GABORONE, Botswana: Botswana President, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, will participate at the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), on 1st – 2nd December 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs) are held annually to address climate change issues. COP28 is expected to take stock of progress made in the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the climate action required to address any gaps. Accordingly, a wide range of issues will be discussed, including climate finance, mitigation, and adaptation.
While at COP28, the President will join other global leaders in participating in the World Climate Action Summit, which is part of the High-Level meetings for Heads of State and Government. President Masisi will also, in his capacity as the Chair for Knowledge and Data for Africa Climate Mobility Flagship Programme, host a High-Level segment entitled: “Addressing the Climate Crisis and Human Settlements Nexus in Africa: Preventing further loss and damage from climate impact through technology.” Additionally, the President will co-host a High-Level event of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), in his capacity as the Global Chair of the Group of LLDCs.
Further, the President, will deliver a National Statement on Botswana’s Climate Change Agenda and inform on some of the efforts underway to address the impact of climate change in the country. As part of the COP28 engagement, Botswana will also have a pavilion which will host a number of side events that showcase the country’s climate action initiatives.
The President’s delegation will comprise the Honourable Ministers of Foreign Affairs; Local Government and Rural Development; Finance; Lands and Water Affairs; Agriculture; Health; Minerals and Energy; Environment and Tourism; Senior Government Officials, as well as, representatives from the private sector, academia, non-governmental organisations and youth-led organisations.