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

“So far, 86 per cent of people living with HIV have tested and know their status. And of those who know, 83 per cent are on treatment and 90 per cent are virally suppressed. Mr. President Botswana is accelerating access to inclusive, equitable quality education through, amongst other interventions, the implementation of the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan. The ETSSP, as it’s commonly known, aims to transform learning by ensuring access, retention, and promoting life-long learning and skills development. Poverty Eradication Mr. President It is noted that before the pandemic, an estimated 783 million people were living in extreme poverty globally.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“President As I alluded, in Botswana, like in many countries, the pandemic has had far-reaching impact on our lives and livelihoods. For our already vulnerable health sector, the pandemic joins a list of challenges, which include: child mortality; non communicable diseases; and HIV and AIDS. In responding to the escalating rate of Non-Communicable Diseases, my Government has adopted the Multi-sectoral strategy for Prevention and Control of NCDs for 2018-2023. The strategy focuses on prevention measures and enhancing the quality of life for those affected. Our longstanding battle against HIV and AIDS remains a key priority for my Government. In this context, I am happy to inform that Botswana is well on track to achieve the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS 90-90-90 UNAIDS’s treatment target.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“President, The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), constitute a firm blueprint that should continue to guide us in our global and national plans. We in Botswana remain committed to accelerate our efforts towards the attainment of SDGs during this remaining ‘Decade of Action.’ To realize this ambition, my Government is resolute in the transformation of Botswana’s economy from one that largely relies on the extractive industry, which is vulnerable to globe shocks, to a knowledge-based economy. To this end, my Government has introduced economic policy reforms to stimulate and fast-track transformation in many sectors. These actions are aimed at creating an enabling environment for private sector development in pursuit of Goal 8, that is, Decent work and Economic Growth. Mr.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We particularly appreciate the leadership provided by the UN Secretary- General during this unprecedented time, particularly his call for a global ceasefire, as well as an affordable COVID-19 vaccine that will be accessed by “every person, everywhere.” Mr. President, As we reflect on how to effectively leverage on multilateralism and international cooperation to better tackle the challenges exposed by COVID-19, it is incumbent upon us to also further examine the ways to strengthen the UN’s response capacities. In doing so, we should also seize the opportunity to re-double our ambition towards attainment of the 2030 Agenda; the future we want. We should galvanize momentum to accelerate SDGs implementation by building on the Secretary General’s wise call for a “Decade of Action”. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Mr.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We can all agree, that our collective cooperation will be required to repair our nations’ devastated economies and restore the livelihoods of our societies. As the foremost multilateral institution, the United Nations and its most noticable specialised agency; the World Health Organisation (WHO), are better suited to mobilise action relating to immediate and long-term responses to the COVID 19 pandemic. We have, without a doubt, seen the organisation move swiftly to support national response efforts in vulnerable parts of the world. Most noticeably were the UN “Solidarity flights” that delivered life-saving medical supplies to the neediest around the world. My delegation welcomes the initiatives and urgent response measures undertaken by the UN System, especially the support rendered, through the UN Country Teams, to this global crisis.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“President, Botswana endorses the theme of this General Assembly Session: “The Future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism — confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action.” This theme is a timely reminder of the value and significance of multilateralism as the ultimate framework through which everlasting solutions to existing and emerging global challenges can be attained. Indeed, the world is a much safer and secure place when our nations work together towards collective responses to the complex threats of our time. Now, more than ever before, multilateral action is needed to effectively respond to an urgent global public health crisis of a kind which has not been seen since the Spanish Flu of 1918.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“I am confident that, like other challenges before, we will, together put up a spirited fight against it and emerge wiser, stronger and more resilient in our preparedness to deal with similar pandemics. Mr. President, I join other delegations that have spoken before me in congratulating you on your assumption of the Presidency of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. We welcome the priorities you presented, and pledge my delegation’s full support in the execution of your mandate. Let me also take this opportunity to extend our profound gratitude to your predecessor, His Excellency Professor Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, for his stewardship of the General Assembly during its 74th Session. Mr.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Mr. President, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honoured to address this 75th United Nations General Assembly for the first time since the renewal of my mandate as President of the Republic of Botswana at our General Elections, held on 23 October 2019. This Assembly is unique in many ways. It marks the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations, it is virtual, and it is held against the backdrop of the greatest challenge of our time, the COVID-19 pandemic. Allow me therefore, to extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to families and friends, throughout the world, who have been affected by the pandemic. I also pay special tribute to all those in the frontline of this battle.