Top UN Environment official Sonja Leighton-Kone ex...

Top UN Environment official Sonja Leighton-Kone expected in Zim

Bridget Mabanda

The United Nations Environment Acting Deputy Director, and Director of Corporate Services Sonja Leighton-Kone is expected to visit Zimbabwe between February 6 and 11, 2023 with a view of exploring environmental issues in the country.

She will meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other senior government officials, including Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry; Energy and Power Development; as well as Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development.

In a statement, the United Nations Zimbabwe said during her visit, Leighton-Kone will engage the government and other partners on environmental issues.

“During her visit, Ms Leighton-Kone will engage senior government officials on environmental opportunities and challenges, especially issues linked to triple planetary crisis of climate change, loss of nature and biodiversity, and waste and pollution.

“Her discussions with government will include on strengthening collaboration with UNEP and marshalling practical solutions to the triple planetary crisis supported by UNEP as part of the 2022-2026 Zimbabwe UN Sustainable Development Cooperation,” reads the statement.

In addition, Leighton-Kone will also have consultations with the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Heads of UN Agencies in Zimbabwe and the UN Country Team on enhancing coordination and cooperation in the delivery of support to the country.

Facilitated by the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leighton-Kone will also travel to the field to see projects on environmental sustainability.