Botswana’s newly elected President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, chose the World Children’s Day celebrations in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, for his first international engagement. During the event, he delivered a heartfelt speech underscoring his dedication to championing children’s rights.
President Boko commended the articulate presentations by the children at the gathering, describing their demands as inspiring and deeply moving. “The children spoke eloquently, with well-articulated presentations. They have made their calls, and I heard them—they spoke to me and to my heart,” he said. He pledged to prioritize their needs, acknowledging past shortcomings. “Your demands will be mine to carry, together with you. We have fallen short, and truly, we have. I pledge to you that we will intensify efforts to meet the demands placed before us today. We will do so together,” Boko affirmed.
In a personal commitment, Boko promised the Botswana Child President that he would remain accessible and supportive. “I want you children, especially those from Botswana, to proudly say, ‘That’s my boy,’ because I am your boy,” he said, reinforcing his dedication to his country’s youth.
The event highlighted the shared commitment of Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders to advancing children’s welfare. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa congratulated Boko on his election and emphasized the regional unity demonstrated in supporting children’s rights.
UNICEF’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Ms. Etleva Kadili, also addressed the gathering, praising Zimbabwe for hosting the celebrations. She commended the efforts of SADC nations, including Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa, in prioritizing children’s rights and emphasized the transformative potential of young people. “Children can make a huge difference. They can partake in development. Children across the gathered countries, you are the reason why we are here,” Kadili said, urging leaders to continue fostering inclusive environments for children’s participation.
The Victoria Falls event reinforced the importance of empowering the next generation by ensuring their voices are heard and their potential realized. SADC leaders called for stronger collaboration to create policies that safeguard children’s rights and enable their growth and development.
