25 Sep 2017

Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi arrived back on September 24 from the 72nd Regular Session of the United Nation General Assembly in New York where he addressed delegates on various issues.

The session was held under the theme: "Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for all on a Sustainable Planet.”

Vice President Masisi also held bilateral meetings as well as participate in a number of high-level discussions and side events, including the summit on a global pact for the environment; high-level side event in collaboration with UNAIDS titled: Fast Track: Quickening the Pace of Action to end AIDS; the United Nations Security Council high-level debate on peace-keeping; the high-level meeting of the education commission; the high-level event on the 3rd Industrial Development Decade for Africa – 2016 to 2025, among others.

Speaking to the press upon arrival, the Vice President explained that a number of issues were discussed at the general assembly which were centred around peace and sustainable development which was Botswana’s position on the international outlook.

He said Botswana gave a report to the United Nations which was centered around what the country was doing domestically and internationally, which also entailed the National Development Plan 11.

The Vice President further explained that issues of women empowerment, poverty eradication and attention to people living with disabilities were also discussed at the forum.

He also said there was need for Botswana to green its economy and apply solar energy as issues of climate change were now a reality.

With respect to the international outlook, the Vice President explained that there was commitment for countries to resolve their problems with dialogue, which was Botswana’s core mandate.

He explained that the meeting resolved to implore other countries that veered of the principles of the United Nations to come back in line and condemn the North Korean regime.

Mr Masisi said there was a lot of reaction and surprise to the issue of North Korea.

He also explained that the meeting spoke of the necessity to adhere to the principles of the Paris Agreement, adding that the recent hurricanes was a testimony that climate change was a reality. ENDS