National priorities in the context of increasing international interdependence and interactions requires a synthesis of the bilateral and multilateral approaches. 

Soon after independence and later the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania in 1964, diplomacy was key to promoting economic growth; and historically, Tanzania’s foreign policy has always stressed a commitment to effective multilateralism as a core principle in defence of freedom, justice, human rights, equality and democracy. We believe this can be feasible through, inter alia, promotion of African Unity and working with the United Nations in its search for international economic development, peace and security. Recognising the complex nature of multilateralism, we re-affirm the policy of non-alignment and promotion of south- south cooperation.

As we work towards building a self-sustaining economy and preserving of national peace and security, we are committed to supporting regional and international endeavor for the creation of better and peaceful world. 
 

The United Nations stands at the heart of the multilateral diplomacy; and Tanzania’s history with the organisation is linked to the end of colonialism in  what is today’s Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

After the First World War, which ended the period of German colonialism, Tanganyika, which is Today’s Tanzania Mainland, came under Great Britain as part of the 'Mandates System' under the League of Nations. The end of the Second World War came with the transition from the Mandate System to the Trusteeship System of the United Nations, which brought about some changes, as the United Nations Charter specifically proclaimed self-governance or independence as the aim of the trust territories.  Tanganyika became independent on 9 December 1961, and joined the United Nations on 14 December 1961. 

Two years after the independence of Tanganyika, the Protectorate that had existed over Zanzibar since 1890 was terminated by the United Kingdom on10 December 1963, and Zanzibar became a constitutional monarchy under the Sultan, and a member of the United Nations from 16 December 1963. The Sultanate was disapproved by the majority of Africans in Zanzibar, and on 12 January 1964, the Zanzibar revolution brought an end to the Sultanate and led to the formation of the People's Republic of Zanzibar.

Following the ratification on 26 April 1964 of Articles of Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar continued as a single member, changing its name to the United Republic of Tanzania on 1 November 1964.

Historically, Tanzania has always given the United Nations a place of prominence in her foreign policy priorities, because of our belief that that our own survival is greatly bound up with that of the United Nations. As national priorities in the context of increasing international interdependence and interactions requires a synthesis of the bilateral and multilateral approaches. The United Nations, as an international organization with the membership of almost all countries of the world provides the best mechanism for such a synthesis.

Tanzania works closely with all the United Nations Specialized Agencies and other International Organizations to support the achievement of national development priorities and of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At Geneva, we participate in multilateral processes, and thereby contribute to global issues by engaging actively in reaching mutual understanding with the international organisations and its Member States through transparency and constructive dialogue.

We also support and advise our delegations participating in Geneva at high-level meetings and are mandated to operate on their behalf as permanent representatives of the United Republic of Tanzania.

UN Member States: United Republic of Tanzania
The UN Organisations in Geneva