WELCOME REMARKS
FOR BOATAMETSE MODUKANELE
PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM
DURING THE TECHNICAL SESSION OF THE 1ST AFRICA BIODIVERSITY SUMMIT

AUC Chair,
AUC Commissioner,
Heads of Diplomatic Agencies,
Heads of UN Agencies,
Distinguished Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Morning!

1. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this Technical Session of the First Africa Biodiversity Summit, here in our beautiful Botswana.

2. This is indeed a momentous occasion. For the first time, our continent has come together — not just to celebrate Africa’s rich natural heritage, but to take concrete steps to secure it for future generations.

Distinguished delegates,
3. This technical session is where science meets policy. It is where we turn evidence into action. Over the next few hours, we will hear from experts, practitioners, and innovators who will share insights on how to strengthen biodiversity monitoring, restoration, and governance; how to mobilize financing for conservation; and how to integrate biodiversity into national development plans.

4. Our task is to ensure that these discussions do not remain theoretical — but inform real, practical actions on the ground. We must be bold enough to translate technical knowledge into policies that work, budgets that prioritize nature, and partnerships that deliver results.

Ladies and gentlemen,
5. Africa has already shown leadership on the global stage. Through the African Union Green Recovery Action Plan, the Pan-African Great Green Wall Initiative, and our collective commitments under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, we have demonstrated that Africa’s voice is strong, united, and forward-looking.

6. But our next step must be implementation. This is where the real test lies — in ensuring that our frameworks are translated into tangible impacts in our communities where we will realise restored ecosystems, protected species, and livelihoods that are both sustainable and dignified.

7. Let us therefore use this session to deepen our collaborations. Let us listen to the science, learn from one another, and build the partnerships that will enable Africa to not only conserve biodiversity, but to thrive because of it.
8. On behalf of the Government of Botswana, I wish to thank all of you for being here today for this important meeting. I also wish to thank all our partners for the financial contributions that have made this meeting a reality.

9. As we open this technical session, I encourage you to engage actively, speak openly, and think boldly. The discussions we begin today will shape the actions we take tomorrow.

10. With those words, I welcome you to Botswana, and wish you successful deliberations as we drive towards a prosperous Africa.
I thank you.