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Among other things, SDG 16 calls for a substantial reduction of corruption and bribery in all their forms, strengthening the recovery and return of stolen assets and developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. In conclusion, I want to reaffirm Botswana’s commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our actions should be bold and transformative as we build a better future for our nations and succeeding generations. We should stand firm behind our mantra of leaving no one behind. Let us not be hesitant in demonstrating global leadership, collective responsibility and collaborative partnerships involving all countries and peoples of the world. The future is truly in our hands.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We want to commend the Secretary-General for initiating reforms of the peace and security pillar aimed at strengthening United Nations capacities in conflict prevention and resolution, mediation, peacekeeping, peacemaking, post-conflict reconstruction and development, peacebuilding and sustaining peace. To bolster international peacemaking efforts, African leaders have committed themselves to funding 25 per cent of peace support operations in Africa by 2021 and to silencing the guns by 2020. I therefore want to applaud regional organizations for their commitment to that noble cause. With regard to corruption, as a global community we need to address the problems of illicit financial flows, money-laundering and corruption, which are haemorrhaging the resources needed to implement the SDGs.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“On international peace and security, Botswana remains deeply concerned about the protracted conflicts in Afghanistan, Mali, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen. It is estimated that over the past decade, violent conflicts have led to the forced displacement of over 68.5 million people. Studies show that conflicts contribute to increases in slums, hunger and food insecurity, thereby worsening humanitarian crises. We therefore urge all parties to those conflicts to uphold their obligation to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel, in accordance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We also want to stress that dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts are critical to the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In that regard, we continue to support efforts aimed at fighting impunity and at implementing the principle of the responsibility to protect populations from such atrocities as genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Accordingly, we reaffirm our full support for the Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC achieved a milestone this year when it commemorated the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, which founded the Court. Since its establishment, in 2002, the International Criminal Court has contributed significantly to the strengthening of the international criminal justice system through its prosecution of grave international crimes.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“It is our firm conviction that strengthened United Nations country teams and reinvigorated Resident Coordinator systems will contribute significantly to the achievement of the SDGs. Botswana also welcomes the signing of the African Union-United Nations Framework for the Implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to ensure the effective coordination, execution and monitoring of those two instruments as well as reporting on them. That coordination will hopefully ensure that there is no duplication of effort, thereby allowing for the effective use of our already limited resources. On human rights, Botswana remains committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law, which are critical to sustainable development, prosperity and peaceful societies.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Investment in information and communications technology is undertaken to promote growth and economic diversification and to support e-Government services and innovation in the economy. We note that the implementation of the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development faces immense constraints in terms of resources and capacity. In that respect, we welcome the efforts of the United Nations to address those challenges through the adoption of resolution 72/279, on the repositioning of the United Nations development system, in May 2018. The resolution is vital in that it aims at supporting countries in their efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Additionally, the Government provides social protection to such vulnerable groups as children, young persons, the elderly and persons living with disabilities through a policy addressing out-of-school children, the orphan-care programme and the old-age pension scheme. Other development interventions aimed at increasing access to economic and social opportunities include poverty eradication, women and youth empowerment, and a national policy on gender and development. Furthermore, we are giving priority to investments in research and development, science, technology and innovation in order to transform Botswana into a high- income-status nation and knowledge-based economy.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Above all, the Government of Botswana has developed several policies, programmes and strategies, such as our economic diversification drive initiative, our citizen economic empowerment policy, youth empowerment scheme and youth development fund, to support sustainable economic development and employment creation. To ensure that development benefits all, my Government continues to make substantial investments in the provision of health care, decent housing and shelter through interventions such as the Treat All Strategy, preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, a self-help housing agency and a programme to house the destitute.