23 Jul 2021

 Botswana has assumed the presidency of the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council for the 2022 session.

A news release from the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation says the country is assuming the presidency for the first time and will be represented by its Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United States in New York, Mr Collen Kelapile.

The release says ECOSOC, which was stablished in 1945, is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and it is mandated to promote international cooperation on economic, social and environmental issues. It has rotating membership, which comprises 54 members, elected by the UN General Assembly

“ECOSOC provides a vital platform for advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” it adds.

The release says Botswana was elected to ECOSOC in 2019 for a 3-year term and has been serving as Vice President, representing the African Region responsible for the Management Segment. Botswana was a member of ECOSOC during the periods of 1983-1985. 1991-1993 and 2012-2016.

The statement adds that as the president of ECOSOC, Botswana will be expected to provide strategic leadership to the council, during the 2022 session and in this leadership role, the county will among others, preside over the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, Youth Forum and the Forum on Financing for Development.

The release says in an effort to advance President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s vision of creating opportunities for Botswana youth to serve in international organisations, six will participate in an internship programme that will support Botswana’s ECOSOC Presidency. Ends