NEWSLETTER ISSUE 1 / QUARTER 1 / 2018

His Honour Vice President Masisi launches SDGs Roadmap

The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Jacinta Barrins, emphasized the need to bring all stakeholders on board including the private The Government of Development Plan 11 and nities and enhance their partic- sector, research and learning in Partnership with United beyond. He a rmed the need ipation in the implementation institutions, NGOs and CSOs to Nations Botswana and the for national ownership and process. He noted that a create new partnerships o cial- coordination of the goals comprehensive national SDG around SDGs implementation. ly launched the SDGs Roadm- through mainstreaming them communication strategy was She further elaborated by ap in February 2018. into all programs. He further being nalized to address saying, “Government’s commit- indicated that the roadmap these advocacy needs. ment is vital, but insu cient on Speaking at the launch, Vice recognizes the need for its own”. The Private sector, President Mokgweetsi Masisi sustained advocacy, sensitiza- He also stressed the impor- youth and NGOs committed said the roadmap is a strategic tion and awareness creation tance of setting up eective on the day to being a partner document that guides the regarding the implementation planning and coordinating in the implementation of SDGs. implementation and monitor- of SDGs. This, he observed, structures for the successful ing of the SDGs within National would empower local commu- implementation of the SDGs.

Resident Coordinators O ce UN Building, Government Enclave, Telephone: (+267) 363 3700 PO Box 54, United Nations in Botswana Cnr Khama Crescent & President's Drive Fax: (+267) 3956093 Botswana @UN_Botswana UNITED NATIONS IN BOTSWANA NEWSLETTER | PAGE 2

UN Women and De Beers Group in Partnership to implement a Programme on the ‘Acceleration of Women-Owned Micro-Enterprises for Decent Work & Economic Security (AWOME)’

UN Women and De Beers menting in Botswana through through enhanced economic micro-entrepreneurs are the Group are engaged in a our global partnership with UN empowerment.” bedrock of their household’s three-year global partnership Women. Advancing women’s livelihood and nancial securi- to implement a women’s economic empowerment in Responding to SDG 1, 5 and 8 ty as their businesses create economic empowerment one of the deprived areas of and 17, the AWOME employment for themselves programme ‘Acceleration of Botswana has the potential to Programme aims to contribute and other members of their Women-Owned Micro-En- make a real dierence, not only to the empowerment of communities. terprises for Decent Work for the women micro-entre- women entrepreneurs at the and Economic Security preneurs that participate in the micro-enterprise level and The AWOME Programme aims (AWOME)’ in Botswana, programmes, but also for their cooperatives by designing and to contribute to long-lasting and South Africa. For families and communities piloting a context-responsive economic empowerment of Botswana, the programme through increased employ- capacity building model that women by developing knowl- targets selected women and ment opportunities and skills can be adapted and scaled up. edge products (in the form of communities in the Okavango development.” The SDG’s principle of leaving training manuals and a capaci- Delta. The Programme no one behind entails prioritiz- ty building model) that can be supports the women-owned Anne Githuku-Shongwe, ing human dignity and placing used across the countries and micro-enterprises to enhance Representative, UN Women the progress of the most can be adapted for other target their capacity to grow their South Africa Multi-Country marginalized communities areas with minimal investment businesses, increase their O ce, said “The selected areas rst. in adapting for context. Under incomes and create decent in the Okavango Delta are this global partnership and jobs. socio-economically disadvan- The women micro-entrepre- within its normative mandate, taged and women in these neurs are a group that could UN Women will also carry out During the announcement of communities bear the greatest easily miss out in the conven- advocacy to strengthen the the AWOME Programme in impact of this poverty, coupled tional small business support enabling environment for Botswana at the W Summit in by their multiple roles and programmes. In addition to women entrepreneurs and Gaborone, on the 9th Novem- responsibilities. Through this ordinary challenges faced by decent work. ber 2017, Bruce Cleaver, CEO, programme, we hope to create entrepreneurs, women face De Beers Group, said: “I am more viable, sustainable gender related barriers that delighted to announce the opportunities for women to thwart their entrepreneurial programmes we will be imple- improve their livelihoods potential. Often, women UNITED NATIONS IN BOTSWANA NEWSLETTER | PAGE 3 Embrace children in political party manifestos - Masisi

