The UN supported the government, via the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, in launching the historic 200-year founding of Lesotho celebrations under the theme ‘Birth, Reflection, Revival’. His Majesty King Letsie III hosted the first-ever national dialogue with young people, providing them with a platform to reflect on their identity and their role in the economic development of the country and its future.

Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, made her first visit to Lesotho. This visit coincided with the 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which was hosted in Maseru. Dr. M’jid’s mission focused on strengthening child protection systems and advancing national efforts to end violence against children. She engaged directly with children, caregivers and child rights advocates, assessing existing legal frameworks, community based support structures and government-led interventions.

By mid-2024, as a result of prolonged drought and El Niño-related climate shocks, Lesotho faced a severe food insecurity crisis, with over 699,000 Basotho affected. In response, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane declared a state of food disaster on 12 July 2024. From 4 to 6 August 2024, a high-level UN delegation – led by FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu; WFP Assistant Executive Director for Programme and Policy Development, Valerie Guarnieri; and IFAD Associate Vice-President for Programme Management, Donald Brown – engaged with national leaders and communities to reinforce strategies for climate-resilient agriculture, food production and nutrition security, and to mobilize agricultural investment.

During the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the UN accompanied the government in global advocacy efforts. Her Majesty, Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, alongside Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, used this platform to highlight the urgent need for peace and dignity in homes, schools and public spaces for all children and women. 

At a UNGA side event, Lesotho reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging global partnerships to drive national transformation and ensure that no one is left behind by (i) investing in education, health and food systems to accelerate change for women and children, (ii) tackling GBV and violence against children and (iii) fostering partnerships for innovation and sustainable action.

From 4 to 6 October 2024, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed made her first official visit to Lesotho, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting the country’s development priorities. Representing UN Secretary-General António Guterres, she attended Lesotho’s bicentenary celebrations, emphasizing the UN’s partnership with the government in advancing sustainable development and good governance, and building resilience. In her address at Setsoto Stadium, Ms. Mohammed reflected on the relevance of King Moshoeshoe I’s legacy of peace, diplomacy and inclusion for nation-building and social cohesion. 

During her stay in Lesotho, she also visited the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a key infrastructural investment, crucial for economic transformation, job creation and social development. Ms. Mohammed engaged with the College of Chiefs on community development and social challenges, held dialogues with youth in which she commended their efforts in driving economic growth and, together with Her Majesty the Queen, met with survivors of GBV, listening to their experiences and reaffirming the UN’s commitment to strengthening protection systems and access to justice and support services for survivors.

On 12 to 13 December, Lesotho welcomed UN Secretary-General António Guterres on his first official visit, marking a significant moment in the country’s bicentennial celebrations. His visit reaffirmed the UN’s strong partnership with Lesotho and its commitment to supporting the country’s development journey. Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament, Mr. Guterres paid tribute to King Moshoeshoe I’s legacy, emphasizing the need for global justice and African representation in decision-making. 

He called for reforms in the UN Security Council and international financial systems, stressing that Africa must not be forced to choose between economic development and climate action. As a symbol of Lesotho’s friendship with the UN, the government named the road in Butha-Buthe that connects South Africa and Lesotho António Guterres Road, after the UN Secretary-General.