Government commits to unlocking the full potential of adolescents and young people in Botswana through the execution of robust policies and strategic investments. Speaking during the launch of the National Commitment for Adolescent and Young People�s Wellbeing in Botswana, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said addressing the needs of young people in the country would positively contribute to the achievement of both global and continental agendas as well as commitments. He further told those who were part of the launch including young people in Gaborone on Tuesday that adolescents and young people�s boundless energy, unexploited creativity and immense potential made this demographic the torch-bearers of the future and architects of progress of the country. �It is, therefore, our responsibility to ensure that they are not just nurtured and protected, but also fully empowered to thrive since they are an investment and potential engines of growth and development,� he said. As such, President Masisi indicated that young people who constitute 30 per cent of 12-24 year-olds of the population form an integral part of the society that must be nurtured and empowered. He said it was paramount to safeguard the wellbeing and unlock the full potential of each and every individual in the society, irrespective of age, gender, or circumstance. �Let us be mindful that incorporating the needs of diverse population groups into Botswana�s development agenda is not merely a choice; it is an absolute imperative. In our journey towards progress, people must rightfully take centre stage and without reservation,� he said. He said it was pleasing that government commitment was intricately intertwined with the already existing overarching transformational aspirations as espoused in the National Vision 2036, national development agenda as well as aligned to the African Agenda 2063. Additionally, the President cautioned that the responsibility for the wellbeing of adolescents and young people did not rest solely with government, but also with every parent, every guardian, and every community member, as well as with all societal institutions. The responsibility, he said was within the confines of every home, the walls of every school and the boundaries of every village. To this end, President Masisi urged parents to be actively engaged in the lives of their children and engage in meaningful, open and honest conversations with them about their fears, concerns and challenges. He said there was a need to establish a secure and nurturing environment within families and shield young people from the pressure of mental health challenges in order for them to experience a sense of value and love. President Masisi said he was adamant that the attainment of this commitment was well within reach, provided each responsible stakeholder in the lives of adolescents and young people fulfilled their rightful role in its implementation. Further, he pleaded with adolescents and young people to take heed that their energy, dreams and boundless potential for creativity were the key driving force for self-actualisation. �These attributes are strengths to this commitment that will make this country a better place for each one of us, when you claim opportunities to become productive citizens,� he said. Thus, he implored all communities and their leadership to take collective responsibility for the wellbeing of adolescents and young people and ensure their safety against harmful practices such as child marriages and substance abuse, which threaten their future.