Lesotho Participates in G77 and China Ministers Meeting at UN General Assembly

The Kingdom of Lesotho, represented by Honourable Lejone Mpotjoana, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, actively took part in the Forty-Ninth Annual Meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 and China. The meeting was held on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In his address, Minister Mpotjoana highlighted the need to revitalize the United Nations through reforms rooted in justice, inclusivity, and respect for national sovereignty. He called for equitable geographical representation within the UN system, particularly in staffing and leadership roles, to address long-standing imbalances.

Focusing on the meeting’s theme, “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” the Minister outlined persistent challenges faced by developing nations. He noted economic instability, food insecurity, and energy crises as key concerns. Minister Mpotjoana also highlighted Lesotho’s national poverty rate of 49.7%, emphasizing its disproportionate impact on rural communities.

The Minister urged renewed global commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He called for accessible and equitable financing designed to meet the needs of Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States.

Addressing climate change, Minister Mpotjoana highlighted Lesotho’s agriculture-dependent economy as particularly vulnerable to erratic weather and environmental degradation. He advocated for increased climate finance for adaptation, mitigation, and operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, with a focus on supporting vulnerable economies.

Digital cooperation was another focus of his address. Minister Mpotjoana welcomed initiatives like the Digital Cooperation Organization and called for UN support in technology transfer and skills development to bridge the digital divide.

Youth empowerment featured prominently, with the Minister noting high unemployment among graduates in Lesotho. He emphasized the need for investment in quality education, market-relevant skills, and decent work opportunities, describing youth as “our most valuable untapped asset.”

Minister Mpotjoana also expressed concern over liquidity challenges affecting the UN’s regular budget. He commended Member States that continue to meet financial obligations despite economic constraints and reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to equity, justice, and unity. He concluded by calling for strengthened multilateral cooperation to build a resilient and inclusive global future.