery.

The UN summit’s agenda includes plenary sessions on decent work, social protection floors and inclusive growth, alongside side events on youth employment and climate-resilient social systems. Delegates are expected to push for financing models that move away from one-off grants toward pooled, rapid-deployment funds, a proposal particularly relevant for nations like Zimbabwe facing recurring economic and climate shocks.

“Summits matter only if countries return with tangible commitments and finance for programmes that reach communities,” said a development specialist.