UNON Director-General, Mrs Zainab Hawa Bangura alongside the Executive Director of United Nations Environment Programme, Ms Inger Andersen, and the Executive Director of United Nations Human Settlements Programme, Ms Anaclaudia Rossbach, received H.E. Advocate Duma Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana
During his visit, President Boko toured the newly constructed UNON office facilities, which reflect the United Nations’ continued investment in modern and sustainable infrastructure in Africa, and met with members of the United Nations Country Team in Kenya. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and exploring support for Botswana’s ambition to establish a United Nations hub in Gaborone.
In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Bangura provided an overview of UNON’s mandate and operations, highlighting the organization’s role in delivering administrative, conference, and support services to UN entities across Africa and beyond. She outlined major capital projects at the Nairobi duty station, including the ongoing Conference Facilities Project.
“UNON stands ready to provide technical support and share lessons learned in the development of UN common premises and shared services,” said Ms. Bangura, reaffirming the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Botswana’s vision of establishing a regional UN hub.
The Executive Director of UNEP highlighted Botswana’s leadership on biodiversity and climate action, while expressing solidarity following the devastating floods in Botswana in 2025 and 2026. She reiterated UNEP’s readiness to support Botswana in areas such as strengthening climate early-warning systems, advancing biodiversity conservation efforts, and addressing environmental pollution associated with mining sector activities, including through technical expertise and policy support.
The Executive Director of UN-Habitat underscored the agency’s strong partnership with Botswana, including the establishment of the UN-Habitat Botswana Office in 2025, and reaffirmed support for housing finance, sustainable urban development, and climate resilience initiatives.
In his remarks, President Boko acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Botswana and the United Nations system. He highlighted the importance of evidence-based collaboration with UN agencies, particularly in addressing climate-induced flooding and sustainable development priorities.
President Boko reaffirmed Gaborone’s interest in establishing UN common premises in Botswana, noting his country’s stability, democratic governance, and commitment to regional and international cooperation.
The visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United Nations and Botswana in advancing sustainable development, regional cooperation, and multilateral engagement.