• Honourable Minister Wynter Mmolotsi, Minister of Environment and Tourism of the Republic of Botswana
• Hononourable Ministers
• Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners
• Executives of Regional Economic Communities
• Our Partners, Youth and
• Representatives of Local Communities
• Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

1. It is an honour to welcome you to the First Africa Biodiversity Summit here in the vibrant city of Gaborone. I know that you have very busy schedules in your countries, but you chose to honor this invitation.

2. Allow me, first and foremost, to extend our deepest appreciation to the Honourable Winter Mmolotsi, Minster of Environment and Tourism for his unwavering support in the lead up to the summit.

3. We are also indebted to the Republic of Botswana, particularly His Excellency President Advocate Duma Boko for the warm hospitality accorded to us and the entire delegation since our arrival.

4. This summit comes at a critical juncture for Africa and the world. Our continent, rich in biodiversity and ecological heritage, stands both as a custodian of global natural wealth and as a frontline witness to the accelerating threats of climate change, habitat loss, and species extinction.

5. The African Union Commission recognizes that biodiversity is not merely a conservation issue, it is a foundation for our economies, our food systems, our health, and our cultural identity.

6. As we gather here today, we must reaffirm our commitment to place biodiversity at the heart of Africa’s development agenda. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous and peaceful continent, driven by its own citizens and rooted in sustainable environmental management.

7. To achieve this vision, we must strengthen our policy frameworks, invest in nature-based solutions, and empower our youth and indigenous communities to be champions of conservation.

8. Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Delegates, the urgency of our task cannot be overstated. We must move beyond declarations to decisive action.

9. Let this summit be remembered not only for its eloquent speeches but for the bold commitments it inspires. Let us forge partnerships that transcend borders, mobilize resources that match our ambitions, and adopt policies that safeguard our ecosystems for the future.

10. In closing, I would like to once again thank all the different organs of the Republic of Botswana, including those dealing with international relations, visa, security and safety, health, entertainment, protocol and environment for their contributions to ensuring that the summit is made possible.

11. Finally, let us make Africa the global leader in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. This is for the future generations to come.
Thank you for your kind attention.