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In pursuit of those goals and aspirations, we have given priority to economic diversification, sustainable economic growth, employment creation and investment in human capital with a view to building a prosperous and inclusive society. In particular, the focus is on our young people, who constitute 60 per cent of the population of Botswana. In that regard, our ultimate goal is to attain universal access to pre-primary, primary and secondary education. We are also expanding access to tertiary, technical and vocational education and training. In addition, we are developing a national employment policy, the objective of which is to assist Botswana in reaching gainful and productive employment and decent work for all.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Additionally, we have established a national steering committee to effectively coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have also developed Botswana’s SDGs road map, which is a guide for the achievement of the goals contained within the SDGs, covering the period from 2017 to 2036. My Government has adopted a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the implementation and monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals. It aims to ensure broad ownership and leadership at the local, community and national levels and to break down silos across the development spectrum by forging strategic partnerships among the Government, academia, civil society organizations, community- based organizations, development partners, the private sector, non-State actors and the United Nations system.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In addition, we have six national priorities that are aligned with our national Vision pillars — developing diversified sources of economic growth, human capital development and social development, the sustainable use of national resources, the consolidation of good governance, strengthening national security and the implementation of an effective monitoring and evaluation system. With those in mind, our sustainable development pathway strikes a balance among the social, human, economic, environmental and governance dimensions. The implementation of our national Vision 2036 and the eleventh national development plan is underpinned by a robust monitoring and evaluation system to ensure the effective delivery of these programmes’ goals and aspirations.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In that respect, we are pleased to note that extreme poverty continues to decline across the globe, even though we still have a long way to go, given that 35 per cent of Africa’s population — 395 million people — still live in abject poverty. As we begin the third year of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, my Government remains steadfast in its resolve to improve the material and social well-being of Botswana’s population. Our national development agenda places “people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership” at the heart of sustainable development. In that regard, our national Vision 2036 is anchored to four pillars: sustainable economic development; human and social development; sustainable environment; and governance, peace and security.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In view of the development challenges facing my country, I want to reiterate our appeal for continued support in human capital, infrastructure and capacity development for the private sector and technology transfer. On sustainable development, Botswana reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Accordingly, we have aligned our national Vision 2036 with that global Agenda. At the regional level, we are also pleased that the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Southern African Development Community’s integration agenda are also aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. What those development agendas have in common is that they are aimed at eradicating poverty and creating inclusive, prosperous and peaceful societies.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Consequently, we need to act together to strengthen multilateralism and honour and implement the commitments made by the General Assembly and global partnerships for sustainable development. It is also imperative that the global community continue to support individual countries, taking into account their unique development challenges. For instance, while Botswana is classified as an upper- middle-income country, it is still dealing with many development challenges comparable to those of less- developed countries. However, we are reassured by the words the Secretary-General used when he said that the United Nations “stands ready to work with all Member States to make the Sustainable Development Goals a reality for everyone, everywhere”.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“It is a clarion call for us to end extreme poverty and ensure the provision of quality education, health care, infrastructure, housing and employment for all. I am pleased that the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2018 indicates that there are more people living healthier lives today than there were a decade ago. However, we should be reminded that much more still needs to be done to achieve prosperity for all, especially in view of the fact that an estimated 783 million people live in extreme poverty, 2.3 billion still lack access to basic levels of sanitation services and 4 billion are without social protection. It is therefore apparent that none of us, whether big or small, can overcome those gigantic development challenges alone.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I want especially to commend him for the reforms that he has initiated, which are aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the Organization. My delegation welcomes the theme of the general debate of the seventy-third session of the General Assembly, “Making the United Nations relevant to all people: global leadership and shared responsibilities for peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies”. We are particularly pleased to note that it builds on last year’s theme, which also focused on people and emphasized the nexus between peace and a decent life for everyone on the planet. That shows the steadfast commitment of the United Nations to ensuring sustainable development for all. Clearly, the principle of leaving no one behind should remain our long-term aspiration.