United Nations in Botswana

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Botswana:

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04 February 2026

Botswana deploys inaugural ‘Every Policy is Connected Framework’ for better development integration

The National Planning Commission (NPC) of Botswana, has successfully concluded a pioneering capacity-building workshop on the “Every Policy is Connected” (EPiC) Framework. The workshop convened over 40 senior officials and technical experts from key institutions, including the National Planning Commission, Statistics Botswana, the Ministry of Finance, and multiple sectoral ministries in Gaborone from 26 to 29 January 2026. Through interactive presentations, policy-data dialogue simulations, and hands-on group exercises, participants directly applied the EPiC framework to the priorities of NDP 12, which is set to be the principal vehicle for delivering the country’s Vision 2036 and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP).In his remarks at the opening of the workshop, Mr. Kabelo A. Ebineng, Commissioner General of the National Planning Commission, highlighted the critical timing of the intervention. He reflected, “One of the key challenges we continue to face is ensuring that policies across sectors are aligned and mutually reinforcing. The EPiC tool directly responds to this challenge.” He reaffirmed NPC’s commitment to institutionalizing the approaches introduced for sustained impact beyond the workshop.In her address, Ms. Wenyan Yang, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Botswana, underscored the workshop’s significance and called for a robust results framework and a modern approach to monitoring development progress. “We must measure what we want to improve – what’s not measured is invisible, thus will not be improved,” She also congratulated Botswana as the pioneering African country to roll out the EPiC tool, a move set to inspire regional peers.Speaking on behalf of Ms. Eunice Kamwendo, Director of ECA’s Southern Africa Office, Ms. Zodwa Florence Mabuza also emphasized EPiC’s role in promoting policy coherence and evidence-based, inclusive development, and reaffirmed ECA’s continued support for Botswana’s development agenda.The training responded to the Government of Botswana’s request for support in finalizing a coherent, evidence-based results and indicator framework for NDP 12. The EPiC framework, developed and implemented in Asia and the Pacific region by ESCAP, is designed to break down policy silos in the development of comprehensive indicator frameworks to track development plans. It systematically analyses interlinkages across four dimensions: Economic Prosperity, Social Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, and Institutional Resilience, ensuring cross-cutting priorities like gender equality and climate action are embedded from the outset.The training marks the inaugural use of the EPiC framework in Africa with experts from ESCAP providing core technical guidance and support for the sessions, bringing their extensive practical experience from the region into the African context. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights further enriched the training by emphasizing the importance, value, and practical application of a human rights-based approach to development, with particular focus on mainstreaming the principle of leaving no one behind - a core element of NDP 12.The workshop was organized by the Development Planning Section of the Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in partnership with The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). ECA remains committed to supporting Botswana and other African member States in developing coherent, evidence-based, and future-ready national development plans that effectively translate aspirations into tangible improvements in the lives of their citizens.

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29 January 2026

How Keotshepile Malema built a branding powerhouse in Botswana's male-dominated printing industry

As the founder of Knacks Creations, a proudly woman-owned branding business, Keotshepile specialises in large-format printing, producing branded gazebos, vinyl window decals, sublimated t-shirts, banners, and other high-impact promotional materials. Keotshepile’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2018, shortly after graduating with a qualification in Web Design and Graphic Design. She initially worked for a local business, but her ambition pushed her to step out on her own.

“I started working at an internet café, doing printing and photocopying for the community. But last year, I felt it was time to grow. We expanded into large format printing, and that changed everything,” she explains. Stepping into a male-dominated market came with real challenges. Existing businesses were well-established, and customers were sceptical of a young woman’s capability. “Most people preferred to get services from men or even from outside Selebi-Phikwe. It was difficult to penetrate the market. We had to fight for every opportunity,” she recalls. Despite these barriers, Keotshepile pushed forward.
After being referred to the EntreprenHER Programme, a partnership between UN Women and the De Beers Group in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, she gained tools that accelerated her business growth. The training reshaped how she approached marketing, costing, and financial management.

