Botswana President's first trip outside Botswana was to Zimbabwe

Recently elected President of Botswana's first trip outside Botswana was to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, the President of Botswana, addressed the World Children's Day gathering held at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe with heartfelt sincerity, pledging to work alongside children to address their needs.

"The children spoke eloquently, with well-articulated presentations. They have made their calls, and I heard them—they spoke to me and to my heart," said Boko, who vowed to prioritize children's demands. "Your demands will be mine to carry, together with you. We have fallen short, and truly, we have. I pledge to you that we will intensify efforts to meet the demands placed before us today. We will do so together."

Boko further reaffirmed his commitment to engaging directly with children, promising the Botswana Child President that he would always be available for meetings. "I want you children, especially those from Botswana, to proudly say, ‘That's my boy,' because I am your boy," Boko added, making a personal commitment to the youth of his country.

The World Children's Day celebration served as a powerful reminder of the collective commitment within the SADC region to ensure children's voices are heard and that their rights are protected. President Mnangagwa also congratulated President Boko on his election, describing the event as a testament to the shared dedication among SADC leaders to advancing children's rights.

This year's celebrations underscored the importance of fostering environments where children's rights are upheld, and their potential fully realized, with leaders across the region reiterating their support for initiatives that empower children and include them in shaping policies that affect their lives.

The event also saw Ms. Etleva Kadili, UNICEF's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, commend Zimbabwe's commitment to children's rights. "It is a huge honour to be with all of you today on this day of celebrating children's rights. Your Excellency, President of Zimbabwe, I appreciate you hosting this event," Kadili said, praising Zimbabwe's efforts alongside other SADC nations like Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa that have prioritized children's rights and development.

"Children can make a huge difference. They can partake in development. Children across the gathered countries, you are the reason why we are here. As parents, it's not all about us - it's about what our children become," Kadili emphasized, highlighting the collective role of children in shaping their futures.