20 Jan 2019

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi is in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland for the 49th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting from January 20-26.

A press release from the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation states that Dr Masisi was invited by the founder and executive chairman of the forum, Professor Klaus Schwan.

The release indicates that the WEF annual meeting is exclusively by invitation and brings together political leaders from the G20 and other countries, heads of international organisations, international businesses, academia, civil society, labour and international media organisations and well as young people.

It further states that through a series of global dialogues, the forum would afford world leaders an opportunity to explore public-private partnerships on how governments, private sector and civil society could work together to address challenges in the political, economic and environmental fields.

The release says Dr Masisi will also hold bilateral meetings with key interlocutors to advance Botswana’s interests.

Key topic for discussions would include: Restoring Trust in Leadership, which will be aimed at re-asserting values of principled leadership.

Attendees will also discuss the role to be played by African Continental Free Trade in addressing the opportunities and challenges to generate inclusive growth.

“Infrastructure and urban development (IU) governors meetings” to be able to explore collaborative mechanisms by industry, public and private partners for delivery of major infrastructure and urban development projects on time and on budget.

The meeting will also discuss gathering of the world economic leaders to consider relevance of the trading institutions, norms and agreements that govern trade.

The release further says  particular focus will be on how to ensure that smaller states such as Botswana have access to world top markets.

The meeting will make a case for free trade, ensuring jobs and social protection against increasingly digitalised trade, competition and security concerns.

Another topic to be discussed will be the: Forth Industrial Revolution for the SDGs in order to mobilise and scale emerging technologies towards achieving the global 2030 agenda embodied in the 17 SDG’s pledges, to create a more equal, sustainable and inclusive world for everyone, everywhere as well as enhance developmental and humanitarian efforts.

Dr Masisi is accompanied by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo as well as other senior government officials.

The President and his entourage will return home on January 26. ENDS