Government, UNICEF and Sweden partner for 4-day summit from 7-10 July
By Tendai Chisiri
Zimbabwe this week is convening a high-level National Child Protection Conference from 7 to 10 July 2026 in Bulawayo, as the country seeks to accelerate action and investment to safeguard children amid rising online and offline risks.
The conference, hosted by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare with support from the Government of Sweden and in partnership with UNICEF, comes 10 years after the inaugural summit in 2016 that launched the National Case Management System for children.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Hon. Edgar Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, said the gathering is “a solemn call to action” guided by the five pillars of the National Action Plan for Children IV: improving access to inclusive basic social services, ending violence against children, strengthening families and communities, eliminating child labour, and building resilient institutions.
“Every child deserves to grow up safe, nurtured and empowered to reach their full potential and together we will make this promise a reality,” Minister Moyo said.
Despite progress in policy and legislative reforms, data shows serious challenges persist. 64% of children experience violent discipline, 43% of children under 5 are not registered, and 21.2% of adolescent girls aged 15-18 are affected by child marriage.
Other risks include technology-facilitated abuse, migration, climate change, and gaps in financing and workforce capacity.
The conference will feature a High-Level Dialogue on sustainable financing for child protection, bringing together government, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and children.
Regional delegates from Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia and South Africa will also share experiences on civil registration, alternative care, online safety, and support for children on the move. Field visits will showcase child-friendly justice, community-based protection, and disability inclusion.
The summit follows Cabinet’s June approval of the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy 2026–2030 and the finalisation of the National Action Plan for Children 2026–2030.
Discussions are expected to produce a National Child Protection Outcome Statement, financing pledges, and a roadmap for monitoring commitments.
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