The Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation wishes to inform that on 23rd July 2021, the Republic of Botswana will assume the Presidency of the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2022 Session, which will run from July 2021 to July 2022.
This will be the first time that Botswana assumes the Presidency. The country will be represented by Botswana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, H.E. Mr. Collen Vixen Kelapile. The ceremony for assumption of the Presidency will take place during the Organisational Session of ECOSOC on 23rd July 2021. Members of the public are advised that they can follow the ceremony on UN Web TV (media.un.org/en/webtv), at 1000hrs (EDT), 1600hrs (CAT).
Established in 1945, ECOSOC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. The Council is mandated to promote international cooperation on economic, social and environmental issues. Accordingly, ECOSOC provides a vital platform for advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Council has a rotating membership which comprises 54 Members, elected by the UN General Assembly. Botswana was elected to ECOSOC in 2019 for a 3-year term and has been serving as Vice President of ECOSOC representing the African region responsible for the Management Segment. Previously, Botswana was a Member of ECOSOC during the periods of 1983-1985, 1991-1993 and 2012-2016.
As the President of ECOSOC, Botswana will be expected during the 2022 Session to provide strategic leadership to the Council. In this leadership role, the country will among others, preside over the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, Youth Forum and the Forum on Financing for Development. Additionally, in an effort to advance the vision of His Excellency the President, Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi, of creating opportunities for Batswana youth to serve in international organisations, 6 Batswana youth will participate in an internship programme that will support Botswana’s ECOSOC Presidency.