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés on her election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-third session. Her election is particularly noteworthy as this is only the fourth time a woman has held the position since the founding of our world body, 73 years ago, and she is the first woman to do so from the Latin American and Caribbean region. I would like to assure her of the full support and cooperation of my delegation as she discharges her mandate, and we wish her every success. Let me also take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, who competently presided over the deliberations of the General Assembly at its seventy-second session. I also wish to thank our Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, for his outstanding leadership and stewardship of the United Nations.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“It is indeed an honour and privilege for me to address the General Assembly for the first time in my capacity as the President of the Republic of Botswana, after assuming office on 1 April. I succeeded our former President Lieutenant General Serêtsê Khama Ian Khama, who retired at the end of his term in office. It was the fifth time that Botswana has witnessed a smooth transfer of power since its independence, in 1966. Allow me to join other delegations in paying tribute to the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, who passed away on 18 August. Mr. Annan will be remembered as an international statesman and an icon who devoted his entire life to serving humankind. Let me also join other delegations in congratulating Ms.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We wish him well and a well-deserved retirement. In the spirit of the Charter, and as inspired by the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, let us push to transform our world and leave no one behind.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I wish to reaffirm Botswana’s continued commitment to playing its full part in the quest for international peace and security, as well as to the international community’s unrelenting efforts to make the world a safer and more prosperous place for both present and future generations. Finally, as we are in the United States of America, we wish the people of America successful elections in November. We hope that the person who emerges victorious will be someone who is known to be tolerant and who embraces all people. Allow me, in the same breath, to return in equal measure the accolades extended to us by President Obama. We in Botswana fully recognize, remain confident in and exalt the leadership of President Obama. These indeed have been eight glorious years — the best years for the United States of America and Africa by any measure.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Let me conclude by commending Brazil for hosting a successful Olympic Games despite criticisms in some quarters that predicted failure while disseminating messages of fear linking the Games with the issues of, inter alia, the zika virus and terrorism. In a related matter, we strongly condemn the International Paralympic Committee for its blanket ban of Russian athletes. Botswana does not condone doping in any way, but to punish clean athletes is discrimination. Those who participate in the Paralympic Games are disabled, and the Games are a way of including them in the mainstream and helping them overcome their challenges. For a body that was set up specifically to show compassion and caring to treat people like that is indeed a gross injustice. We believe that there is an agenda beyond its stated reasons for doing so.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“It is crucial that we step up our efforts in the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) in order to effectively protect women and children in armed conflict and involve them at all levels and processes of mediation, peacekeeping, peace maintenance, reconstruction and development, given the fact that they suffer most from the effects of armed conflict. As a peace-loving nation, Botswana reaffirms its abiding faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the various multilateral instruments under international humanitarian law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“In that regard, we wish to commend civil society for its tireless efforts in providing humanitarian aid to those in dire need. In the same vein, we reiterate our long-held belief, which is shared by many, and in line with the hallowed principle of the responsibility to protect, that States have the primary responsibility to protect their own populations from genocide, ethnic cleansing, war crimes and crimes against humanity. We commend human rights organizations’ work in exposing such violations wherever they occur in the world. As a staunch supporter of the International Criminal Court, we stand by all efforts to fight impunity and strengthen the international criminal justice system in order to bring justice to the victims of such crimes. We urge all States signatories of the Rome Statute to uphold their commitments.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“As a community of nations bound by universal ideals and a shared moral ethos, it would be a dereliction of our responsibilities if we did not hold one another accountable in the event of breaches of the very fundamental values of human rights that the Organization is committed to uphold. In the light of the increasing security threats, we call upon the Security Council, as the organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security, to demonstrate seriousness in executing that important mandate. It can no longer be acceptable to hide behind the veto while millions of innocent lives are lost. We continue to express our sympathies to those afflicted by disasters such as earthquakes, floods and other natural calamities. We extend our condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the past year.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We are equally concerned about, and strongly condemn, the continued blatant contravention of international law and United Nations resolutions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea through its callous testing of ballistic missiles. To demonstrate our abhorrence, Botswana terminated its diplomatic relations with that rogue State. In fact, in our opinion, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Syria do not deserve membership of this world body, owing to their lack of respect for, and adherence to, the values and principles that they committed to uphold.