New York, NY: Lesotho’s relationship with the United Nations received a significant boost this week with a generous donation of technology equipment. The UN Office of Information, Communication, and Technology (OICT) provided the Lesotho government, via its Permanent Mission in New York, with 135 laptops and 20 printers.
H.E. Mr. Matete Matete ‘Nena, Lesotho’s Permanent Representative to the UN, hailed the donation as a major step forward for the country’s digitalization efforts and commitment to integrating technology into schools. This initiative aligns perfectly with the UN’s ongoing negotiations on the Global Digital Initiative and the Pact for the Future, both of which emphasize the importance of artificial intelligence and digitalization in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNICEF’s Lesotho office will facilitate the transportation of the equipment and collaborate with relevant ministries to ensure it reaches its intended beneficiaries and has a positive impact on the lives of Basotho people.
In a separate development, Mr. ‘Nena also met with Ms. Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director. During the courtesy call, he commended UNICEF for its unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children and communities around the world, including Lesotho. He expressed his gratitude for UNICEF’s significant contributions, particularly its role in promoting high school enrollment rates through its free primary education initiatives. The Ambassador further lauded UNICEF’s support for school feeding programs, which provide a vital, nutritious meal for Lesotho’s most vulnerable students. He emphasized the importance of equipping children, the future leaders of any nation, with the necessary skills to thrive.