UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres Visits Lesotho to Celebrate Bicentennial and Address Key Challenges
During his visit to Lesotho, invited by Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane, United Nations (UN) Secretary General Mr. António Guterres paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, as well as met with Lesotho’s Cabinet at the State House in Maseru on Thursday. The visit is part of celebrations marking Lesotho’s bicentennial, and it highlights the ongoing relationship between Lesotho and the UN.
In an interview with the Agency, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane, explained that the visit was a direct result of an invitation extended by Prime Minister Matekane to the UN Secretary General to join the country in celebrating its 200-year history. The bicentennial celebrations provided an important opportunity for international recognition and reflection on Lesotho’s achievements and challenges.
Minister Mpotjoane further highlighted that Mr. Guterres’ visit also allowed him to witness some of the critical issues facing Lesotho, including the concerning decrease in water levels within the country’s reservoirs due to the impacts of climate change. This environmental challenge is a growing concern for Lesotho, which relies heavily on water resources for agriculture, energy, and general livelihoods.
As part of the discussions, Mr. Guterres met with the Lesotho Cabinet to explore potential avenues for collaboration and support in addressing these challenges. The conversation centered around Lesotho’s development needs, climate resilience, and strategies to mitigate the effects of changing weather patterns on the country’s water resources.
The visit by the UN Secretary General is significant not only for the bicentennial celebrations but also for reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in tackling global challenges such as climate change. It further highlights the UN’s role in supporting member states, especially those facing vulnerabilities related to environmental issues, and emphasizes the need for continued support to nations like Lesotho in their development and climate adaptation efforts.
The ongoing partnership between Lesotho and the UN remains crucial as the country works toward sustainable development goals and enhances its resilience in the face of climate change. Through such visits and dialogue, the government of Lesotho hopes to strengthen its relationship with the UN and ensure continued support for addressing both immediate and long-term challenges.
