NEW YORK – The delegation of Lesotho, led by Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, concluded its participation in the High-Level Week of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2023, with a maiden speech by the Prime Minister.
During the High-Level Week, the delegation made interventions in a number of high-level meetings, including the SDG Summit, the High Level Dialogue on Financing for Development, the High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, the High Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention Preparedness and Response, the Annual Ministerial Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Landlocked Developing Countries, the Annual Ministerial Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Least Developed Countries, the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Meeting, the Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Group of 77 and China, and the Summit of the Future.
Lesotho also held bilateral meetings with South Korea, the State of Qatar, the Commonwealth, the United Arab Emirates, the Green Climate Fund, the United Nations Office on Projects Services, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund, to mention but a few.
In collaboration with the UNDP, Lesotho also organized an investment promotion side event on the margins of the 78th Session of the UNGA, aimed at showcasing Lesotho as a destination for investment and tourism.
In his maiden speech to the General Assembly, Prime Minister Matekane called for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation. He also highlighted Lesotho’s priorities, including sustainable development, climate change adaptation, and youth empowerment.
“Lesotho is committed to working with the international community to build a more just and equitable world,” Prime Minister Matekane said. “We believe that multilateralism is the key to addressing the challenges of our time.”
Prime Minister Matekane’s speech was well-received by the General Assembly. Many delegates praised Lesotho’s leadership on important global issues.
