02 Dec 2018

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has joined other world leaders in the Polish southern city of Katowice for the 24^th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP24). 

The UN climate summit is an annual global meeting during which the actions to be taken towards establishing a climate policy are negotiated. President Masisi and other Heads of States, delegates from over 200 countries and other environmental organisations will focus on adopting the implementation guidelines of the Paris Climate Change agreement.

In 1992 countries joined the UNFCCC as a framework for international cooperation to combat climate change by limiting average global temperature increases.

At the COP21 conference in Paris in 2015, 195 countries, Botswana included, supported an action plan (Paris Agreement) aimed at containing global warming to less than two degrees Celsius and recommending the continuation of efforts towards keeping temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

The 2015 Paris Agreement, adopted on December 12, 2015 marks the latest step in the evolution of the UN climate change regime and charts a new course in the global effort to combat climate change.Poland has so far hosted these conferences twice, in Poznan in 2008 and in Warsaw in 2013.

While in Poland, President Masisi is expected to sign the Declaration on the ‘Just Transition’ framework and attend a high level Heads of States and government summit. 

President Masisi will also attend the concert of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra at the International Conference Centre before having official dinner for Heads of states and government hosted by the President of Poland, Mr Andrzej Duda.

He will also meet with the Polish Chamber of Commerce honourary president, Mr Tadeusz Donocik tomorrow. About 15 local companies have shown interest in engaging President Masisi and nine of the companies have visited Botswana in the past and indicated an interest to invest in varying sectors.

President Masisi and his team will engage in a one on one sessions with identified companies from tractor manufacturers, mining equipment, information technology solutions, manufacturers and exporters of pumps for mining, heavy industry and automotive industry.

He will depart to the foundation of cardiac surgery development in Zabrze and finally travel to Czechowice-Dziedzice to the Carlex Design Company, designers and manufacturers of superb automotive, aviation and marine interiors and equipment as well as body kits. 

President Masisi and his entourage will return home on Thursday. ENDS