YouSaid · the spoken record

Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi

lines on the record: 119
first: 2015-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 6
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“It is essential that we not only strive for its success, but also forge a new programme of action that is attuned to the pressing challenges confronting LLDCs. That comprehensive programme must provide the necessary tools and resources to enable such countries to attain their SDG objectives. To conclude. I want to re-emphasize that merely acknowledging global problems without taking substantive measures will not solve them. We require greater action. The time for urgent action to revitalize the United Nations system, ensuring that it is fit for purpose, is now.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Those countries continue to suffer from marginalization in global trade due to exorbitant trade costs, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure development and maintenance to address geographical and structural obstacles and capitalize on their untapped potential. The forthcoming programme presents a valuable opportunity to rally greater global support and foster multi-stakeholder partnerships. Consequently, we must prioritize the formulation of new and tangible priorities aimed at bolstering infrastructure in LLDCs. with a particular emphasis on the transit transportation, information and communication technology and energy sectors. I therefore urge the Secretary- General. development partners, international financial institutions, the private sector and civil society to unite in support of the upcoming conference.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“I firmly believe that the attainment of lasting peace in Africa can pave the way for a more prosperous and harmonious continent, where the aspirations and well-being of African people can thrive. Next year marks the conclusion of the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024. followed by the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, scheduled to be held in Kigali in June 2024. The challenges faced by LLDCs have been extensively documented, and the ongoing global crises have inflicted severe damage on their economies. Unfortunately, the progress achieved in implementing the Vienna Programme of Action has been eroded by such crises, resulting in persistently high poverty levels in LLDCs. which averaged 23 per cent as of 2022.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“That also includes a commitment to obligations concerning, among other things, nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, arms control and weapons of mass destruction. Botswana shares a deep concern regarding the persistent conflicts and destabilization of legitimate Governments across the African continent. The negation of constitutionalism, as evidenced by overthrows of Governments, which seem to be having a contagion effect, should be shunned with the greatest disdain. Equally, the deprivation of people from self- determination. albeit repugnant, continues unabated. It is of the utmost importance that the Secretary- General collaborate closely with the African Union and subregional organizations to prioritize and actively engage to foster peace and stability in Africa.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“The war’s destructive consequences have been experienced not only in the region but also globally, as the international economy has suffered from the food and energy crisis. Botswana strongly urges an immediate cessation of hostilities and advocates for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. In that regard. Botswana welcomes the recent engagement among African. Russian and Ukrainian leaders, and we hope that such efforts, along with similar initiatives elsewhere, will encourage the conflicting parties to return to the negotiation table. While we work on resolving active conflicts, we must step up action in mitigating all threats to international peace and security by reaffirming and observing the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and other obligations.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“That necessitates sufficient funding to support mitigation and adaptation, particularly for developing countries. In that context, we endorse the appeal for developed countries to fulfil their pledge to provide $100 billion annually in climate financing to developing countries. That also includes fully replenishing the Green Climate Fund. My Government welcomes the Secretary-General’s Acceleration Agenda, which urges the fast-tracking of climate action in all countries and sectors. It is imperative that both developed and developing countries comply with their targets. As for Botswana. we reaffirm our commitment to achieving a 15 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. It has been more than a year since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Climate change remains an urgent and critical challenge of our time, posing a huge threat to the existence of our planet. It is alarming that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently reported record-high global greenhouse-gas emissions, which are at the highest level and which continue to surge. To effectively address climate change, it is crucial that we prioritize international cooperation and partnerships. Such a global effort requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond reducing emissions, encompassing various aspects of our lives, be it energy production, agriculture, transportation or industry. Our efforts must also include accelerating the uptake of renewable energy sources and investing in clean technologies.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We have made remarkable progress in terms of HIV diagnosis and. on 28 August, our National HIV Reference Laboratory was designated a World Health Organization collaborating centre of excellence. That epitomized, in part, the crowning of our National Laboratory’s competence and success in carrying out genomic sequencing at levels equivalent to those of the best, as demonstrated by being the first to discover the Omicron variant. By the time that such discussions reach their conclusion, it is essential that we establish robust systems that leave no room for the repetition of such a calamity, ensuring that the survival and well-being of our people are never again contingent upon their location in the global South or North. More important, our hope is that the resultant of the discussions will culminate in a treaty.