Lesotho is rich in natural resources and has a chance to build a new life for her young people as she celebrates the bicentennial.

This was said by UN Secretary General Mr. Antonio Guterres when addressing Senators and Members of the National Assembly during the third special meeting of the 11th Parliament held in the National Assembly on Thursday.

Mr. Guterres said in doing above, Lesotho is not alone as other nations are rising across the African continent and investing in young people through job creation.

However, he said Lesotho needs support on finance and technology from the UN like other landlocked countries as she is also vulnerable.

He further said financial and climate injustice continue to affect the African Continent including Lesotho, saying climate change is affecting the environment due to rising temperatures, extreme weathers, and affect agricultural productivity as well as food security.

"Families are crippled with food shortages and water scarcity" he said, saying HIV, Gender Based Violence, Gender Inequality, and Child Marriage amongst others continue to affect sustainable developments in the world. 

He therefore reminded Parliamentarians that they represent hope and inspiration to Basotho therefore should ensure their needs are addressed.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Tlohang Sekhamane said Lesotho will never be the same after the UN Secretary General's visit, urging him to take home from the Parliament the high rate of unemployment facing the young people of Lesotho.

"You could decide to partner with us to provide full employment in Lesotho as only 200,000 people, which is a tiny figure based on the population, is employed" he said.

He also pledged unconditional commitment in tackling a challenge of unemployment could Lesotho be a partner of the UN in creating jobs for Basotho.

On the other hand, the President of the Senate Mrs. Mamonaheng Mokitimi also expressed gratitude over the visit of Mr. Guterres, saying his statement showed his commitment towards sustainable development, peace and prosperity.

She also acknowledged the UN's support in ensuring that Lesotho maintains peace and stability, saying the country is almost complete with its reforms journey.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Mokitimi presented a Basotho hat and blanket to Mr. Guterres as a token of appreciation.

Mr. Guterres is the ninth UN Secretary General and took office on January 01, 2017. He earlier served as the High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015 and has centred his dignity in ensuring human dignity for all.