Gaborone, Botswana: Botswana’s newly appointed Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr Gladys Mokhawa, presented her credentials to António Guterres, United Nations Secretary General, on 22nd August 2023, in New York.
President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, appointed Ambassador Mokawa in order to serve as Botswana’s Envoy to the UN in August 2023. She is the country’s first female Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
Ambassador Mokhawa has a wealth of experience in international relations, diplomacy and public policy fields. She joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2020 and was appointed as the Ministry’s first female Permanent Secretary in 2021. As the Executive Head of the Ministry, Ambassador Mokhawa was a key driver in advancing Botswana’s national interests on the bilateral, regional and multilateral platforms.
Prior to joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mokhawa worked extensively in academia and among her various roles, she headed the Department of Political and Administrative Studies at the University of Botswana. She is also widely published.
As Botswana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr. Mokhawa is positioned to promote the country’s interests at the UN, as well as strengthen relations with two countries that the Mission is concurrently accredited, namely, Jamaica and Cuba. Botswana’s Mission to the UN is one of the country’s oldest Diplomatic Missions, having been established in 1966.
Ambassador Mokhawa takes over from Ambassador Collen Kelapile. Residents of Botswana are happy with the new appointment and congratulate Dr Gladys Mokhawa, and he also praised President Masisi by saying, “President Masisi your diplomacy classes were always so interesting to join or listen.”
Basadi Edith Tamplin wrote, “Congratulations to the Lady. We wish her every success in her journey as Botswana high ranking diplomat.” Such a knowledgeable lady…letlotlo la foreign policy, said another user.