President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana participates today in the One Health Summit in Lyon, France, which coincides with World Health Day.
The summit, hosted by the French Government as a flagship event of its G7 Presidency, brings together heads of state and government, international organizations, scientists, the private sector, youth, and civil society. It focuses on the interdependence of human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health, and promotes coordinated, science based approaches to shared threats such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, sustainable food systems, and exposure to pollution.
The gathering highlights the Quadripartite partnership involving the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). WHO assumes the chair of the Quadripartite tomorrow.
President Boko joins a high-level panel under the theme “Governance, Science and Finance.” His intervention showcases Botswana’s One Health policy framework and its contributions to health security, economic resilience, and sustainable development. During his time in France, he also holds bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and engages business leaders on trade and investment opportunities in Botswana.
President Boko undertakes the working visit to France and Spain from April 6 to 11. The visit continues in Spain on Thursday, where he advances Botswana’s economic diplomacy in support of the country’s economic revitalization and diversification agenda. He holds bilateral discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Accompanying President Boko are Minister of International Relations Dr. Phenyo Butale, Minister of Health Dr. Stephen Modise, Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, and other senior government officials.
The president and his delegation are expected to return to Gaborone on Saturday, April 11. Vice President Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe assumes the role of Acting President in his absence.
The One Health Summit, running from April 5 to 7, emphasizes multisectoral action on prevention, preparedness, and the building of resilient and equitable health systems for humans, animals, and the planet.