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Clearly, the current situation of receiving such people serves only to encourage others to follow their predecessors. As a member of the community of nations that cherishes freedom, peace and the fulfilment and enjoyment of life, Botswana remains deeply concerned about the many acts of terror, conflict and human suffering that have precipitated the vast and large displacement of people across the globe. In that regard, we are concerned about the protracted Syrian crisis, which could have been contained had the Security Council and the international community intervened promptly. History will judge us harshly, for we have allowed the situation to degenerate into what it is today. However, we are well aware that Al-Assad, as well as his system, which slaughters the innocent, is not the only party committing crimes against humanity.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The threat must not be underestimated. Urgent and effective global action on climate change, mitigation and adaptation is required to avoid the catastrophic consequences of global warming. The seventy-first session of the General Assembly provides a strategic opportunity for injecting much needed-political momentum into the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda, which this organ unanimously adopted exactly one year ago. The recent high-level event on large movements of refugees and migrants, held just a few days ago, is a stark reminder of the challenges we continue to face as a planet. While we commend all States that take on the burden of receiving displaced people, that is not the only answer. More effort should be put into addressing the problem and finding solutions in the countries from which they come.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“In celebrating 50 years of independent nationhood, we are conscious of the fact that we could not have achieved all those milestones without the much-needed support and solidarity of the international community. For that we shall forever remain grateful to our reliable global partners, who have stood with us throughout the challenging journey. We have today made great strides and achievements in the areas of education, health care, infrastructure and human-resource development, as well as women and youth empowerment. Those achievements, however, should not make us complacent. Like many nations, Botswana is already feeling the adverse impact of climate change. Such impact is manifested in a decline in agricultural production, rising food insecurity and increasing water stress, all of which are projected to worsen with time.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“From next to nothing, we placed a high premium on building a united, democratic and accountable nation premised on respect for democracy, human rights, the rule of law and strong institutions. Conscious of the prevailing circumstances and challenges, we chose to base the development of our society on four key national development principles, that is, democracy, development, unity and self- reliance. As we reflect on our challenges and the modest achievements that we have made, we are proud of the fact that we are among Africa’s most stable democracies, having held free, fair and peaceful multiparty elections every five years without interruption. It is our every intention to continue along that path.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“It is destined to be an international charity case forever, exporting its ablest men and its cattle in exchange for cash and kindness from abroad.” With about 3 kilometres of paved roads in the entire country, with 42 graduates, a few primary schools, a single railway line, operated by neighbouring hostile and white-minority-ruled then-Rhodesia, and one national radio station, which broadcast for two hours a day, ours is a country born out of humble beginnings, from which we managed our own development. Having joined the United Nations in 1966, together with Lesotho, Guyana and Barbados, we are proud and contented to look back on the experiment we started and see that it was well worth the try.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“But elsewhere in the vast, trackless wasteland that will take the name of Botswana there is little to celebrate.” He continued: “Two years of disastrous drought and crop failure have brought havoc and hunger to its widely scattered agricultural inhabitants. More than one fifth of the population is literally being kept alive by emergency feeding, and the numbers are rapidly increasing ... “It also has debts and economic misery.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“When we, like the rest of Africa, told the world that we were ready for self-governance, many sceptics, historians and commentators — including many in Africa — thought of us as a basket case that was neither ready for, nor capable of, real independence. In fact, on 28 September 1966, two days before we joined the community of sovereign nations, one cynical Canadian journalist, a certain Mr. Charles King of the Southern News Service, wrote an article entitled “Bechuanaland Poor, Hungry Desert Land, Independence to Come Friday”, observing that “The new blue, white and black flags are flying everywhere in Gaberones, its incongruous capital city.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Botswana has long recognized that, in order to achieve sustainable development, there must be national ownership. It must be based on inclusive, accountable, democratic and strong institutions and processes. For Botswana, adherence to those principles, together with the judicious exploitation of natural resources and international development support, has enabled us to achieve what we have achieved in the 50 years since our independence. In a week, on 30 September, Botswana will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary of independence. I would once again like to remind the Assembly that in 1966 we were among the poorest nations of the world, with a gross domestic product per capita of approximately $70. Since then we have managed to attain middle-income status.