31/08/2026
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๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ฐ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐๐ง๐๐
As Botswana celebrates 60 years of independence, the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) kicked off the Diamond Jubilee commemoration with the FAO Green Cities Initiative, reaffirming their commitment to supporting a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for all Batswana.
At the heart of the initiative was the donation of 400 citrus trees, to be planted at clinics, parks and schools. The trees represent more than a greener Gaborone, they are an investment in food security, healthier communities and a more sustainable future. The tree planting was followed by the Mayorโs Green Cities Drive Walk from Old Naledi to Village Park, an initiative bringing together Government, development partners, local authorities and communities in building healthier and more sustainable urban spaces.
Speaking at the launch, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Wenyan Yang highlighted the significance of the initiative as Botswana reflects on six decades of nation-building and looks ahead to the next chapter of its development journey. โPlanting trees to celebrate Botswana's six decades of progress is fittingly symbolic โ trees draw nutrients from the earth, combine them with energy of the sun to grow. They are symbols of deep-rooted growth, hope and possibility. What we plant today is a celebration of progress, partnership and a promise of future growth. This forms part of the broader UN Botswana Diamond Jubilee commemoration plans and demonstrates One UN delivery and genuine partnership,โ said Ms. Yang.
The Minister of International Relations, Hon. Phenyo Butale, commended Gaborone City Council, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), development partners and communities for organising the initiative. Hon. Butale stated that โa clean city is a more resilient city,โ emphasising that responsible citizens are essential partners in building sustainable communities. He noted that a green economy can contribute significantly to Botswanaโs economic transformation, urging businesses to take responsibility for their environmental footprint. He called on everyone to renew their commitment to building not only a greener Gaborone, but a cleaner and more sustainable Botswana.
The Mayor of Gaborone, His Worship Oarabile Motlaleng, said the walk was more than just a journey from one place to another. It showed shared commitment to building a greener, stronger and more sustainable Gaborone. He highlighted the importance of working together to address climate change and noted that the Green Cities Initiative, supported by the FAO of the United Nations, aims to improve green spaces and promote sustainable urban food production. The Mayor reminded everyone that building a greener city is a shared responsibility and that caring for our environment should be part of our everyday lives.
The event forms part of the broader UN Botswana Diamond Jubilee commemorations and symbolizes the enduring partnership between Botswana and the United Nations. As Botswana enters its next 60 years of independence, the launch of the FAO Green Cities Initiative sends a strong message that environmental sustainability and inclusive development remain central to the countryโs future aspirations.
Because every tree planted today is a step towards a greener, healthier and more food-secure tomorrow.