“I used to think people would just know about my business. But during the training, they taught us that marketing is active. After the training, I went out, company to company, teaching them about our services. That’s when things changed.” And the results speak for themselves. Over the past year, Knacks Creations secured major branding jobs, including work for the Orange Marathon through the Selebi-Phikwe Town Council, NAPRO for the Selebi-Phikwe Extravaganza, and the Zanna Charity Marathon. Her turnover jumped from BWP 80,000 in 2024 to approximately BWP 250,000 in 2025, a remarkable leap that reflects both the growing demand for her products and the effectiveness of her business strategies. What began as a small operation has now evolved into a thriving enterprise, employing five full-time staff members and contributing meaningfully to local job creation. This growth has strengthened her confidence as a business owner and positioned her company as a competitive player in the market. Beyond the technical skills, the programme gave her something she deeply needed: confidence. “I never believed I could walk into certain spaces. The training taught me to stand firm, believe in my business, and go after opportunities, even in places dominated by men,” she says.Her dream is bold: to make Knacks Creations the number one printing and branding company in the entire Selebi Phikwe District and beyond. And with her persistence and resilience, she is well on her way. When asked what women entrepreneurs need most, Keotshepile doesn’t hesitate, “Determination, persistence, and resilience,” she says, qualities she has relied on while navigating limited capital, rising production costs, and the ongoing need to build customer trust.She explains that many women face structural barriers, but having the courage to show up consistently, push through setbacks, and believe in their vision ultimately drives growth. “Without resilience, you won’t survive in business,” she says. In a sector where she has repeatedly had to prove her expertise more than her male counterparts, Keotshepile continues to rise, proving that talent, courage, and unwavering belief can transform a small printing shop into a regional branding powerhouse.The EntreprenHER programme, formerly called Accelerating Women Owned MicroEnterprises (AWOME) is a training programme coordinated by UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office and supported by the DeBeers Group in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. It aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to formalize and run successful businesses. In Botswana it is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs.

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24 November 2025

Botswana - UN Joint Steering Committee convenes

The Joint Steering Committee Meeting (JSC) for the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework co-organised by the Government of Botswana and the UN took place on 20 November, with an emphasis on Joint Approaches and Partnerships to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The JSC guides the strategic implementation of the Cooperation Framework 2022 - 2026 and comprises senior representatives from both the Government and UN. It provides strategic direction, alignment with national priorities and effective coordination to address the country’s development needs, with particular attention to vulnerable and marginalized groups. With less than five years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda and SDGs, the Cooperation Framework sets out the collective response of the UN agencies in partnership with government and national stakeholders to accelerate gender equality, natural resource management, climate change resilience, and sustainable economic growth.The JSC was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Relations, Ambassador Thuso Ramodimoosi and the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Wenyan Yang. The JSC discussed UNSDCF joint workplans, identify challenges, and agree on priorities for the next implementation phase.“The UNSDCF is not just a cooperation framework—it is our shared responsibility to deliver real, measurable progress for the people of Botswana. The success of the CF in Botswana will demonstrate how effective coordination and shared accountability can translate global commitments into tangible national impact. This is not just a technical exercise – it is about ensuring that our collective efforts translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives”, said UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Yang.During the opening session, among others, Ambassador Ramodimoosi, expressed appreciation for the support the UN renders to Botswana and her development endeavours. He also underscored that the Cooperation Framework is a true reflection of multilateralism in action, and that it serves as a resourceful tool that can effectively support Botswana’s Economic and Transformation Programme.The meeting is a testimony to the ongoing fruitful partnership between the Government of Botswana and the UN, underlining their shared commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future for all.

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PS Ministry of International Relations with UN Resident Coordinator

