02 Dec 2020

The President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, will join other global leaders in a virtual two-day meeting of the 31^st Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

A press release from the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation says the special session is being held following a request made by chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Mr IIham Alijev, president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on behalf of the NAM member states.

It says the meeting will focus on the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will provide Heads of State and Government as well as other stakeholders with an opportunity to deliberate on  impact of the pandemic on global economies, societies and their livelihoods.

In addition, official statements will include those of the president of the general assembly, Mr Volkan Bozkir, the UN secretary general, Mr Antonio Guterres and tchair of the NAM.

“Key aspects such as member states responses to COVID-19, the UN system’s health and humanitarian response, development of the COVID-19 vaccines will also be discussed. President Masisi will address the session on December 3 and will, among others, address the impact of COVID-19 in Botswana and the country’s response efforts,” says the media release.

The President’s delegation at the 31^st Session will include the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Lemogang Kwape, health and wellness minister, Dr Edwin Dikoloti and senior government officials.

The 31^st Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly will be accessible at: www.webtv.un.org. the opening segment will commence at 4pm on December 03.

ENDS