United Nations in Eswatini

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Eswatini:

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16 March 2026

UNFPA Eswatini Monthly Digest - February 2026

This Digest is published by UNFPA in Eswatini.

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UNFPA Eswatini Monthly Digest - February 2026

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16 March 2026

Lutsango Day and the Forward March: Celebrating Women, Upholding Their Rights

The month of March carries great significance in the calendar of national and global advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality, beginning with the women’s labour and peace movements of the early 1900s.On 11 March, I was privileged to join Eswatini’s commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) which is celebrated on 8 March globally. For two weeks every March, representatives of UN Member States, civil society organizations and UN entities gather at UN headquarters under the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) to review progress and gaps in the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the key global policy document on gender equality. The 2026 CSW is currently ongoing in New York.Here in Eswatini, Lutsango Day adds a jewel to March’s crown. Commanded by His Majesty King Mswati III to honour the strength, unity, dignity, and enduring contributions of emaSwati women, the day lends a uniquely powerful and grounded expression of a national recognition and celebration of women and their power. His Majesty’s declaration of Lutsango Day aligns with the 1977 resolution of the United Nations General Assembly which invited Member States to "proclaim in accordance with their historical and national traditions and customs, any day of the year as United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace".At its core, Lutsango Day recognizes the central role that women play as custodians of culture, values, identity, education and social continuity. Lutsango Day also affirms women as a key pillar of all aspects of social, political and economic life. Taking Stock of the Global RealityThis year’s CSW focuses on ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers.Across the world, progress toward gender equality has been meaningful but uneven. Women today have greater access to education, employment, and public life than in previous generations. Yet the pace of change remains slower than global aspirations.Globally, women represent just over 26 percent of parliamentarians and hold fewer than one in three managerial positions. Women continue to earn, on average, about 20 percent less than men, while many remain excluded from equal access to land, finance, markets, and digital opportunities.As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has noted, women worldwide still enjoy of the legal rights available to men, with discriminatory laws and social norms continuing to limit women’s opportunities and participation. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reminded us in this year’s message on IWD, worldwide, women hold only about two-thirds of the legal rights enjoyed by men, continue to face legal discrimination in more than 40 countries where marital rape is not recognized as a crime, while other laws restrict women’s ability to pass on citizenship to their children.Across Africa, encouraging strides have been made in increasing women’s representation in politics. However, women still hold only around a quarter of parliamentary seats on average and remain underrepresented in senior political and economic decision-making roles.Women at the Heart of Eswatini’s Forward March Lutsango Day must serve to remind us that women’s strength, resilience, and leadership have always been central to the life of the nation. In Eswatini, women represent 50.4 percent of the population, and the country has achieved near gender parity in educational attainment. From agriculture and informal trade to emerging enterprises, public and private sector leadership, to political representation, women contribute significantly to Eswatini’s progress.Across homes, communities, institutions, and the economy, emaSwati women support livelihoods, strengthen social cohesion, lead corporations and departments, and contribute to national progress, often under challenging circumstances and always with remarkable dedication.Girls record higher completion rates than boys at both primary and lower secondary levels, reflecting sustained investments in education and human development.Encouraging progress has also been made in women’s representation in Parliament following the most recent elections, bringing Eswatini closer to the 30 percent representation threshold and toward the SADC aspiration of parity. His Majesty King Mswati III’s continued advocacy for greater participation of women in leadership has played an important role in advancing these gains.Yet important challenges and structural barriers remain. Women continue to face disproportionate levels of poverty, unemployment, while structural barriers limit their participation in economic and political life.Gender inequality in Eswatini is shaped by disparities in access to assets, land, and financial services, contributing to a high Gini coefficient of 54.6. Despite their contributions to agriculture, the informal economy, and household care, women continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid care work, limiting their ability to participate fully in the formal economy. Addressing these structural barriers is therefore essential for unlocking Eswatini’s full human and economic potential.GBV: A March in the Wrong Direction that we Must StopGender-based violence remains a blight in our society. It is in counter purpose with all our aspirations as a nation. We must call it what it is: It is terror against our women and girls, the very people that we celebrate this month. Every day, our newspaper headlines unfailingly carry stories of this horror. Many others go unreported. Yet, we have the means to change this unacceptable reality. Lutsango Day reminds us of something that I have come to treasure here in Eswatini: the kingdom is a well- structured, ordered society, made up of well-organised regiments, and built on the enduring values of inhlonipho (respect), unity, dignity, cohesion, and pride in national identity. At the head of this beautifully ordered society are Their Majesties, the iNgwenyama and the iNdlovukazi. In a society structured around discipline, respect, and collective responsibility, Their Majesties’ word is a command to all regiments and society. His Majesty King Mswati III has spoken clearly, consistently and repeatedly, asking the nation to end violence against women and girls, most ecently, in this year’s Speech from the Throne. What remains is for every liSwati to honour this command. All our structures – from our traditional structures, schools, churches, law enforcement, workplaces, municipalities – everyone must align to this purpose. The country’s inspired push against HIV/AIDS is well admired worldwide. The progress is attributed to the convergence of leadership from the top, community mobilisation through all available structures, and strong and effective partnerships. We must do it again for our women and girls.Respecting women and advancing their rights is a matter of justice. It is also fundamental to our vision of a prosperous nation. We must turn around and march in the right direction.Happy Lutsango Day!

