19 Sep 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi will, today leave for New York, USA where he will attend the 79^th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) scheduled for September 21 to 25. 

A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this year’s session will be held under the theme: Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations. 

The release says the session will bring together world leaders and other stakeholders to deliberate on a broad range of global issues such as climate change, peace and security, human rights, economic growth and sustainable development as well as to appreciate progress made on the 2030 Agenda. 

It says while in New York, President Masisi is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly on September 25 and also participate at various UNGA high-level meetings, including the Summit of the Future, where he will deliver remarks at a session themed: A Digital Future for All, Joint Closing of the Track. 

Additionally, President Masisi will hold bilateral talks on the margins of UNGA79 with President Alar Karis of Estonia, Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr Sharma Oli and the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr AntÏŒnio Gutterres. 

The release also says the UNGA platform will provide Botswana with the opportunity to pronounce herself on international policy issues as well as reiterate the value it attaches to multilateralism and collective action in promoting global peace and security, and the sustainable development agenda. 

It further says the summit will focus on three priority areas which will include digital technology, peace and security as well as sustainable development and financing. 

First Lady Neo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape and senior government officials will accompany the President and they are expected back home on September 26. Ends