Children are partners in today’s dialogue to work with children prioritize children’s issues by elucidate their interest in their decision-making processes, to enable them to capture political parties ahead of the country’s development,” he hence the need to include their views and perspectives. 2019 general elections. said. them in political party manifes- This, he said, would help Children must be given the tos, said Vice President Mokg- parties to conceive policies platform to engage with weetsi Masisi at the launch of that were relevant to children. politicians, policy makers, Botswana Children’s Month of He further said children are a media and academics to Broadcasting (BCMB) which special constituency and was held under the theme deserved respect and recogni- Botlhale jwa phala bo tswa tion, thus everyone in the phalaneng… countdown to society had a duty to ensure 2019. their safety and protection, adding that they must be Vice President Masisi said it is included in decision-making as important for political parties they had their own special way to create platforms for of thinking. “There is need to

Speaking on behalf of the Representative, Ms Julianna per cent of Botswana’s popula- children, former chairperson of Lindsey, said children are a tion and this year they shall Children’s Consultative Forum, critical component of the take it to the airwaves to talk Mr Cantona Bolokang society that is capable of about the issues they want to (pictured above) said there was raising global awareness on see in party political manifes- need for children to be includ- policy issues. She emphasized tos,” she said. ed in decision-making and be the need for children to be given the platform to air their given the platform to express views. For her part, UNICEF themselves. “Children make 36 UNITED NATIONS IN BOTSWANA NEWSLETTER | PAGE 4

“I acknowledge that the right Dividend (DD) Report launch transition in Botswana has investments have to be made in Gaborone. President Masisi happened, in that, Botswana in Botswana for us to tap into said that; “the political will is in has more people in the the potential and skills of place to support the DD working age than in the young people. Our Return on agenda, what is needed is the dependent age groups of Investment (ROI) isn’t technocratic will & ability to children and the elderly. commensurate with the deliver the political will.” expectations we have for Botswana” said Vice President In his address, he noted that Mokgweetsi Masisi (pictured unlike in other African left) at the Demographic countries, the demographic Botswana’s Demographic Transition has happened!

The report reveals that this people’s energy, talent and necessary. Consequently, as high-income country. The gives Botswana a temporary their innovation” he said. The the report states, our young commitment to put the needs, window of opportunity to reap report also states that like all people start contributing to rights and capabilities of the demographic dividend. other dividends, the demo- the economy at older ages young people at the center has According to the Opportuni- graphic dividend is not than generations before them. been demonstrated by the ties and Policy Actions to automatic as such the right The Government of Botswana African Union Commission Maximize the Demographic investments have to be made and its partners should act where member states took a Dividend in Botswana report, in education, empowerment with urgency to implement decision in January 2016 an overwhelming majority of and employment of Botswa- interventions to take full Assembly to establish the Botswana’s population is na’s youthful population. advantage of the Demograph- theme for 2017 as ‘Harnessing young people. “They are not ic Dividend to achieve its the Demographic Dividend only young but are also vulner- The DD report also shows that development aspirations,” said (DD) through Investments in able, unskilled, insu ciently Botswana’s youth remain Masisi. Youth. The AU roadmap on DD educated, energetic and dependent until the average was developed bearing in willing to learn and work. age of 32. “We note that youth Vice President Masisi stated he mind the urgent necessity to Therefore, for us to seize the unemployment remains high, is committed to giving young transform the potential of window of opportunity we and that our economy is not people a competitive edge, in Africa’s large youth population. must tap into our young producing jobs at a scale Botswana’s quest to become a UNITED NATIONS IN BOTSWANA NEWSLETTER | PAGE 5

