Lesotho Pushes Science, Technology and Innovation Agenda at UN Meeting in New York

The Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Honourable Nthati Moorosi, has reaffirmed Lesotho’s strong commitment to using science, technology and innovation as tools for national development and improved quality of life. Her remarks were delivered at the Joint Special Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council on Science, Technology and Innovation, held at the UN Headquarters in New York City. The address placed Lesotho’s digital transformation efforts within a broader global push to close the technology gap between developed and developing countries. She emphasised that innovation is not optional for Lesotho but a necessary driver of inclusive growth, service delivery and economic resilience. The speech also highlighted the country’s determination to ensure that no citizen is left behind in the digital era.

Honourable Moorosi outlined key progress Lesotho has made in building digital systems that support governance and public service delivery, with a particular focus on digital identity systems. These systems are designed to improve access to essential services such as healthcare, education and financial inclusion by ensuring that citizens can be properly identified and verified in digital environments. She noted that digital identity is becoming a foundation for modern state systems, enabling efficiency and reducing administrative barriers that often slow down service delivery. The Minister also pointed to ongoing efforts to strengthen national digital infrastructure, which is critical for expanding access to online services across urban and rural communities. She stressed that these developments are part of a wider vision to modernise government operations and improve accountability.

A significant part of her address focused on youth development through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics programmes supported in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. These STEAM initiatives aim to equip young people with practical skills that match the demands of a rapidly changing global economy. According to the Minister, youth participation in science and innovation is essential for building a future workforce capable of driving Lesotho’s economic transformation. She highlighted that the programmes are designed not only to build technical skills but also to encourage creativity, problem solving and entrepreneurship. The involvement of international partners such as UNDP was described as crucial in scaling up opportunities and ensuring that young people across the country can benefit from innovation-driven education.

Honourable Moorosi also drew attention to the Prime Minister’s Sebabatso innovation initiative, which seeks to foster a national culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. The initiative is focused on identifying local solutions to national challenges while supporting innovators with the resources and platforms needed to turn ideas into viable enterprises. She explained that Sebabatso is intended to bridge the gap between ideas and implementation by providing mentorship, funding pathways and institutional support. The programme also aims to strengthen collaboration between government, private sector actors and research institutions. Through this approach, Lesotho hopes to build a stronger innovation ecosystem that can contribute directly to economic growth and job creation.

In her remarks, the Minister issued a strong call for global and regional partnerships to support Lesotho’s ambition of achieving 100% meaningful connectivity. She defined meaningful connectivity as more than just access to the internet, but reliable, affordable and usable digital access that allows citizens to fully participate in the digital economy. She stressed that infrastructure investment, policy cooperation and knowledge sharing are essential to achieving this goal. The Minister also emphasised that connectivity must be inclusive, reaching rural and underserved communities that are often left behind in digital expansion efforts. She invited development partners, private sector stakeholders and international organisations to collaborate in closing these gaps.

The address at the UN General Assembly and ECOSOC meeting positioned Lesotho as an active participant in global discussions on science, technology and innovation. Honourable Moorosi underscored that the country is committed to aligning its national development agenda with global sustainable development goals through digital transformation. She made it clear that Lesotho sees innovation as a practical pathway to solving challenges in governance, education, health and economic development. The speech reflected a broader recognition that technological advancement is central to building resilient and inclusive societies in the 21st century. It also reinforced Lesotho’s intention to strengthen its presence in international technology and innovation dialogues.

Lesotho’s participation in the Joint Special Meeting of the UN General Assembly and ECOSOC on STI highlighted a clear and structured commitment to digital transformation and innovation-led development. Through initiatives such as digital identity systems, youth STEAM programmes and the Sebabatso innovation initiative, the country is working to build a more inclusive and technology-driven economy. Honourable Nthati Moorosi’s address reinforced the importance of partnerships in achieving universal and meaningful connectivity, especially for developing nations. The message delivered in New York positioned Lesotho as a country actively investing in future-focused solutions while seeking global collaboration to accelerate progress.