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Botswana’s key priority in such discussions is to ensure an international instrument that addresses equity during a pandemic. To that end. the main issues to be addressed from that perspective include timely and equitable access and the sharing of benefits; the strengthening of regulations to ensure that developed countries and those with resources do not hoard medical products during a pandemic; building capacity for stronger health systems; investment in research and development to build up the local and regional manufacturing of vaccines, including the sharing of intellectual property; and establishing sustainable, predictable and flexible financing mechanisms. I am pleased to inform the General Assembly that Botswana is making its contribution to building capacity to manufacture vaccines for both humans and animals.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“the recent Sustainable Development Goals Summit and its Political Declaration could not have come at a better time. Over the past few years, we have witnessed, and continue to endure, the profound and devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The consequences have been felt across nations, but the extent of its devastation has greatly varied depending on factors such as the level of development and the geographical location. Whether one resides in the global South or North, a landlocked developing country (LLDC) or a small island developing State, those distinctions have played a crucial role in determining the severity of the pandemic’s effects. It is therefore imperative that we wholeheartedly embrace the ongoing discussions regarding pandemic prevention. preparedness and response.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Illustratively, whereas SDG 5 expresses the need for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and picks representation in positions of power and leadership as one of the indicators, the United Nations has not done badly in that regard except for the Secretary-General position. Would participants not agree with me that now is the time to have a female Secretary-General? The gravity of the challenges faced by the SDGs demands that we transcend the business-as-usual approach to addressing them. That will require a robust political commitment from all of us. It is therefore imperative for the United Nations system, international financiers, the private sector and civil society to forge a collective front and refocus our efforts to swiftly propel the SDGs back on track. To that end.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“As we convene this week, the world is in the age of a polycrisis, facing a plethora of persisting global challenges, among them the war in Ukraine, its associated geopolitical tensions, the impact on the global economy, the challenges related to climate change and the lingering effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Of critical importance is the distressing reality that the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals is off-track. According to The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023: Special Edition, half of the targets of the SDGs are experiencing inadequate progress, while 30 per cent of the targets have come to a halt. The lack of progress is exacerbated by the multifaceted global crisis compounding the already dire situation in which we find ourselves.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“I join previous speakers in extending my sincere congratulations to Mr. Francis on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session. He can count on my delegation’s full support as he steers the work of this body. I could not agree more with him that the multilateral system needs to rebuild trust and reignite global solidarity to accelerate action on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in order to realize peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We are, however, eager to see such accolades turning into real opportunities for absorption through other employment opportunities and in the hierarchy of the Organization, particularly for our youth. As I conclude my remarks, let me reassure the President that he can count on Botswana’s support and constructive engagement towards a successful implementation of the programme of work of the seventy-seventh session of the General Assembly. I hope that Botswana can also rely on the United Nations system and our development partners and the wider international community to help us realize the 2030 Agenda and transform our people and country into a developed nation by 2036.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“These efforts include the Secretary-General’s development management, peace and security, human rights and humanitarian pillar reforms, which are aimed at enhancing the Secretariat’s ability, agility, accountability and effectiveness in mandate implementation. For a small country like mine, the reform of the United Nations is important only insofar as it ensures the equal voice of Member States, regardless of their size. My Government and I personally are therefore eager to have our own people represented and employed within the United Nations system. With our presidency of the Economic and Social Council, I believe that Botswana has demonstrated its ability, including the capacity of our youth, who have received positive reviews for their support to the Secretariat of the Economic and Social Council during our tenure.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The United Nations response to today’s crises is a clear demonstration of its indispensability as the foremost organization in addressing global issues. From its system-wide response to COVID-19 to its swift action in relation to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and other crisis situations, the United Nations has proven to be fit for purpose. Nonetheless, there remains ample room for improving the Organization’s effectiveness in fulfilling the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. In that connection, we welcome recent reforms and proposals aimed at strengthening the United Nations system and enhancing its relevance in addressing contemporary challenges.