14 Nov 2017

In an effort to promote public education and dialogue on bioethics and research ethics, Botswana in collaboration with UNESCO for Eastern and Southern Africa hosted a regional ethics/bioethics conference.

The conference which was held under the theme: SDGs and the role of ethics in Southern Africa: Promoting bioethics, ethics education and research outcome, recommended the mainstreaming of bioethics and research ethics in the curriculum for institutions of higher learning and the establishment of regional networks with a view to promote bioethics cooperation.

Delivering a statement at the 39th session of UNESCO, the Minister of Basic Education, Dr Unity Dow said Botswana underscored the role of culture in shaping efforts towards the 2030 development agenda.

She said lack of appreciation of cultural diversity could defeat global efforts towards the promotion of peace and security amongst nations.

Dr Dow said strengthening the capabilities of member states in the implementation of UNESCO cultural protocols still remained a priority.

“We are gathered here today under these flags and the uniting flag of the UN to recall the pledge we have made to the citizens of the world and renew our path to attaining that pledge,” she said.

She reminded the gathering that they had promised citizens of the world that they could and would end poverty.

“We have undertaken to end world hunger and we know that this is possible because as a matter of fact there is or should be enough food to feed us all,” said Dr Dow

She noted that they had the skills to make it happen as they had resources and that the only thing they needed was the will.

She said they had undertaken to promote good health and well–being and were aware that few enjoy good health while many died from preventable diseases.

She further noted that they promised quality education not just for a few wealthy, but for all in terms of access and equity.

Furthermore, the minister said opportunities for innovation and creativity found in the developed countries must be available to the rest of the world.

Dr Dow said Botswana acknowledged the role that UNESCO played in the promotion of democracy, peace, justice and strong institutions.

“We look to UNESCO with its projects and programmes, its ethos, its ability to negotiate, create alliances, build bridges to employ its soft power to facilitate the realisation of these promises,” she said.

Minister Dow said Botswana had benefitted from UNESCO membership, and that she hoped it had also contributed for the benefit of others. BOPA