18 Jun 2024

The global landscape on safety, health and environment has witnessed unprecedented shifts especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This was said by Botswana Safety, Health and Environment Summit and Expo managing director and summit chairperson, Dr Precious Serero of Phemo Wellness Centre during a media briefing ahead of the expo scheduled for Gaborone from July 3 to 4.

Dr Serero said challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis ‘forced us to re-evaluate and re-define the very foundations of how we safeguard the wellbeing of our workforce and the sustainability of our environments’.

She said it became clear that post-pandemic era demanded not just resilience but innovation, adaptability and a forward-thinking approach.

As such, she said the need for a summit of this nature had never been more apparent; as the national priorities of creating a future ready workforce and the transformative agenda underscored the need for proactive initiatives that align with such aspirations.

“The Mindset Change as the fifth priority in the Reset Agenda, underscoring the urgency of adopting new perspectives and approaches is poised to play a vital role in fostering this transformative mindset, particularly within the realms of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE),” said Dr Serero.

She said innovation was not just about new technologies or systems, but was also about a change in mindset. 

She said embracing new ways of thinking and addressing challenges was essential for creating a safer, healthier and more sustainable environment.

Dr Serero further said the summit would also address safety, health and environmental concerns predominantly associated with high-risk industries such as mining.

“Botswana’s mining sector has made impressive strides in sustainable SHE practices, setting an example for other sectors. This conference advocates for extending these best practices to other industries, including service sectors, to ensure comprehensive safety standards across all fields,” she said.

She also said it was imperative to think beyond physical safety in the workplace, but also think of the mental health in the workplace. 

“Psychological safety is just as important, and we must prioritise it to create a truly safe and supportive work environment.

Addressing mental health and ensuring psychological safety will produce a future-ready workforce capable of innovation and contributing significantly to our economy,” Dr Serero said.

The summit will feature keynote presentations and panel discussions led by industry leaders and experts, covering the latest trends, challenges and innovations in SHE practices.

 Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with peers, industry leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders, fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations.

Some of the objectives of the summit include fostering Public-Private Partnerships, knowledge sharing, enhancing mental health awareness and driving sustainable practices among others. 

The summit will be held under the theme: Innovation For Impact: SHE in The 21st Century. ENDS