SDG National Commitments Form: Submission #8

Title of commitment: A National Commitment for Adolescent Wellbeing in Botswana
Name of submitting Member State or Government: Botswana
Please indicate whether your commitment is intended to address SDG Progress at a national, regional or global level: National
Please outline briefly the commitment(s) made in the areas outlined above :
Leaving No One Behind; Inclusivity: This is a fundamental principle of the SDGs. It stresses development efforts that benefit all individuals, without discrimination or exclusion based on age, gender, disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or any other factor. Adolescents are a significant segment of the population, and neglecting their well-being would mean leaving a substantial portion of society behind. The National Commitment identifies a number of strategies to be implemented under defined Policy areas which include; Accelerate Education and Skills (e.g. Accelerate the strategic shift to the competency-based curriculum and e-assessment in schools), Promotion of Health and Nutrition (e.g. Provide frequent screening for Adolescents and Young People (AYP) on commonly occurring NCDs), Eliminate Gender Based Violence (e.g. Fast-track implementation of the National Strategy to end GBV and to review penal code provisions identified as barriers to eliminating GBV) and Promote Road Safety (e.g. Promote transport policies and road designs that enable safe walking, cycling and public transport, including standardized road-worthy transport).

Adopting a life course approach to essential services; The National Commitment  addresses the needs of adolescents who are at the critical stage of growth and development. This population sub-group form part of the life course approach to essential services, which entails identifying key opportunities for minimizing risk factors and enhancing protective factors through evidence-based interventions at key life stages, from preconception to early years and adolescence, working age, and into older age. The Commitment identifies key strategies to be implemented to Promote Health and Nutrition, Eliminate Gender Based Violence and Promote Road Safety among adolescents  to guarantee their future.

Does the commitment include a new national benchmark for reducing poverty and inequality by 2027? If yes, please indicate the benchmark below: :
No
However, the commitment seeks to indirectly address poverty and inequality among the adolescents. Adolescents are at a critical stage of life where they are transitioning into adulthood. Ensuring their well-being by providing quality education, skills training, and access to healthcare can break the cycle of poverty. When adolescents are equipped with the necessary tools and opportunities, they are less likely to be trapped in intergenerational poverty, contributing to the goal of reducing inequalities and poverty. Moreover, Adolescents, like any other age group, can face discrimination and exclusion. Focusing on their well-being promotes social inclusion and equity. This helps create a more just and fair society where every individual has the chance to reach their full potential.



Please explain how national planning and institutional frameworks will be strengthened to support progress of the commitment: :
The SDG Secretariat, which initially was under Ministry of Finance, is now part of the newly established entity being the National Planning Commission (NPC). NPC has been established to coordinate national planning, implementation of national plans, regional and global frameworks as well national monitoring and evaluation. The development of the Commitment was coordinated by the NPC in conjunction with UN system in Botswana. Its implementation and monitoring will also be coordinated by NPC in conjunction with relevant structures such as Joint National Steering Committee on SDGs, Technical Task Force, Thematic Working Groups and the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on SDGs.

Which of the following, if any do your strengthened institutional frameworks seek to address?: Making SDG achievement a more central focus in national planning and oversight mechanisms, Aligning domestic budgets and financing with the SDGs, Strengthening the capacities of local and subnational governments to advance the SDGs , Strengthening national statistical systems
If you have any further information to share please upload the information here, or provide a link to applicable site or document below: https://sdgs.un.org/system/files/webform/sdg_national_commitments_form/21843/a-national-commitment-for-adolescent-well-being-in-botswana.pdf
Additional Information: See attached the National Commitment for Adolescent Wellbeing in Botswana
Please provide the full name, title and email address of contact person::
Batho Christopher Molomo
Commissioner General
National Planning Commission
Botswana
bmolomo@gov.bw 

Please provide the official email address of your country’s Permanent Mission in New York, for verification purposes.: idabutha@gov.bw
Annual Updates: https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/webform/sdg_national_commitments_form/21843/annual-update-botswana-2024.pdf