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“As already acknowledged at the 2005 World Summit, States have the primary responsibility to protect their own populations from genocide, ethnic cleansing, war crimes and crimes against humanity. As part of the Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect, Botswana as co-Chair, together with Costa Rica and Denmark, and will continue to ensure that the membership of the United Nations pays attention to this important responsibility to reinforce global action. In southern Africa, we remain actively engaged through our subregional organization, SADC, in addressing the threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism to peace and security in our subregion. To that end, SADC has deployed its security forces to thwart terrorist threats in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“As we continue to seek an amicable redress of this warring conflict, it is important that the United Nations system be particularly adequately resourced, given its critical work of saving lives and alleviating the suffering of victims of armed conflict, climate change and other disasters. We, the collective States Members of the United Nations, have the responsibility and mandate to strengthen international law, promote human rights and gender equality and, most crucial, to protect civilians in challenging peacekeeping environments. In that context, Botswana shares the same ideals with many States represented here today on the principle of the responsibility to protect.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We therefore continue to call on all parties to recommit to finding peaceful and lasting solutions to the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue. The United Nations-brokered talks that resulted in the Russian Federation and Ukraine signing an agreement on the Black Sea Grain Initiative are a testament to the fact that, when given a chance, diplomacy and dialogue can yield results. If nothing else, the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations in 1945 demonstrated that only if we approach conflict based on solidarity and working together can we find peace. I commend the Secretary-General and the United Nations system organizations, Tiirkiye and other stakeholders, including such neighbouring countries as Poland, for rising to the challenges to address humanitarian needs in Ukraine and other crisis situations.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The expo succeeded in promoting the exchange of experiences and fostering partnerships among a wide range of actors and stakeholders on how to advance national adaptation plans. On 2 March, Botswana was among the 141 Member States that voted in favour of resolution ES- 11/1, demanding an end to the invasion of Ukraine. With that vote, we were reaffirming the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, particularly its Articles 1 and 2, which underscore the need for peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Charter is a binding instrument of international law; therefore, all peace-loving nations ought to adhere to its letter and spirit under all circumstances.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“It is our hope that these commitments will be fulfilled expeditiously in order to enable accelerated implementation, particularly in Africa, a region that contributes minimally to climate change but is, regrettably, the most affected. In that context, we are optimistic that COP27, to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on African soil, will further inspire ambitious climate action and deliver more adaptation resources for Africa and other vulnerable regions. Drawing on that inspiration, Botswana, in collaboration with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and various stakeholders, convened a climate adaptation week 2022 from 22 to 26 August in Gaborone, under the theme “Transformations in Advancing the Formulations and Implementation of National Adaptation Plans”.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Botswana remains committed to our 15-per cent carbon emissions reduction target by 2030, as indicated in our nationally determined contributions and reconfirmed in our climate change policy, adopted in 2021. The policy addresses access to climate finance, clean technologies and renewable energy. Climate ambitions will not translate into climate action in developing countries if they remain inadequately funded. We are therefore pleased that new financial pledges to support adaptation in developing countries were made at the twenty-sixth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP) in Glasgow, United Kingdom.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In line with the repeated position of our subregional body, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), I also wish to express solidarity with our northeastern neighbour, Zimbabwe, and call for the removal of unilateral coercive measures targeted at that country. While we are confident of the resilience and resolve of Zimbabwe and its economic transformation prospects, we are concerned that such measures are not advancing the cause of livelihoods of innocent Zimbabweans or the cause of our SDGs. This year, we continue to witness extreme weather events that point to the escalating severity of the climate crisis. The decisive implementation of the bold climate action spelled out in the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact is therefore needed to prevent the worst implications.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The realization of transformative solutions to the current social and economic challenges will require solidarity, both within and among countries. As Chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, many of which are also characterized as least-developed and small States, Botswana expresses solidarity with fellow United Nations Member States in special situations, particularly the distinct and peculiar challenges faced by the least developed countries and the small island developing States in their efforts to build back better and recover sustainably from the pandemic.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“This decisive moment of the myriad challenges we face demands that we challenge ourselves even more. My Government has thus initiated its recent agenda, inspired by the need for collective, inclusive and coordinated efforts towards the transformative agenda. We are accelerating digitalization in the delivery of services, driven by innovation and creativity. Our people are responding to the technology-driven solutions and they, too, are demonstrating the reorientation of their disposition, as well as conceptual agility to venture into new frontiers of doing things differently. A full embrace of this mindset change is an inspirational approach to the effective implementation of Government policies, programmes, projects, business activities and, indeed, the Sustainable Development Goals.