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06 November 2025

Botswana Considers Steps to Ratify Key International Human Rights Treaties

Botswana has taken important steps to adhere to international human rights standards. From 14-16 October the United Nations in Botswana, together with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), convened a three-day consultation on the country’s accession to two landmark international treaties; the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.Funded by the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Voluntary Fund and with the support of UNHCR, the consultation brought together senior government officials, civil society representatives, legal scholars and UN entities to examine the treaties’ implications for Botswana’s legal and policy framework.At the heart of the discussions was a shared conviction that aligning Botswana’s laws with these instruments would not only strengthen protection for people at risk of statelessness but also advance the fulfilment of rights to education, health, housing and decent work for all citizens.“Discussing both the ICESCR and the 1961 Convention simultaneously acknowledges the holistic nature of human dignity,” said Wenyan Yang, the UN Resident Coordinator in Botswana. “Accession will strengthen Botswana’s international credibility and leadership in SDG implementation, enabling better monitoring, reporting, and access to global partnerships and technical support. The RC also reinforced that accension will further boost Botswana’s standing as a regional leader in governance and rights.Strengthening Rights Through ICESCRPart of the discussions focused on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, a foundational UN treaty elaborating on the rights to education, health, social security and an adequate standard of living.Abigail Noko, the UN Human Rights Regional Representative for Southern Africa, underscored that accession to the Covenant would mark a transformative step for Botswana’s development agenda. As the three-day consultation concluded, Noko, reminded participants that, “Acceding to the ICESCR will strengthen our collective efforts to ensure that every person enjoys the right education, health, decent work, and an adequate standard of living, without discrimination or exclusion. This consultation has shown that the path toward accession is both achievable and transformative. It will require sustained collaboration across government institutions, civil society, and international partners to ensure that commitments translate into meaningful change.” A Step Toward Ending StatelessnessThe Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, adopted in 1961, obliges States to prevent statelessness by establishing safeguards in nationality laws, particularly for children who might otherwise be left without a nationality. To date, more than 80 States have acceded to the treaty.Jesus Sanchez, UNHCR’s Senior Protection Officer, noted Botswana’s steady progress in this area, citing key legal reforms such as the 1995 amendment that ended gender discrimination in citizenship law and the recent 2024 Citizenship Amendment Act, which strengthened protections for foundlings and streamlined nationality procedures.“Nationality is the fundamental status that grants an individual a legal claim to protection, participation, and personhood in the global system,” Sanchez said. “By taking these progressive steps on statelessness, Botswana has reaffirmed that no person within its sphere is left without the essential legal foundation for a life of dignity.”A Path ForwardAs Botswana considers accession to these key treaties, participants emphasized that the process is not merely a legal exercise but a reaffirmation of the nation’s enduring commitment to equality, inclusion, and human dignity. Botswana stands at the threshold of joining a growing community of nations committed to reducing statelessness and guaranteeing the full spectrum of economic, social, and cultural rights for all.

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29 October 2025

UN in Botswana celebrates UN80

The United Nations (UN) in Botswana commemorated the UN at 80 with a Walk/ Run to promote awareness and actions about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, held under the theme: “Building our future together.”
The event, marking a significant milestone in the international community’s history was graced by the Acting President of Botswana Ndaba Gaolathe, diplomatic community and the public.
The celebration was commemorated with a run/walk event, designed not only to honour the founding of this impactful organization but also to highlight and promote the ongoing commitment to the sustainable development goals.
Speaking at the event, UN Resident Coordinator Ms Wenyan Yang said the Walk and Run for the SDGs was symbolic of the UN vision of a world united in peace, dignity and prosperity. Ms Yang said they were reminded that achieving the SDGs was not a sprint but a marathon of collective effort. She said each step represented their shared journey towards ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring that no one was left behind. She also said the presence of the Acting President, Mr Gaolathe underscored the government’s commitment to partnership and multilateralism.
In his remarks, the Acting President Mr Gaolathe said Botswana’s, sustainable development aligned directly with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ensuring that every national effort reflected the people’s aspirations for prosperity, equality and resilience. He said Botswana’s progress as a nation demonstrated what persistence could achieve. “The proportion of Batswana now living below the poverty line has dropped. Primary cchool enrolment remains above 95 per cent. Women now occupy nearly half of senior positions in the public service, showing that empowerment is a driver of better governance,” he added.
He said through the Botswana Economic Transformation Program (BETP) government was creating an economy that could generate jobs and add value to communities, guided by a vision to create the best governed country in the African continent. He said that UN and Botswana joint initiatives strengthened livelihoods with over P440 million, stating that through such initiatives access to education had been expanded and that empowerment of women and youth was also being realised.
The UN’s engagement in Botswana spans a wide range of sectors; from urban planning, environmental resilience and public health, to refugee support, child welfare, youth empowerment and governance. As the country marked the 80th anniversary of the UN, it is also looking ahead to the Summit of the Future in 2026 and to the Decade of Action that still lies before us. The road may be long, but with unity, purpose, and partnership — we can cross the finish line stronger than ever.