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“On behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana, Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, allow me to join previous speakers in congratulating His Excellency Mr. Peter Thomson on his assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventy- first session. I also pay homage to his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Mogens Lykketoft. My delegation fully endorses the pertinent choice of theme for this session, namely, “The Sustainable Development Goals: a universal push to transform our world”. We are aware of the need for and importance of reviewing, monitoring and evaluating the progress made in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals over the next 15 years, which has been one of the main lessons learned from the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Good governance should not apply to politics alone, but to all institutions, especially international organizations. Let me conclude by reaffirming Botswana’s commitment to and abiding faith in the purposes and founding principles of the United Nations. We are strongly committed to a world that nurtures and sustains all life within the natural limits of the living planet, leaving absolutely no one behind. Botswana is truly optimistic in its belief that, with genuine political will and concerted collective effort, such a world can be achieved.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“My delegation and I are hopeful that, as we commemorate the 70 years of the United Nations, we can have unanimous agreement that judicial accountability, inclusive governance and the protection and promotion of human rights are essential elements for peaceful societies. That should not be seen as the preserve of the International Criminal Court or of the Security Council alone, but rather as a shared responsibility and norm of the global community. Finally, the sooner the world is rid of the feeble leadership of Sepp Blatter at the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the better. Corruption, poor governance and a leader who has gone well beyond his sell-by date make that organization almost a mirror image of a failed State.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Our belief in the International Criminal Court as the only standing international criminal tribunal for war crimes and crimes against humanity is unwavering. The Botswana Government regrets that non-cooperation by some States parties to the Rome Statute still plagues the Court, creating leeway for continued impunity and escape from accountability for crimes against humanity. We therefore urge all parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to stand fully behind the Court. Cooperation is vital to for the assurance of the Court’s integrity and effective functioning.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In reality, however, some States, such as Syria, are manifestly failing to exercise that responsibility. Instead, they violate international humanitarian law with shameful impunity. Clearly, that should trigger the application of measures under pillars two and three of the responsibility to protect — yet nothing is happening. Might it be time to make the responsibility to protect a formal agenda item for debate by the General Assembly? Perhaps such a debate could provide sufficient impetus for the Security Council to carry the full mantle of its mandate, including by improving its relationship with the International Criminal Court in order to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators of crimes against humanity. Botswana’s commitment to a strong and effective international justice system remains resolute.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We deeply regret that action on that matter continues to be frustrated by divisions within the Council. In the light of such challenges, Botswana continues to firmly support the initiative of France calling for the permanent members of the Council to refrain from using their veto power in situations involving mass atrocities. The United Nations, which promotes democracy around the globe, should lead by example. The Security Council is not an example of democracy when permanent membership is limited to five countries, which have a veto. There should be no permanent members and no veto at all. The practice of might making right is actually wrong. 4/25 15-29664 01/10/2015 A/70/PV.23 Generally speaking, States have the primary responsibility to ensure the protection of their people.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Botswana is profoundly troubled that the Security Council nonetheless seems paralysed by the hard divisions among its members that prevent it from upholding its responsibilities under Chapter V of the Charter of the United Nations and from taking decisive action against the Syrian Government. Despite the carnage and property destruction of unspeakable proportions that have raged in that country since 2011, some Council members still obstruct initiatives intended to end the war and alleviate the desperate plight of the poor Syrian people. Horrified by the torment visited with appalling impunity upon the Syrian people by their own Government, Botswana joined 58 concerned members of the international community in 2013 to petition the Security Council to refer Syria to the International Criminal Court.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We hope that lasting solutions can be found before there is any further loss of innocent lives and before instability becomes entrenched in those societies. In other parts of the world, we remain deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has remained unresolved for several decades, without any real promise of an end in sight. Botswana continues to lend its unequivocal support to the two-State solution, and we join the call for constructive dialogue by the parties involved. Of particular concern in the Middle East are the political crisis in Yemen and the protracted war in Syria. The latter especially has wreaked unprecedented havoc on a people, to an extent not seen since the Second World War.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Terrorism, including the emergence of abductions as one of its many forms, further increases the complexity of the response to conflict in areas of unrest. In a world in which borders are porous and nations are increasingly interdependent, threats to security in any region have consequences for all. The only difference is in the degree of impact. In Africa, the situations in Somalia, Libya and South Sudan, to mention but a few, are a current preoccupation and a cause of deep concern for the continent. However, the African Union, through its regional mechanisms and international support, is actively engaged in efforts to resolve the conflicts. Botswana remains fully supportive of those ongoing efforts.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)