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08 March 2026

International Women’s Day Op-Ed by Maryam Bukar Hassan, United Nations Global Peace Advocate

I do not write about women because it is fashionable.I write because history has always been written about us without us.It has been written about wars we did not start and peace tables where we were absent. About economies that grow while our communities fracture.About rights declared, and rights denied to us.So I ask the question: How do we write ourselves into the narrative of power?”Is it through the systems we inherit, or the systems we dare to question?Is it by participation in name, or participation in numbers?Is justice a principle we recite, or a practice we enforce?International Women’s Day 2026 Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls insists that these questions cannot remain rhetorical. They demand answers, action, and new perspectives. In one of my poems, I asked:“Isn’t it time to break the old patterns?For what you think you know can still be a cage.”I found myself performing this poem, Break the Old Patterns, on multiple global stages because that line resonated with women globally. Because “cages are not always visible.”They are assumptions and traditions that outlive their usefulness.They are also systems that reward conformity over creativity and tokenism over transformation.Societies are similar, and when half the population is treated as peripheral, potential is lost. When leadership reflects only narrow perspectives, solutions are limited. When rights exist in theory but not in practice, legitimacy erodes and impunity thrives.This is not an ideological claim, it is empirical.Consider peace processes; during the course of my work, I have advocated within international forums that sustainable peace requires women’s participation, not as symbolic observers but as negotiators, leaders, and decision-makers.Evidence supports this position:Agreements that include women are more durable.Communities that engage diverse voices recover faster.Security that values human dignity is more stable.Peacebuilding and governance often focus on systems and structures and yes they must. But systems ultimately exist to serve people.The theme of IWD 2026 challenges institutions and societies to evaluate themselves honestly. Are women’s rights fully protected?Are economic opportunities equitable?Do cultural narratives honor contribution rather than stereotype?Do security and peace processes reflect diverse perspectives? These questions are uncomfortable because they demand change and discomfort is the beginning of growth.Break the Old Patterns gained global resonance because it named what many already sensed: that transformation requires imagination and courage.“Watch as the sky learns how to stretch its boundaries,” I wrote.Boundaries are not permanent; they expand when societies choose to expand them.I have seen the vast spectrum of women’s contribution to global systems, to peace.It is boundless and it is indispensable. And yet it remains unevenly recognized.This is the paradox of our moment: unprecedented discourse about inclusion alongside persistent gaps in authority.Women attend negotiations, but they do not always shape outcomes.Girls access education, but they do not always inherit systems that value their voices. Communities celebrate progress, but structural barriers remain.Rights exist on paper, but justice for women and girls often remains aspirational.The question, then, is not whether change is desirable. It is whether we possess the intellectual and political will to make it irreversible.My work as a United Nations Global Peace Advocate and cultural communicator has taught me that change requires two simultaneous movements:The first is structural: Policies, budgets, and institutional frameworks that convert ideals on women’s rights and participation into measurable outcomes. I’ve seen how United Nations Peacekeeping pursues this daily, from supporting women peacekeepers on the ground to advocating for women’s participation in peace negotiations, working to ensure that women’s place at the table is meaningful, safe, and enduring.The second is cultural: Narratives that shape how societies imagine possibility, which through and through means leveraging imagination as infrastructure. If women are depicted only as beneficiaries, they will remain peripheral to decision-making. If they are depicted as architects, their perspectives become foundational.This is where we must look at International Women’s Day beyond commemoration.As I once said in my address on the United Nations 45th anniversary of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women: “May we keep expanding. May we keep insisting. May we keep building a world where equality is no longer an ambition, but a norm so natural that future generations wonder why it ever had to be fought for.” That remains the challenge before us.And today I write this not as an observer but as a participant in the global conversation about peace, women’s rights, and power. As someone who has witnessed the courage of women in institutions and communities. As someone who believes that storytelling shapes policy.As someone who insists that change is possible.The task before us is immense.But history teaches that transformation begins with belief. Belief that better systems can be built, that inclusion strengthens societies, and that women should not be an afterthought but a foundational norm.Rights. Justice. Action. For all women and girls. From all communities.For a world still striving to become what it promises. This is the work of our generation.Let us meet it with conviction.

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On 8 March 2026, the United Nations commemorated International Women's Day under the theme "Rights. Justice. Action."