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Press Release

05 March 2026

International Women’s Day: Eight Actions for A More Equal World

Over nearly a decade leading the United Nations, I have seen our world repeatedly tested – by climate shocks, deepening poverty, violent conflict and shrinking civic space. But I have also watched many solutions take root, and they shared one common denominator: women.As the world marks International Women’s Day, it is time to recognize that gender inequality is the greatest human rights challenge of our time – and advancing equality is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable development and peace.Here are eight actions drawn from my own experience, and inspired by the work of the UN system and civil society movements across the globe, to advance women’s rights and deliver results.1. Fix the Power GapGender equality is a question of power. But male-dominated institutions still shape our world. A rising tide of authoritarianism is deepening these inequalities, rolling back hard-won protections – from fair work practices to reproductive rights – and entrenching racial and gender biases that hold women back. Gender equality lifts societies. When power is shared, freedom expands.2. Make Parity a Priority Women are grossly under-represented in governments and boardrooms across the globe. At the United Nations, we set out to make gender parity a priority, starting with senior leadership. We did this by widening the search for qualified candidates, not by lowering standards. The UN is stronger for it, with an enhanced workplace culture and more inclusive decision-making. The lesson is clear. When institutions choose equality, results follow.3. Bet on the Highest-Return Investment Investment in women delivers outsized returns. Every dollar spent on girls’ education yields nearly triple the gains, while maternal health and family planning generate more than eightfold benefits. Policies that support families such as child care and elder care strengthen communities and unlock even more growth. Taken together, such steps lay the foundation for closing gender gaps – which can boost national income by as much as 20%.4. Make Room at the Peace TablePeace agreements are more durable when women take part in negotiating and implementing them. Yet in too many conflicts – including Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan – women have been largely shut out of the room, even though they carry the heaviest burdens of war. At a time of rising instability, inclusion is not symbolic – it is a shortcut to stabilize our fractured world.5. End Legal Discrimination Worldwide, women hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men. In too many places, they cannot own property, work freely, or seek a divorce. Even where protections exist, women face higher barriers to access legal aid or the courts. Every country must commit to dismantling discriminatory laws, and to enforcing rights in practice. 6. Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence – and Zero ExcusesViolence against women is a global emergency, rooted in inequality and sustained by silence. Every woman and girl has the right to live free from fear. Yet gender-based violence – including sexual exploitation and abuse – remains a horrific breach of trust and humanity. We must confront it everywhere, with zero tolerance, full accountability, and unwavering support for survivors. 7. Code Out BiasWith women comprising just one in four tech workers, bias is being hardwired into the systems that shape daily lives. Meanwhile, misogyny is exploding online. Technology companies and governments must act together to build safe, inclusive digital spaces – and the world must do more to remove barriers for girls in science and technology.8. Put Gender in the Climate Plan Climate change is sexist. Women often eat last in food crises and endure greater danger in emergencies. Girls face higher risks of child marriage when livelihoods collapse. But women are also leading climate solutions – advancing green legislation, powering global movements, and driving change on the ground. A liveable planet demands gender-responsive climate policies, including equal access to green jobs, better protection in emergencies, and full participation in environmental decision-making.Across the globe, I have seen these eight solutions in action – in war zones and recovery efforts, parliaments and classrooms, organizations and communities.If leaders get serious about gender equality and commit to them now, we will change the world – for women and girls, and for us all.

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Press Release

17 July 2025

A Moment of Opportunity: Speech by the Secretary-General on Climate Change

As part of his 2025 climate strategy, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will deliver a pivotal global address on 22 July 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. EDT (3:00pm to 4:00pm Botswana time), live from UN Headquarters in New York. Titled “Moment of Opportunity”, the speech is expected to reset the global climate narrative by making a powerful economic case for a just and inclusive energy transition.The Secretary-General will outline the progress made since the Paris Agreement was adopted a decade ago, examine the barriers that continue to stall climate action, and make a bold call to speed up pathways to energy transitions.The address is intended to build global momentum in the lead-up to key multilateral forums and national decision-making processes. It aims to inspire bolder commitments ahead of major international milestones such as the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference and to inform the next generation of national climate action plans, including Botswana’s forthcoming third round of Nationally Determined Contributions, which are being led with the support of UNDP.The Secretary-General’s address will also underscore how transitioning to clean and affordable energy is not only feasible, but vital to delivering jobs, economic growth, energy security, and resilience, especially for developing countries. It will challenge the outdated perception that climate action is too costly, instead presenting evidence that greater investment in renewable energy is sound economic policy.The United Nations is inviting policy makers, civil society organizations, private sector, youth and members of the public to join the Secretary General as he unpacks the speech to the global community.Event Details:
Title: Moment of Opportunity: A Global Climate Address by the UN Secretary-General
Date: Tuesday, 22 July 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. EDT (3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Botswana Time)
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York |

