In a move to strengthen democratic governance and institutional development, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr Gabriel Malebang, led a delegation on Thursday in a strategic meeting with the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Mr Zia Choudhury, and other representatives of the UN family in Botswana.
The high-level engagement was aimed at operationalising and concretizing key resolutions stemming from a recent meeting between the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse, and Mr Choudhury. The resolutions underscore the growing commitment between Botswana’s Parliament and the UN to work collaboratively toward national development and global sustainability goals.
Focus on Strengthening Parliamentary Effectiveness
The meeting zeroed in on enhancing institutional capacity, with a shared vision of ensuring Parliament remains a dynamic, accountable, and people-centered institution. Dr Malebang emphasized the importance of reinforcing the legislative body’s ability to deliver on its core functions—legislation, oversight, budgeting, policy review, and citizen representation.
“The National Assembly is committed to evolving into a robust engine of democratic governance, and this partnership with the United Nations brings added technical expertise and global best practices,” Dr Malebang said during the session.
Aligning with Global Best Practices and SDGs
The collaboration also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to peace, justice, and strong institutions. The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Choudhury, reaffirmed the UN’s support in ensuring Botswana’s Parliament is well-resourced and empowered to lead inclusive development processes.
“We are committed to walking this journey with Parliament, helping it adapt to modern challenges and play a more proactive role in public accountability and policy shaping,” Mr Choudhury stated.
Enhancing Budgetary and Oversight Capabilities
Another focal point of the meeting was the enhancement of Parliament’s budgeting and oversight functions, ensuring that public funds are effectively monitored and aligned with national priorities. Discussions also explored ways of improving policy review mechanisms, allowing lawmakers to assess the impact of enacted legislation and adjust strategies where needed.
A Platform for Long-Term Strategic Engagement
The engagement represents more than a single meeting; it lays the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership between Botswana’s legislative arm and the UN system. Both parties acknowledged the need for regular follow-up meetings, joint initiatives, and technical cooperation frameworks to keep the momentum alive.
As Botswana continues to build a responsive and inclusive democratic state, such alliances are crucial in supporting institutional excellence and aligning national processes with international development agendas.
