The Honourable Lesego Chombo, Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, has departed for New York where she will represent Botswana at a series of high-level engagements on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Her mission is hosted by UNICEF and centres on advancing youth empowerment, gender equality, and climate action at global platforms.
The Minister’s programme runs from 23–29 September 2025 and includes three flagship events on Thursday, 25 September 2025, all of which reinforce Botswana’s commitment to investing in its young people and amplifying their voices in global development and climate debates.
- Dialogue with Youth – Youth Breakfast Jam
Date/Time: 25 September 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. EST
- This informal, youth-led dialogue brings together Generation Unlimited Global Leadership Council (GLC) youth delegates and Minister Chombo. The conversation will highlight the priorities of young people, fostering co-creation and personal storytelling rather than formal speeches.
- Global Leadership Council Meeting: 1 Billion Futures – Unlocking Youth Livelihoods through Public–Private Action
Date/Time: 25 September 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST
- Minister Chombo will join a high-level panel titled “Public-Private Action: NextGen Skills for NextGen Jobs” alongside Vice Presidents from Nigeria and South Sudan, and senior leaders from Egypt and the private sector. She will highlight Botswana’s successful models such as the Youth Development Fund and internship programmes, and call for stronger public–private–youth partnerships to equip young people with skills and jobs
- UNICEF & Capgemini Event: From Insights to Action – Youth Perspectives and Corporate Leadership in Green Skills Development
Date/Time: 25 September 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST
- Minister Chombo will deliver Spotlight Remarks (5:15–5:35 p.m.), focusing on how Botswana is putting youth at the centre of its climate and green economy strategies. She will underscore Botswana’s support for platforms such as the Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change (LCOY Botswana) and call for global partnerships to finance youth-led climate innovation.
In addition to these events, the Minister will attend bilateral meetings and strategic sessions throughout the week, aimed at strengthening Botswana’s partnerships with development agencies, civil society, and the private sector.
“Botswana has one of the youngest populations in the world, with over 60% under the age of 35. Investing in their ideas, enterprises, and climate-smart innovations is not charity it is smart economics. In New York, The Minister will advocate for fair financing, strong partnerships, and practical pathways that empower young people, especially women, to lead the green transition.”
Her participation at these events will amplify Botswana’s voice on global platforms, demonstrate national policy innovation, and position the country as a leader in advancing youth participation, climate justice, and gender equality.
