In a powerful new episode of the Earth Charter Podcast titled “Zimbabwe: A Beacon of Hope for Community Development and Climate Resilience,” Zimbabwean leader Sithembiso Nyoni shares how grassroots development, cultural identity, and collective resilience have shaped her country’s approach to sustainable development and climate action.
Nyoni reflects on the founding of the Organisation of Rural Associations for Progress (ORAP) in 1981, which emerged in post-war Zimbabwe as a way to rebuild not just livelihoods, but also the social fabric of communities.
She also emphasized the role of rural communities in contributing to Zimbabwe’s climate goals, particularly in the context of its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Despite economic and political challenges, she believes Zimbabwe can chart a path that balances both development and environmental responsibility.
As the world looks ahead to COP30 and the emerging Global Ethical Stock Take initiative in Brazil, Nyoni expressed strong support for frameworks like the Earth Charter that center ethical values in global climate responses.
She concluded with a message of unity and urgency:
“I think what we really need is to act together. Let’s act, let’s put our money where our mouths are. Let’s put our ideas together. Let us also create relationships that will sustain what we believe to create a better future, a better world for us all.”
Who is Sithembiso Nyoni?
Dr. Nyoni is Founder and President of the Organisation of Rural Associations for Progress (ORAP), which was established in 1981 to support rural development in Zimbabwe. Dr. Nyoni also served in the government in multiple cabinet positions, including Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Minister for Women Affairs and Small and Medium Enterprises and Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife (until April 2025). She is among the longest-serving cabinet ministers in Zimbabwe. During her time as Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises over 5 million full time jobs were created. Dr. Nyoni received several awards including the 1993 Right Livelihood Award “for building a remarkable grassroots movement and motivating its million members to follow their own path of human development.” She sits on several boards of national and international organizations. Back in 1998, Ms. Nyoni participated in the Earth Charter consultation processes through regional meetings in Africa.
