The Foreign Ministry’s Future Diplomats Programme: Empowering Botswana’s Youth

In October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Botswana launched its Public Diplomacy Youth Programme, aptly titled “Empowering Botswana’s Future Diplomats.” The initiative aims to engage Senior Secondary School learners in diplomacy and international relations, fostering a new generation of informed and active citizens. The inaugural event took place at Gaborone Senior Secondary School (GSS), setting the stage for meaningful discussions on critical global issues.

Objectives of the Programme

The Public Diplomacy Youth Programme is designed to promote youth participation in diplomacy and international relations, addressing several key objectives:

1. Youth Engagement: By actively involving young people in discussions about diplomacy, the programme seeks to empower them to voice their perspectives on various geopolitical issues.
2. Education on Global Issues: Participants will gain insights into critical topics such as global peace and security, climate change, human rights, gender and development, and the impact of information technology on international relations.
3. Leadership Development: The programme aims to enhance youth leadership skills, encouraging students to take on roles that represent their views and advocate for issues important to them.
4. Appreciation of Foreign Policy: By learning about Botswana’s foreign policy and its diplomatic relationships, students will better understand the country’s position on the global stage.

The Inaugural Engagement at Gaborone Senior Secondary School

The first youth engagement at GSS brought together various stakeholders, including school leadership, teachers, Form Four students, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Angolan Embassy, and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. This collaborative effort underscored the importance of a multi-faceted approach to education and diplomacy.

Key components of the engagement included:

• Presentation on Youth Initiative Objectives: Participants were introduced to the goals of the programme and the significance of youth involvement in diplomacy.
• Overview of Botswana’s Foreign Policy: This session provided insights into the country’s diplomatic strategies and objectives, helping students understand the framework guiding Botswana’s international relations.
• Introduction to Diplomatic Missions: Students learned about the various diplomatic missions accredited to Botswana, broadening their awareness of the international community’s presence in their country.
• Cultural Exchange: The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks and a heartfelt poem recited by GSS students, emphasizing the cultural aspect of diplomacy and the importance of youth expression.

The Foreign Ministry’s Public Diplomacy Youth Programme represents a significant step towards engaging Botswana’s youth in global affairs. By empowering students to participate in discussions on diplomacy and international relations, the programme not only enriches their understanding of global issues but also nurtures the next generation of leaders. As Botswana continues to navigate the complexities of the international landscape, initiatives like this one will play a crucial role in fostering informed, capable, and active citizens ready to contribute to the nation’s diplomatic efforts.