Her Royal Highness Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso has been appointed as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lesotho National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, recognising her growing advocacy for young people, education, equality and community development.
Princess Senate is a Catholic member of the Mountain Kingdom’s royal family. She was baptised Catholic and given the name Mary. She is the eldest child of King Letsie III and Queen ’Masenate Mohato Seeiso. The Queen is also an active member of the St Anne Sodality.
The royal family’s Catholic heritage dates to 1862, when King Moshoeshoe I welcomed Bishop Allard, Fr Joseph Gérard and Brother Pierre Bernard, who established the first Catholic mission at Roma. Blessed Gérard became a close friend of Moshoeshoe and served the Basotho for decades. He was beatified by Pope St John Paul II in Maseru on 15 September 1988.
Through the Shoeshoe ea Moshoeshoe Foundation, she has supported disadvantaged learners while promoting youth empowerment, education and Basotho cultural heritage.
Among those present at the UNDP ceremony was Sr Julia Masina Mafike HCP, whose community work and social projects, including some close collaborations with the royal family, have been heralded as models for sustainable development in Lesotho.
Her JMM Beekeeping (Pty) Ltd project in Mafeteng has turned beekeeping into a source of livelihoods, environmental conservation and skills development. Sr Julia’s work was featured in the July 2026 edition of The Southern Cross magazine.
UNDP Resident Representative Dr Jacqueline Olweya said Princess Senate’s appointment recognises the work she has already been doing with young people.
“Princess Senate brings youth leadership and a strong voice to matters that shape the future of Lesotho,” Dr Olweya said. She added that the Goodwill Ambassador role is centred on “equality, dignity and action”, with sustainable development benefiting everyone, including children, women and communities.
Foreign Affairs and International Relations Minister Honourable Limpho Tau said the appointment was an opportunity that comes with responsibility.
“Princess Senate’s appointment can add value to these efforts by using her voice and platform to raise awareness, particularly among young people, and encourage them to take an active role in shaping their future,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Lady Justice Nthomeng Majara urged the Princess to use her platform to inspire young people to lead with purpose and advocate for equality and empowerment.
Princess Senate’s appointment marks a new chapter in the service of Lesotho’s royal family — connecting a long heritage of faith and national service with the urgent needs of a younger generation. Through her new UNDP role, she now has an even greater platform to champion equality, dignity, youth empowerment and sustainable development for the people of Lesotho.
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