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In order to achieve sustainable development, adequate financing is needed for the success of our recovery efforts from the pandemic and acceleration of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda during this Decade of Action. The effective mobilization of domestic and international financial resources, as well as their prudent utilization, are therefore imperative. I therefore reiterate calls on development partners to scale up and fulfil our official development assistance commitments and our efforts to attain long-term development sustainability. In addition to international funding, it should be noted that transformative agendas require the effective implementation by Governments and associated stakeholders, as well as a sense of ownership on the part of all stakeholders and a buy-in from the people we serve.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Botswana’s recovery plans include strengthening the country’s vast social protection system to ensure the inclusivity of vulnerable groups, including persons living with disabilities. That will go a long way towards facilitating equal enjoyment of their rights while broadening the accountability framework as we recently acceded to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In that regard, my Government has set a medium- to long-term economic recovery and transformation plan intended to fast track recovery efforts while advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its goals.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“I am pleased to inform the Assembly that, as part of overcoming the challenges of global vaccine inequity and in line with our commitment to building back better and in a transformative manner, the Government of Botswana has approved the manufacturing of the patent-free CorbeVax COVID-19 vaccine and that the construction of a vaccine manufacturing plant has already commenced. Additionally, the facility will produce cancer treatment and next-generation, cell- based immunotherapy. Those initiatives have been undertaken in partnership with NantWorks, Texas Children’s Hospital Centre for Vaccine Development and Baylor College of Medicine. That partnership will enhance Botswana’s capacity in human vaccine production, contribute to our goal of building a knowledge-based economy and help in preparations for future pandemics.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“It is in that context that Botswana continues to play an active role in that matter and recently also joined other Member States in co-sponsoring resolution 76/301, calling for the convening of a high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response during the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly. We also continue to actively participate in the ongoing process towards a possible elaboration of a pandemic treaty at the World Health Organization in Geneva. We believe that such a legally binding instrument would strengthen existing global mechanisms to address and react more speedily to health emergencies.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Vaccine roll-out remains a precondition for a sustainable recovery, yet many countries in the global South, especially in Africa, have not met the World Health Organization target of full vaccination of 70 per cent of the population by mid-2022. That underscores the urgent need to continue promoting vaccine equity through international solidarity and addressing vaccine hesitancy by countering disinformation and raising awareness about the science-backed facts regarding the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines. Despite the challenges that we have encountered, which are common to many developing countries, Botswana has procured enough vaccines to administer to all eligible groups, thus enabling significant progress, with 64 per cent of our population now fully vaccinated. However, much more needs to be done.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“I will be hosting a side event on diamonds for development later this evening, through which I hope to further broaden conversations and allow our partners within the United Nations, Governments, civil society and the private sector to join us in ensuring that my country, Botswana, will also be part of the United Nations family, espoused around shared power, wealth and opportunity, as we endeavour to realize the 2030 Agenda. Despite our challenges, my Government continues to play its part in contributing to the international agenda and ensuring that our peoples’ access to medicines is part and parcel of their health care, while ensuring that the economy also recovers from the pandemic.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In the meantime, diamonds are still the bedrock of our economy. It is in that respect that the words of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the call for a common agenda resonate with me. I like in particular the call by the Secretary-General for a global view whereby power, wealth and opportunity are shared more broadly and fairly at the international level. For my country, that translates into a fair and equitable opportunity to use the resources that we have to develop our people and give them an equal opportunity to contribute and share in global wealth. As we continue to advocate for the Kimberley Process, I wish to remind the Assembly that Botswana’s story is unquestionable proof and living testimony that diamonds, with good governance, are for development. In fact, diamonds are a serious matter of livelihoods.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Botswana is a nation that would never have been able to realize its development had we not held firmly to our belief in the principles of democracy, centred on the rule of law, good governance and the protection and enjoyment of basic human rights by our people. However, I must admit that we face an uphill battle in our investment efforts to attract investors to help us diversify our economy away from dependence on diamonds. I have stood before the General Assembly and I have engaged in different forums, when the opportunity arises, to share the Botswana story with a view to encouraging partnerships to augment our efforts towards diversification. I trust that those who are attentive to our call are more in number, and I firmly believe that they, too, aspire to share a part of our story.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“However, we were fortunate to discover what has turned out to be the world’s largest diamond reserve across the Kimberley Belt. For those less acquainted with the development path we have travelled as a country, that is not the entire reflection of the Botswana story. Our story is based on the humanity, principles and tenacity that we have as a people, as Botswana. It is a story of the wisdom of our forefathers, who avoided the misfortune that often accompanied the discovery and exploitation of minerals in other parts of the world and elected instead to turn the discovery of diamonds into a story for development.