Botswana President wins 2013 Global Visionary award

Gaborone. Botswana President Ian Khama has received yet another accolade after being named a 2013 Global Visionary at this year’s annual Conde Nash ‘Visionaries Dinner’ held in New York.Mr Khama was picked with seven other ‘remarkable global citizens’ for his contribution towards sustainable development and conservation.Also in that list is Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto, credited for fighting hunger and corruption in his country and Dr Greg Allgood, founder of Procter & Gamble’s Children’s Safe Drinking Water Programme.Dr Allgood, who is also Vice-President of World Vision Water, was feted for saving lives through pioneering efforts to deliver safe drinking water around the world.In a press release, the organisers hailed the Botswana leader as an “independent thinker who is committed to developing his country sustainably”.They also credited President Khama for successfully hosting the 2012 Summit for Sustainability in Africa.“His government, which is recognised by Transparency International as the least corrupt in Africa, is piloting pan-African efforts to monitor and safeguard water, minerals, and wildlife – all of which are crucial to future conservation efforts,” read the statement.This year’s edition of the awards also included the ‘World Saver’ category which recognised Botswana’s efforts to promote sustainable development in tourism.