President Duma Boko has announced that Botswana will launch its first comprehensive National Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy and Implementation Framework in December 2026.
This marks a significant step towards strengthening the country’s sustainable development and climate action agenda.
Delivering Botswana’s national statement at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, Boko said the strategy would be supported by investments in robust data measurement, reporting and verification systems, institutional capacity building, sustainable financial products and a national green taxonomy.
The framework will also prioritise the development of credible carbon and biodiversity markets, green trade, sustainable tourism, climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy.
Boko highlighted that climate change continues to pose significant economic and environmental risks to Botswana, citing severe droughts, erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and increasing pressure on water resources.
These challenges threaten agricultural productivity, public health, biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities dependent on natural resources.
He said Botswana was strengthening its mitigation and adaptation measures through renewable energy adoption, improved energy efficiency, water security, climate-smart agriculture and climate-resilient infrastructure.
However, the President stressed that the scale of climate action required exceeds the financial capacity of Botswana and many developing countries.
Boko called for a predictable global climate finance architecture that expands access to concessional financing, mobilises responsible private investment and supports the development of bankable climate projects.
He further called for simplified access to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage to ensure timely financial support for climate-vulnerable nations.
Boko reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, urging COP31 to prioritise implementation and accelerate climate financing arrangements.
“Yesterday is ideal. Tomorrow is too late,” he said, emphasising the urgency of translating climate commitments into tangible action.