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Press Release

02 May 2023

Botswana’s human rights record to be examined by Universal Periodic Review

Botswana is one of 14 States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its upcoming 43rd session from 1 to 12 May 2023. Botswana’s first, second and third UPR reviews took place in December 2008, January 2013 and January 2018, respectively. The documents on which the reviews are based re: 1) national report - information provided by the State under review; 2) information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the Special Procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities; 3) information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations, and civil society groups. The three reports serving as the basis for the review of Botswana on 3 May can be found here. Location: Room 20, Palais des Nations, Geneva Time and date: 9:00 – 12:30, Wednesday, 3 May 2023 (Geneva time, GMT +2 hours) The UPR is a unique process which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN member States have been reviewed thrice within the first, second and third UPR cycles. During the fourth UPR cycle, States are again expected to spell out steps they have taken to implement recommendations posed during their previous reviews which they committed to follow up on and highlight recent human rights developments in the country. The delegation of Botswana will be led by Mr. Machana Ronald SHAMUKUNI, Minister of Justice. The three country representatives serving as rapporteurs (“troika”) for the review of Botswana are South Africa, Qatar, and Bolivia (Plurinational State of). The webcast of the session will be at https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uyawzk9o The list of speakers and all available statements to be delivered during the review of Botswana will be posted on the UPR Extranet. The UPR Working Group is scheduled to adopt the recommendations made to Botswana at 15:30 on Friday, 5 May 2023. The State under review may wish to express its positions on recommendations posed to it during its review. // ENDS // For more information and media requests, please contact Pascal Sim, HRC Media Officer, at simp@un.org and David Díaz Martín, HRC Public Information Officer, at david.diazmartin@un.org To learn more about the Universal Periodic Review, visit https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/upr/upr-main UN Human Rights Council, follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram

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Press Release

30 November 2021

The UN in Botswana celebrates Court of Appeal judgement to decriminalize consensual sex between same sex partners

This is indeed a clear message that justice and state laws should protect everyone, regardless of who they are and whom they love. We congratulate the Court of Appeal for ruling against discriminatory legal provisions that infringe upon the rights of LGBTQI+ persons to privacy, personal freedom, dignity, and to be treated equally and without discrimination of their human rights. This represents another great step for LGBTQI+ human rights in Botswana and is yet another example of the transformative power of civil society organizations and movements, and of the results that strong multi-stakeholders’ partnerships can bring. While celebrating the achievement, let us also bear in mind the need to keep up the good work and to increase efforts to raise awareness about human rights and to promote continued support for a more favourable legal, political, institutional, and social context for LGBTQI+ communities and for everyone to participate and prosper in dignity and equality, in line with human rights treaty bodies recommendations to Botswana, such as the UPR, the ICCPR, the CEDAW and others. The UN believes in a world where everyone’s human rights are respected and where every human being deserves to love and to be loved, without fear of discrimination. We are proud partners with Botswana’s active and vibrant civil society organizations. The UN in Botswana stands ready to continue to provide support to ensure no one is left behind.

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Press Release

31 March 2021

Botswana receives its first shipment of the COVID-19 Vaccine from COVAX

The delivery of the first 24 000 doses of the AstraZeneca South Korea COVID-19 Vaccine licensed to SKBioscience in Korea, is part of the largest, most complex global roll-out of vaccines in history through the COVAX Facility which plans to deliver at least 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of this year. This is an unprecedented global effort to make sure all citizens have access to vaccines. “UNICEF is proud to support the Government of Botswana in this vital work. Availability of vaccines will go a long way in protecting the lives of Batswana from the COVD-19 scourge. Each step on this journey brings us further along the path to recovery for Batswana children and their families affected by COVID-19 and importantly the start of the vaccination roll-out brings immense hope for the population of Botswana.” Joan Matji, UNICEF Representative for Botswana. The shipment received today is the first tranche of many that will be allocated to Botswana in the coming months through the COVAX Facility. The facility is working to accelerate the development of and access to COVID-19 vaccines. It is co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) working in partnership with UNICEF as well as the World Bank, manufacturers, civil society organizations and others. “WHO and the COVAX partners are happy to support the Government of Botswana in combating COVID-19. These vaccines will complement the other public health measures including wearing of masks, handwashing and social distancing. Botswana has done a tremendous job in their efforts to control the disease and roll out vaccination. We commend their efforts and reaffirm our commitment to support them further.” WHO Representative, Dr Josephine Namboze. To facilitate vaccinating against the COVID-19 scourge, the Ministry has launched an on-line COVID-19 vaccination self-registration portal for eligible vaccine beneficiaries to register. The on-line self-registration will assist in identifying the eligible vaccine beneficiaries as well as help plan for the distribution of vaccine. “Once registered, the Ministry of Health and Wellness will communicate with the enrolled individuals about vaccination program, eligibility, place of vaccination, follow-up and appointments” Director, Health Services, Dr. Malebogo Kebabonye. The website address or URL for the COVID-19 Vaccination self-registration is https://dhis2sms.gov.bw/vaccine/

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