UN Lesotho Newsletter: November 2024- January 2025

This edition of the UN Lesotho Newsletter brings you key updates from the past quarter, showcasing impactful events and initiatives that are shaping the country’s development agenda.

A Historic Visit – UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Lesotho for the first time, reaffirming global solidarity with the country as it marked its bicentenary. His engagements with national leaders underscored the UN’s commitment to supporting Lesotho’s long-term development, access to financing, and the achievement of the SDGs.

Strengthening Disaster Resilience – The Government of Lesotho, in collaboration with the UN, hosted a National Dialogue on Disaster Management to drive collective action in disaster risk reduction. Key stakeholders, including government ministries and development partners, discussed strategies to enhance preparedness and response.

Empowering Youth for the Future – Lesotho officially joined YouthConnekt Africa, strengthening opportunities for youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship. A delegation of young Basotho entrepreneurs attended the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Kigali, gaining exposure to continental opportunities and partnerships.

Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health – Through the Help Lesotho Parent-to-Child Communication Training, parents and adolescents are fostering open discussions about contraception, gender equality, and HIV prevention, equipping youth with the knowledge to make informed choices.

Championing Food Security – The One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) programme, supported by FAO, is boosting Lesotho’s potato farming sector. Local farmers, particularly women, are benefiting from improved inputs, training, and resources to enhance food production and economic resilience.