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“This session gives us an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to those solutions. In his comprehensive report Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), the Secretary-General has offered us a boost with concrete ideas and recommendations to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and to close the existing gaps in our multilateral frameworks. I wish therefore to preface my remarks, through which I will share my country’s progress in recovering from COVID-19 and moving towards a transformative and sustainable development, by reminding the Assembly of Botswana’s road to development. Many in this Hall may only know the Botswana of now, which is an upper-middle-income country. That is a status that we are proud of, given that when we attained our independence, only 56 years ago, we were among the poorest in the world.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Given the interconnectedness of those challenges, it is evident that they can be effectively addressed only with a holistic approach. That further demonstrates the enduring relevance of the Charter of the United Nations, which 77 years ago established the three founding pillars of the United Nations system — human rights, peace and security, and development — as interrelated and mutually reinforcing. As United Nations Member States, we should look no further for those solutions than in the already existing key multilateral frameworks, among them the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations (resolution 75/1), as well as the outcomes of major United Nations meetings.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“I am delighted that the two Presidents worked very cooperatively on addressing vaccine equity, the sustainable development of Africa, financing for sustainable recovery and the nexus between natural resources and sustainable development, among other priorities. Close collaboration among principal organs of the United Nations is beneficial and must be promoted. Botswana endorses Mr. Korosi’s choice of the theme for this session, “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges”. We concur with his observation that the current global challenges —namely, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the war in Ukraine, humanitarian challenges and climate change — are complex and interconnected and hence require transformative solutions.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“At the outset, I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Csaba Korosi and his country, Hungary, on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-seventh session. I am certain that this organ will benefit greatly from the wealth of knowledge and experience he has acquired during his illustrious career in the diplomatic service, including his term here in New York as Hungary’s Permanent Representative, when he co-chaired the intergovernmental process and ushered in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I must particularly express gratitude to the outgoing President for his close coordination and collaboration with other principal organs, particularly the Economic and Social Council, which Botswana was honoured to lead as its seventy-seventh President.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm Botswana’s commitment to, and belief in multilateralism and international cooperation as an indispensable mechanism for fostering peace and security, promoting human rights and sustainable development. It is beyond the shadow of doubt that the United Nations remains more relevant now than it was 75 years ago. This is in view of the complex and multi-faceted challenges confronting humanity today. Inevitably, the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and many others, will become a key determinant of the model of the real future we want and the United Nations we need to recover faster and build a more peaceful, just, and prosperous world for the future generation! I thank you for your attention.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Essentially, Botswana remains deeply committed to combating terrorism in all its forms. We thus continue to take the necessary steps to prevent and combat this scourge. This includes the strengthening our Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing regime. This is testimony to our firm commitment to contribute towards bolstering the integrity and security of the global financial system. We appreciate the support provided by the United Nations Office for Counter- Terrorism and other partners, to enhance the capacity of Botswana’s newly established Counter Terrorism Analysis and Fusion Agency in order to enable us to mitigate the exposure to this menace.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“There is however a need for partnerships and more donor funding for the effective operationalisation of this important plan. Mr. President, Turning now to peace and stability in the Southern African region, I note that while it remains relatively stable, there is an emerging threat to peace and security, due to increasing acts of terrorism and insurgency. As the current Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Botswana is committed to ensure that close attention is given to the imperative to combat terrorism and other security threats in order to enhance peace and stability in the SADC region. Mr. President, It has been indisputably established that terrorism knows no borders. It remains a serious threat to international peace and security.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Mr President, I also wish to take this occasion to reaffirm Botswana’s support for the Human Rights Council on its extensive work in adopting outcomes that advance the global human rights agenda. International Peace and Security Mr. President, My delegation applauds the United Nation’s continued efforts to maintain global peace and security in the midst of a pandemic. We welcome the Secretary- General’s Appeal for Global Ceasefire and its intended effort of halting armed conflict to allow the world to focus on the more pressing and bigger battle against the pandemic. Also commendable is the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan which is designed to provide relief to the most vulnerable groups particularly in conflict affected and low income countries.