UNESCO Lecture-Trajectory of Botswana Development-
Lecturer: H. E. Mr. Oscar Motswagae, Ambassador of Republic of Botswana to Japan
Date & Time: September 6th (Wed) (9:45-), Place: Moriya Kyoiku Kaikan
The ambassador started his speech by saying, “I would like you to know about my beautiful country, Botswana”. He talked affectionately about the country, which became independent from Britain in 1966. 40 years have passed since then, and the country has achieved high economic growth and in terms of politics, has established democracy. He cited, among other things, the abundance of diamonds found in the late 1970s, the political leadership at the time of the independence, the cultivation of human resources and public infrastructure building, as reasons for the development of Botswana. He also said that a widening income gap and HIV infection are challenges for the future. What is shocking to me is that 25.3% of people aged 15 to 49 are infected with HIV according to statistics. After the speech, a video was shown to introduce the beautiful nature and culture of Botswana.
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＜Outline of Botswana＞
* Geography: Located in the south of Africa, 1.5 times larger than Japan, or the same size as France.
* Economy: World’s biggest diamond producing country (transaction value), the average GDP annual growth rate from 1966 to 1999 was as high as 9.2%
* Sightseeing: Chobe National Park with the world’s largest number of elephants, the Kalahari Desert, mural paintings, which is a UNESCO World Heritage, etc.
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I had the impression that Botswana is a juvenescent country. It is an attractive country where modern urban areas, and rustic and wild African nature exist together. I would like to visit the country from the bottom of my heart. Lastly, the ambassador said that he was very happy to have the opportunity, unlike other embassies of African countries, to have contact with Japanese people. He also hoped that an opportunity to give such a presentation could be enjoyed to other African ambassadors. He personally handed out his name cards, which made me have a sense of affinity toward him
- reported by Moriaki Saito, PR Committee