04 Nov 2025

Botswana will on November 15 host the 2025 Sub-Regional World Children’s Day Commemoration in Gaborone.

The World Children’s Day, observed annually, is a day dedicated to promoting, advocating and celebrating children’s rights through dialogue and action that build a better world for all children.

This year, a total of nine SADC countries are expected to participate in the festivities, with 200 children expected to attend.

Each participating country will bring 10 children, while Botswana will bring 120 children representing various age groups, and genders, including children with disabilities.

Speaking at a media briefing in Gaborone yesterday, acting Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Mr Justin Hunyepa said hosting the 2025 commemoration, to be held at the Parliamentary Chambers, marked a significant milestone in Botswana’s commitment to championing the rights and welfare of children within the SADC region.

“Parliament signifies the highest decision-making platform, thereby elevating children’s issues to the highest level,” said Mr Hunyepa.

The acting minister noted that the event also aimed to provide a high-level platform for children to meaningfully engage in decision-making processes on issues that affected them. He revealed that the day would also promote collaboration among children and allow them to share experiences on how their respective member states were advancing their rights.

“As the theme for this year goes, My Day, My Rights-From Promises to Action, it gives children an opportunity to tell their side of the story regarding the realisation of their rights,” he said. The theme, he noted also challenged member states to reflect on the progress made in investing in children’s rights and welfare.

He further said all key ministries and sectors would be required to submit progress reports in line with the accountability framework reflecting issues raised by children. Mr Hunyepa further revealed that First Lady Kaone Boko was expected to host children at a traditional welcome dinner on November 14, while on the following day, children would join the chairperson of the National Children’s Consultative Forum, Ms Aumake Aaron, to discuss the state of children in the region.

Their deliberations, he said would be followed by responses from Heads of State.

For his part, UNICEF Representative, Dr Kimanzi Muthengi affirmed the organisation’s commitment to creating a platform where children’s voices were heard and their rights promoted.

“Today’s UNICEF Botswana is about every child in this country,” said Dr Muthengi, emphasising that the organisation valued all partners who contributed toward advancing children’s rights.

He extended his gratitude to the government for its continued commitment to promoting children’s rights and well-being and the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education for its leadership.

“We appreciate the government’s effort in organising this event that will bring together stakeholders from Botswana and neighbouring countries,” he said. ENDS