26 May 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says it is his personal mission to ensure that Batswana  are given opportunities to serve in international organisations, particularly where Botswana is least represented such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 

He said this during a bilateral meeting with WTO director-general Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the margins of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos yesterday.

Given the significant human resource development the country had invested in over the years, there was a lot that Batswana could offer and equally learn from top professionals across the world, said Dr Masisi.

He said Botswana had produced and continued to produce top-notch professionals including economists, lawyers and trade experts who stood ready to contribute to WTO.

The President commended WTO director-general for her tireless efforts and commitment to advancing multilateralism. 

Dr Okonjo-Iweala was also commended for progressing  WTO’s normative agenda under a consensus-based decision-making process. 

“I want to assure you of my unwavering support during your tenure,” he stated.

The President also used the occasion to congratulate Dr Okonjo-Iweala on her appointment as the first woman and African to occupy the position of WTO director-general. Ends