Collective commitment to multilateralism fundamental

Botswanajoins the International community in commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the world’s most universal international organisation - the United Nations.

On 26 June 1945, the Charter of the United Nations was signed, and two months later on 24 October 1945, it came into force. Thus, the United Nations was born.

The Charter, which guides the United Nations, reaffirms the ideals and purposes for which the United Nations was founded, that is, … to promote peace and security; fundamental human rights; poverty eradication; improving the well- being of citizens; economic and social progress; justice; tolerance; gender equality; friendship and cooperation. We take this opportunity to pay our deepest respect and tribute to the founders of this Organization and all those who have contributed to this legitimate multilateral body, which embodies our collective hope and aspiration for a better and just world for all. Equal gratitude goes to all the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of these ideals. Botswana, as a member in good standing, has done her part to contribute to the development of the United Nations. Botswana has also benefited, and continues to benefit from her membership to the UN, to advance her sustainable development goals. It will be noted that our varied global challenges are interconnected and have become more complex. It is only through reinvigorated multilateralism and international cooperation that we will be able to achieve our common goal of saving succeeding generations from war, and building a world that is inclusive and sustainable. Today, while noting the many challenges that confronts humankind, we take pride in our achievements. From the maintenance of peace and security; to the reduction of poverty, as well as the advancement of the freedom, justice, and the rule of law, the UN has remained a steadfast development partner.

This year, we celebrate the United Nations 75th Anniversary under the theme: “UN75: 2020 and Beyond – Shaping Our future Together.” It is clear that, now more than ever, our collective commitment to multilateralism is fundamental if we are to emerge from the COVID- 19 pandemic stronger and better.

The pandemic has served as a painful reminder of our interconnectedness and interdependency. As we Batswana like to say: “Kgetsi ya tsie e kgona ke go tshwaraganelwa.” We thus recommit to working closely with our international partners in order to deliver on our Sustainable Development Goals commitment, leaving no one behind. This year, the United Nations launched the UN75 global conversation initiative in order to hear the voices of the communities, their priorities, challenges and how the UN and its cooperating partners can assist to overcome the impediments. Botswana stands ready to do her part to recover faster, better and stronger for “the Future We Want” and the UN we need!!!

In conclusion, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to the UN’s multilateral framework and to live up to the ideals of the Charter, as we together build a better world for all.

Statement by Dr. Lemogang Kwape, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation on the commemoration of UN Day