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“These climatic conditions affect livelihoods by impeding food production. Moreover, recent droughts have resulted in the drying up of water sources including for wildlife. This has contributed to animal deaths and the escalation of the human-wildlife conflict. In order to strengthen mitigation and adaptation, my Government is developing a Climate Change Response Policy and a National Adaptation Plan. Working with civil society, academia, and international partners, we are accelerating our implementation of our commitments under the Paris Agreement. Human Rights Mr. President, Botswana fully subscribes to the three mutually reinforcing pillars upon which the United Nations was founded. We hold firm that the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law are critical to sustainable development, peace and security.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Though the jury is still out on the reforms, my delegation observes that the Management Reforms have brought about some improvements to the organisation’s crisis response. We nonetheless believe more remains to be done, and we encourage the General Assembly and other principal organs to step up their own reform efforts. Climate Change Mr. President, While COVID-19 is a devastating pandemic, which caught the world unaware and ill-prepared, Climate Change is a phenomenon we are well aware of, and can mitigate against its repercussions. We long declared Climate Change an existential threat, and committed to restrain its rapid devastation. We should therefore re-double our efforts to mitigate its negative effects. Botswana, a semi-arid country with erratic rainfall and frequent droughts, attaches great importance to Goal 13 (Climate Action).”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Being a landlocked country, Botswana has, during this pandemic experienced some challenges with cross-border movement of goods and services due to border closures. In this context, we call for an accelerated effort in the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action, the Istanbul Program of Action and the SAMOA Pathway, which are designed to ameliorate the challenges faced by these groups of countries. For the UN’s multilateral framework to be effective in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges, we need a United Nations that is nimble, agile and fit for purpose. Indeed, since the crisis started, we have seen the Secretariat demonstrating these organisational qualities in its response.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“For the long term, post COVID 19 recovery multilateral efforts are needed to provide comprehensive support to the most vulnerable countries and populations. My delegation thus welcomes the idea of a recovery that is focused on building back better, faster and even greener and fostering resilience. This is ever so critical for countries emerging from conflict and other humanitarian crises, as well as those still living under unfortunate conditions of foreign occupation. Of keen interest to Botswana will also be support given to countries in special situations such as Least Developed Countries; Landlocked Developing Countries; and Small Island Developing States as the most vulnerable category of United Nations Member States.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan will thus add impetus to implementation of these initiatives. COVID-19 and Multilateral Action Mr. President, As is evident with any global problem, Nation-States do not have the capacity to address the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects, on their own. A multilateral response is without question, imperative. We therefore echo the call for a rule based and inclusive multilateralism that is open to the voices of civil society, the private sector, and academia as key stakeholders and partners, in shaping the global response. For Botswana, an ideal multilateral response will be one that has short and long-term perspectives. In the short-term, there is a need to provide immediate relief and safety nets to vulnerable countries and peoples.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The suspension of international travel and the global economic meltdown have dealt a heavy blow on the two mainstays of our economy; tourism and diamond mining. The repeated lockdowns and other COVID-19 protocols have also significantly reduced economic activity. In its response, my Government availed an economic relief package to support the economy and complement disease containment measures. The Government is now working on an “Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan” that is intended to support the restoration of economic activity; facilitate economic growth; accelerate economic transformation; and build a resilient of the economy. Whereas our economy has been disrupted, Government remains strongly committed to its pre-COVID-19 sustainable development-oriented policies and programs.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“President, My delegation notes the unfortunate global increase in violence against women and girls amid the current health crisis. As countries went into lockdowns and people stayed home, many women and girls, regrettably, became an easy target of human predators and were subjected to Gender Based Violence (GBV). This trend goes against the aspirations of Goal 5: Gender Equality and requires our strenuous and collective action. While the GBV scourge had already been a concern in Botswana, it increased alarmingly during the COVID-19 crisis. To address this problem, my Government has intensified the implementation of the National Strategy towards Ending Gender Based Violence. Botswana’s Response to COVID-19 Mr. President, As I stated, COVID-19 has been detrimental to Botswana’s economy.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“However, as at June 2020, the World Bank projected that the pandemic could push an additional 71 million people into extreme poverty in 2020, therefore reversing the gains made in recent decades. Certainly, this turn of events demands our urgent collective action if we are to eradicate poverty in all its multi-dimensional forms everywhere, and for everyone affected, by 2030. For its part, my Government will continue to empower and uplift the poor through a variety of the poverty eradication programmes. These programmes equip and enable beneficiaries to start micro and small scale enterprises for better survival. Such programmes have uplifted beneficiaries from poverty through sustainable income generation, creation and sustenance. Mr.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)