Botswana MPs inspired to tackle climate change through development lens

On 18 June 2025, the Parliament of Botswana, in collaboration with Climate Parliament and the UNIDO, hosted an impactful one-day capacity-building workshop for Members of the 13th Parliament. This marked the first in-person initiative of its kind, bringing climate change to the forefront as an integral part of development discourse.

Bringing together a total 10 Members of Parliament (MPs) and Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Dithapelo Keorapetse, the workshop sought to reframe climate change in relation to key national challenges such as unemployment, poverty, healthcare and education. Leading the conversation was Pato Kelesitse of Sustain267, whose presentation drew clear and compelling connections between environmental degradation and socioeconomic disparities. Sustain267 is a social enterprise with an aim to encourage environmental consciousness in personal and business activities. Pato emphasised the critical role African parliaments can play in spearheading practical, people-focused climate action and outlined tangible steps for MPs to consider at the constituency level.

Building on this foundation, I introduced the UNFCCC COP 29 Green Energy Zones and Corridors pledge. Botswana has yet to formally endorse the pledge, which encourages nations to “promote green energy zones for tackling climate change, promoting economic growth and energy security, and improving the quality of life for local communities,”. I urged MPs to champion its vision. With Climate Parliament’s support, MPs were encouraged to begin developing a pipeline of green projects that align with Botswana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The session sparked robust engagement among participants. Honourable Palelo Motaosane, member of parliament for Thamaga/Kumakwane Constituency, highlighted the invaluable role of non-state actors in equipping legislators with knowledge on complex, cross-cutting issues like climate change. The event concluded with a shared understanding of the need to integrate climate priorities into national development plans, a promising step towards a more sustainable and inclusive future for Botswana.

Tiego Mpho

Policy Coordinator, Botswana