On May 13th, 2024, Ambassador Paul Beresford-Hill met with Ambassador Gladys Mokhawa, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Botswana to the United Nations.
Ambassador Mokhawa assumed her role as Permanent Representative of Botswana to the United Nations in August 2023, marking a significant milestone as the country’s first female Ambassador to the UN. Before this appointment, Ambassador Mokhawa served as the Permanent Secretary of Botswana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs from April 2021. Prior to this, she held the position of Deputy Permanent Secretary for Bilateral Diplomacy from April 2020, when she began her tenure at the Motswana Ministry of Foreign Affairs, until April 2021. Ambassador Mokhawa’s expertise in international relations and diplomacy was honed during her time as Head of the Political and Administrative Studies Department at the University of Botswana from April 2019 to April 2020. She earned her PhD in international relations from the University of Saint Andrews in the United Kingdom, along with a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, focusing on political science and public administration, both from the University of Botswana.
Situated in the heart of Southern Africa, Botswana is a landlocked country renowned for its rich cultural heritage. As a member of the Commonwealth and the African Union (AU), Botswana plays an integral role in global affairs. Additionally, it is part of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), facilitating the exchange of goods among member nations. The cultural landscape of Botswana is characterised by the harmonious blend of Tswana and English influences; these two languages and cultures intertwine, reflecting the nation’s diverse identity. Approximately half of Botswana’s population identifies as Christian, primarily following independent Christian denominations, with a smaller community adhering to Roman Catholicism. Traditional beliefs also hold significance, with around one-third of the population classifying them as their primary religious orientation.
Both ambassadors acknowledged the pivotal role of multilateral diplomacy within the framework of the United Nations; underscoring the indispensable nature of the UN’s work in global affairs, the ambassadors emphasised its irreplaceable position. Ambassador Mokhawa highlighted the vital contributions of both the UN’s Economic and Social Council, as well as General Assembly, in enhancing the welfare of populations worldwide.
Ambassador Beresford-Hill provided Ambassador Mokhawa with a comprehensive overview of the Sovereign Order of Malta’s history and its multifaceted functions, from its roots to its current role as a global humanitarian actor. Ambassador Mokhawa, highlighted the rare and valuable role of apolitical actors like the Order in addressing gaps within international affairs and reaching marginalised populations.
The discussion concluded with both parties expressing mutual interest in exploring diplomatic dialogue and pathways for collaboration between the Sovereign Order of Malta and Botswana, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges.
