Botswana: Dr Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi has been appointed as the United Nations Chair for the Changemakers Award Programme. The Programme is an initiative that seeks to highlight experiences in the way water decisions have built climate resilience, and awards go to those who use innovation and technology to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 targets.
Botswana President Masisi is the first sitting President of the Republic of Botswana to take the Chairmanship of the Changemakers Awards programme.
Masisi will be supported by the leading Korean Water Resources Corporation (KWATO), which is globally known for the development of smart water management technologies. Botswana is already working with KWATO for the improvement of its water resources.
In his acceptance speech, President Masisi encouraged fellow Heads of State to prioritize investment in water and sanitation services which will assist in meeting the SDG 6 targets on water and sanitation by 2030.
The launch was taking place on the sidelines of the United Nations 2023 Water Conference, currently underway in New York, USA.
In his speech, Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi said Botswana had prioritized the development of water resources and infrastructure by increasing the development budget for water and sanitation projects.
Addressing the United Nations 2023 Water Conference in New York yesterday afternoon, President Masisi said the government increased the water sector budget share from an average of 16% prior to the 2020/2021 financial year to an average of 32% during the past two years.
Masisi noted that this is a clear demonstration by the Government of Botswana to quench the thirst of its people and facilitate socio-economic development.
Masisi also said he hopes the outcomes of the United Nations 2023 Water Conference will form part of the High-Level Forum later this year, where world leaders will track the progress made in the implementation of all the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