Second, make schools work for all children. Level the playing eld by reducing stunting and promoting brain improve the quality of learning development through early taking place in Botswana’s nutrition and stimulation so public schools to ensure the children start school ready to nation’s future economic learn. Attract highly capable competitiveness. people into teaching and keep World Bank Kicks o them motivated by tailoring “One of the ways in which teacher training that is Botswana can reap the demo- reinforced by mentors. Deploy Discussion on graphic dividend is through technologies that help teach- the provision of quality educa- ers teach to the level of the tion and learning,” said Xavier student, and strengthen Education, Learning school management, includ- Furtado, World Bank Coun- try Representative for ing principals. and Skills Botswana. “The World Bank is committed and ready to Third, mobilize everyone support reforms to the educa- who has a stake in learning. The World Bank’s o ce in ment and citizens can make tion sector so that Botswana Use information and metrics to Botswana today convened and helps countries develop can succeed in its transition to mobilize citizens, increase development partners, private the human capital that will end a knowledge-based economy accountability, and create sector representatives, govern- extreme poverty. Without and young Batswana have the political will for education ment o cials, and education quality education, developing skills necessary to lead success- reform. Involve stakeholders, stakeholders to share and countries will continue to fall ful and productive lives.” including the business discuss the ndings from the behind as they face an acute community, in all stages of World Development Report shortage of essential skills. Relying on evidence gathered education reform, from design 2018: Learning to Realize around the world, the report to implementation. Education's Promise. Those attending the meeting oers three policy recommen- also had the opportunity to dations: “Education has the power to The report highlights some consider the report’s ndings end extreme poverty and alarming facts and warns of a given the serious challenges First, assess learning, so it boost shared prosperity for all,” learning crisis across the world. facing Botswana’s education can become a measurable said Deon Filmer, World Bank It states that, even after several sector. Botswana’s secondary goal. Only half of all develop- Lead Economist and co-di- years in school, millions of education system is presently ing countries have metrics to rector of the report. “The children are unable to read, generating too many gradu- measure learning at the end of ndings from the World Devel- write or do basic math. ates who do not possess the primary and lower secondary opment Report may make for Without these skills, students skills necessary to become school. Well-designed student disheartening reading, but it is around the world are being productive members of assessments can help teachers meant as a wake-up call; we denied opportunities to lead Botswana’s economy. Accord- guide students, improve know that change is possible healthy and productive lives ing to the latest data, 34 system management, and when countries and their while maximizing their contri- percent (87,000) of Botswana’s focus society’s attention on leaders make learning for all a bution to national economic young graduates are presently learning. These measures can national priority.” development. unemployed. It is therefore inform national policy choices, critical that the Government of track progress, and shine a Education remains one of the Botswana and other education spotlight on children who are best investments that govern- stakeholders act swiftly to being left behind. UNITED NATIONS IN BOTSWANA NEWSLETTER | PAGE 6

UNDP Launches a Programme to Support SMEs in Botswana

On the 4th July 2018, the contribute to GDP and create projects. The next steps will Permanent Secretary in the jobs in Botswana. She further include the recruitment, Ministry of Investment, Trade assured the Government and training and certication of and Industry, (MITI) Ms. Peggy the private sector of UNDP’s local consultants which will be Serame (pictured left) technical support. She followed by selection of launched the UNDP’s Business explained that the SDP is part beneciary SMEs (suppliers) Supplier Development of the wider UNDP support to and identication of Programme (SDP). The SDP MITI around sustainable large-scale businesses (buyers) seeks to develop the produc- solutions to Botswana’s who are willing to buy the tive capacity of small and economic challenges of high products from the SMEs. medium enterprises (SMEs) unemployment, poverty and and improve their competi- an undiversied economy. Also speaking at the launch tiveness to enable them to was Mr Charles Siwawa, the supply large-scale companies. The SDP Project Manager, Ms. Chief Executive O cer of the In her remarks, the Permanent Tumi Mbaakanyi gave an Botswana Chamber of Mines. Secretary said the initiative overview of the SDP. She The Botswana Chamber of comes at the right time when explained that qualied Mines will be a Coordinating Government in upscaling consultants will mentor SMEs Partner in the implementation eort to ght the challenges of over a 10 to 12 months period of the SDP in the mining sector. unemployment, poverty and a using a rigorous six-stage Mr. Siwawa said that they are less diversied economy. process. The initial roll-out of looking forward to the imple- the programme will target 80 – mentation of the SDP which The UNDP Resident Represent- 100 SMEs in the selected will broaden the benets to ative, Ms. Jacinta Barrins sectors and related value the SMEs . emphasized UNDP’s commit- chains in mining, leather, ment to build resilient SMEs textiles, agro-processing and which will meaningfully infrastructure development UNITED NATIONS IN BOTSWANA NEWSLETTER | PAGE 6

