21 Sep 2024

Pushing the limits for sustainability-inspired growth by 2030 is the responsibility for all and sundry, and this includes the government of Botswana and its people. After all, no one can wage a winning war against poverty, inequality, and climate change alone. Concerted efforts and synergies remain key. To this end, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, the First Lady, Neo Masisi, and other government's top brass arrived in New York, United States of America on September 20, to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The general assembly which kick started on September 21 until 25, brought under one roof world leaders and other stakeholders to discuss cross-cutting global issues ranging from climate change, peace and security, human rights, economic growth, and sustainable development, as well as appreciate progress attained thus far on the 2030 agenda. This year's edition is 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. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape, said in an interview Friday that President Masisi was scheduled to address the general assembly on September 25 and 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. "The summit is expected to focus on three key areas, namely, digital technology, peace and security, as well as sustainable development and financing," he said, stating that it was on this particular platform that Botswana would share with member states the success of the SmartBots village connectivity project designed to accelerate digital transformation now on the brink of reaching 500 villages. Also, President Masisi is expected to use the session to drum up support and solicit assistance from the general assembly following the UN's decision to have Botswana host the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) from December 10 to 13 in Gaborone. The conference, expected to attract over 4000 people, including heads of state, and the first of its kind to take place within the shores of the motherland, offers a chance to explore solutions and forge partnerships, address challenges, and unlock their full potential for a more equitable and prosperous future. Despite hosting vibrant communities with untapped potential, LLDCs are disadvantageous because they lack direct access to the sea. This makes trade, connectivity, and development difficult. Thus, they rely on transit nations, which come at higher costs and delays. Additionally, President Masisi will hold bilateral talks on the fringes of UNGA with the President of Estonia, Mr Alar Karis, the Prime Minister of Nepal, Right Honourable Sharma Oli, and the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Antonio Gutterres. On the Sustainable Development Goals set out in Agenda 2030, Dr Kwape said Botswana had and continued to acquit herself very well in attaining them. This, he said, was despite challenges such as disease outbreaks and economic slumps that kept springing up. Botswana, for instance, continues to improve on such things as education through the employment of technologies. In the May 14, 2024, Sustainable Development Report, Botswana is ranked 114th out of 167 countries on the Sustainable Development Goals Index, with a score of 63.44, slightly above neighbouring South Africa, though with the same score. Finland ranked number one with a score of 86.35, followed by Sweden at 85.70, Denmark garnered 85.00, Germany occupies the fourth spot at 83.45, and France scored 82.76 at number five. Ends