27 Sep 2016

The Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi returned on September 26 from New York, after attending the 71st Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-71).
In an interview upon his arrival, Mr Masisi said the UNGA-71 held aimed at maintaining the 2015 momentum where leaders adopted the 20130 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said while in United States, he addressed the General Assembly on behalf of President Lt. General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama.
Mr Masisi said Botswana remains deeply concerned about acts of terror, conflict and human suffering that have precipitated the vast and large displacement of people across the globe.
Botswana, he said had long recognised that in order for Sustainable Development to be achieved, it had to be nationally owned.
He said for Botswana managed to achieve the modest economic growth in the past 50 years of an independent statehood due to adherence to principles, coupled with the judicious exploitation of natural resources and international development support.
The Vice President noted that all that was based on inclusive, accountable, democratic and strong institutions and processes.
Mr Masisi stated that on September 30, Botswana would be celebrating its 50th Anniversary of Independence, adding that the country was once among the poorest nations of the world with a GDP per capita of about US$70 in 1966.
He said Botswana has managed to be counted amongst the Middle Income Countries (MICs), because it based the development of the society on four key national principles of Democracy, Development, Unity and Self-reliance.
Reflecting on challenges and modest achievements made so far, Mr Masisi said he was proud that ‘Botswana is among Africa's most stable democracies, having held free, fair and peaceful multi-party elections every 5 years without interruption.’
He said in celebrating 50 years of independent nationhood, Botswana was conscious of the fact that it could not have achieved the milestones without the much needed support and solidarity of the international community.
On other issues, Mr Masisi said the General Assembly also focused on the threat posed by climate change adding that should not be underestimated.
He called for urgent and effective global action on climate change mitigation and adaptation to avoid the catastrophic consequences of global warming.
“Botswana is already feeling the adverse impact of climate change. Such impact manifests through the decline in agricultural production, increased food insecurity and increased water stress.
Furthermore, Vice President Masisi said he held several bilateral meetings and participated in a number of high-level discussions such as the US-Africa Business Forum, a high-level Summit which focused on large movements of refugees and migrants and the Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development.
He said the US Africa Business Forum business people showed great interest in Botswana and offered their will to assist anyhow. They said they could assist the country in terms of funding as well as IT to provide employment much needed by the youth.
The Vice President said Botswana was hailed by President Barrack Obama of United States of America, as being among the four desirable nations in the world.
He also hailed Botswana for universal ideals and moral ethos, adding that ‘Botswana is an example of a peaceful country and that he wished every country was like Botswana where people would achieve humanity.’
He said US President described Botswana as a ‘model of good governance to ordinary people’, which cherishes freedom, peace and the full enjoyment of life.
Mr Masisi also reaffirmed Botswana’s continued commitment to playing her part in the quest for international peace and security. He also added that Botswana remained commitment to the international community’s unrelenting efforts towards making the world a safer and more prosperous place for both present and future generations.
The Vice President who was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Vincent Seretse and other senior government officials left the country for New York on September 18. Ends