The main aim of this capacity been critical recommenda- IOM supports migra- building was to equip partici- tions made at the various pants with the skills to identify training workshops, which are vulnerable migrants in mixed currently being acted upon. tion management migration ows and refer them Key amongst those is the accordingly for protection recommendation to standard- assistance. This is in line with ize the migrant screening and Sustainable Development Goal referral process. In line with this (SDG) 10 - target 10.7, which recommendation, IOM calls upon all States to facilitate supported the Department of orderly, safe, regular and Immigration and Citizenship in responsible migration and the development of a Draft mobility of people, including National Referral Mechanism through the implementation (NRM) as part of the Standard of planned and well-managed Operating Procedures for use migration policies and by frontline o cials and The International Organization working with the Department programmes. service providers who interact for Migration (IOM) has been of Immigration and Citizen- with vulnerable migrants providing technical support to ship, under the Ministry of Trained trainers from the during their operations. The the Government of Botswana Nationality, Immigration and Department of Immigration draft national referral mecha- on migration management, Gender Aairs to conduct and Citizenship have been very nism is currently being piloted with the aim to build institu- training of trainers for frontline instrumental in rolling out the at 5 border sites; Tlokweng, tional, human and operational o cials on the management training to their colleagues and Ramatlabama, Martins Drift, capacity. As part of the of mixed and irregular migra- counterparts across the Ramokgwebana and Kazungu- support, IOM has been tion. country. In addition, there have la. WHO partners with UB

the centre’s potential contribu- said the centre deserved a ted by the University of tion to health and develop- special award from the univer- Botswana, to enhance the ment in Botswana. The letter of sity leadership as its achieve- tripartite partnership between re-designation was presented ment has contributed to the UB, Ministry of Health and to the new UB Vice Chancellor challenge and expectation on Wellness and the WHO on Professor David Norris, by the universities to have a direct health development in The University of Botswana WHO Representative Dr impact on new knowledge Botswana. He suggested that (UB) School of Nursing, which Martins Ovberedjo on behalf of development, evidence gener- perhaps the Chancellor could has been a WHO Collaborating the Regional Director Dr ation, people’s lives and mobilize heads of other institu- Centre for Nursing and Matshidiso Moeti. national development. He tions of higher learning and Midwifery Development pledged full support to the rally them around health and (WHOCC) since 1990, has been Dr Ovberedjo (above, left) centre and working relation- development. He presented re-designated with expanded handing over the Re-designa- ship with WHO. the Vice Chancellor with copies terms of reference (TOR) for tion Certicate to Professor of key AFRO strategic another 4 years. The re-desig- Norris. In his acceptance On his part, Dr Ovberedjo the documents. He concluded by nation occurred after a WHO response, the Vice Chancellor WHO Representative (WR) saying that the re-designation Africa Regional O ce (AFRO) expressed his appreciation for congratulated Professor Norris of the Centre has a key role in and HQ assessment team the re-designation of the UB for his appointment as the Vice the health development of the visited the centre in conjunc- School of Nursing as a WHOCC, Chancellor of Botswana’s African region and that the tion with the WHO country describing the achievement as premier university and implementation of the TOR will o ce. The team also held special recognition of the acknowledged the valuable have a direct impact on the discussions with the Ministry of valuable work by the WHOCC contribution by the university, lives of communities. Health and Wellness in terms of and University of Botswana. He including resources commit-