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Honourable Ministers,

Representatives of the United Nations,

Esteemed Development Partners,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a profound honour to address this distinguished gathering on behalf of His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Excellency, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana and our host.

Excellency, Ndaba Gaolathe, Vice President of the Republic of Botswana.

Excellency, Ana Paula Chantre Luna De Carvalho Pereira, Minister of Environment, of the Republic of Angola, Representing H.E Joao Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union.

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

Good Morning,

1. It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you today at this Ministerial Segment of the First Conference of Parties to the Maputo Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

• 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.