President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko is set to represent Botswana at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York from 19 to 26 September 2026.
Held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” the session will bring world leaders together to deliberate on sustainable development, human rights, climate action, emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, peace and security, and UN reform.
Botswana is expected to use the high-level gathering to advance its socio-economic development priorities while contributing to discussions shaping the global policy agenda.
President Boko is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on 23 September, where he will reaffirm Botswana’s commitment to the UN Charter, multilateralism, peaceful resolution of disputes and a rules-based international order.
He will also officiate at a Botswana-hosted side event, “60 Jewels of Botswana: The Diamond Story,” featuring jewellery crafted from Botswana diamonds and highlighting the provenance of the country’s natural diamonds.
The President will further participate in high-level meetings, including an African Leaders Malaria Alliance event focused on sustainable financing to eliminate malaria. Bilateral engagements are also planned with the heads of UNECA, UNAIDS and UNICEF, alongside courtesy calls on the UN Secretary-General and the President of the 81st UN General Assembly.
President Boko will be accompanied by First Lady Kaone Boko and senior government officials, including the Ministers of International Relations, Health, Minerals and Energy, and Youth and Gender Affairs.
Meanwhile, In the absence of both the President and Vice President, Minister of Higher Education Mooketsi Prince Maele will serve as Acting President