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02 March 2026

From Vision to Delivery: UN Eswatini Country Team Charts the Path for the UNSDCF 2026–2030

From 25 – 27 February, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Eswatini convened a strategic retreat at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini, bringing together Heads of UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes and members of the Programme Policy Support Group, alongside distinguished guest speakers from across the UN system, Government, and the private sector. The retreat marked a pivotal moment as the UN in Eswatini begins implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026–2030, the final Cooperation Framework cycle before the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Held under a forward-looking and results-oriented agenda, the retreat provided space for collective reflection on the evolving global, regional, and national development landscape. Participants examined the implications of shifting financing models, geopolitical uncertainty, climate pressures, and economic transitions for Eswatini’s development trajectory and for the strategic positioning of the UN system.In his opening remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator noted that the retreat provided a timely opportunity to collectively assess Eswatini’s evolving development context - from the rollout of the UNSDCF 2026–2030 and the country’s renewed national ambitions, to a shifting global landscape that increasingly calls for reimagined development pathways. He underscored that, amid these changes, the United Nations remains firmly grounded in its core mandate: to support sustainable development that safeguards the vulnerable, protects the environment, and ensures that progress leaves no one behind. These principles, he stressed, continue to guide the UN’s partnership with the Kingdom of Eswatini.The Honourable Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Dr. Thambo Gina, who also delivered opening remarks, emphasized that “while Eswatini remains firmly committed to its ambition of becoming a high-income country, persistent structural challenges continue to constrain inclusive and sustainable growth”. Dr. Gina stressed that the evolving global environment requires “business unusual” approaches to accelerate development progress and deliver tangible results for the people of Eswatini.Guest speakers enriched the discussions during the retreat with diverse perspectives on pressing issues. Senior leaders from the UN system, including Ms. Cristina Duarte, Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa; Ms. Cecilia Kinuthia-Njenga, Director - Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress Division, UNFCCC; and and Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, shared insights on Re-imagining Africa’s Development in a post Official Development Assistance Era, Implications of the Changing Development Landscape, and Climate Action and Climate Finance. Representing the private sector, Dr. Acha Leke, Chairman of McKinsey Africa and Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company in Johannesburg, led a session on “Collective Sense-Making on Africa’s Development Trajectory,” presenting insights on Reimagining Economic Growth in Africa. Complementing this perspective, Mr. Muzi Siyaya, Managing Director of Ubombo Sugar Limited, shared reflections on Eswatini’s current economic position, its realistic growth potential, and the key conditions required to unlock competitiveness and credible co-investment pathways. Led by Dr. Sharon Munyaka of the Presencing Institute, facilitated sessions on systems mapping and thematic deep-dives enabled the UN Country Team to examine internal coordination, resource alignment, and efficiency measures required to operate effectively within a changing funding landscape. These discussions reinforced the need for a more disciplined and collaborative delivery approach for 2026 and beyond, aligned with the national priority areas articulated in the Cabinet Declaration and reinforced in the Speech from the Throne by His Majesty King Mswati III. By consolidating comparative advantages and leveraging partnerships, the UN Country Team aims to deliver more coherent and impactful support that strengthens national systems and aligns closely with Government priorities in the final stretch toward Agenda 2030.As the United Nations family in Eswatini moves from design to delivery of the new Cooperation Framework, the retreat reaffirmed a collective commitment to support the Kingdom’s development ambitions through strengthened partnerships, coordinated action, and greater accountability. The discussions underscored the importance of delivering as One UN to maximize impact, ensuring that progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals translates into tangible improvements in the lives of emaSwati.

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05 February 2026

Eswatini assumes the Chair of East, Southern and Central Africa Health Community

Eswatini has assumed the chair of the East, Southern and Central Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) following the 76th Health Ministers Conference held in Ezulwini from 30th January to 5th February 2026.The conference brought together regional and international delegates to deliberate on priority health challenges and regional cooperation.The high-level meeting was attended by dignitaries from the region including former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete; Director General of ECSA-HC Dr Ntuli Kapologwe, and Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Honourable Thulisile Dladla – demonstrating political commitment to advancing universal health coverage in the region. The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, was represented by Dr Susan Tembo, the WHO Country Representative for Eswatini. In his remarks, Dr Kikwete called on countries to diversify health financing by engaging nontraditional donors, including nonstate actors, in response to declining traditional donor support. He emphasized the importance of African-led solutions and highlighted the value of platforms such as the ECSA-HC conference for exchanging ideas and developing practical responses to shared health system challenges.‑traditional donors, including non‑state actors, in response to declining traditional donor support. He emphasized the importance of African-led solutionsIn the lead-up to the main conference, delegates participated in two parallel pre-conference meetings: one on strengthening action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the ECSA region and another on health financing and optimizing investments in health systems. Dr Ambrose Talisua, health financing team lead at WHO’s African Union Liaison Office, was a panellist in the health financing meeting and WHO Eswatini participated in the AMR meeting. Technical discussions on AMR focused on approaches to elevate AMR as a political and public health priority, drawing lessons from HIV and TB advocacy as models for mobilizing national support. Recommendations from the dialogue were presented to plenary on the final day for ministerial endorsement and submission to the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR, scheduled for 29–30 June 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria.A key moment at the conference was WHO’s launch of the “Scaling Innovations in Public Health Systems: Guidance and Toolkit,” an evidence-based framework to support governments to transition successful pilot innovations into system-wide adoption. The toolkit reinforces the importance of country ownership, demand-led innovation and strengthened public sector leadership. It also provides clarity on government roles in coordinating partners, engaging private-sector innovators and applying mission-oriented approaches to address complex cross-sector health challenges. Dr Kapologwe stressed the urgency of scaling proven interventions, noting that building resilient health systems requires full implementation of evidence-based WHO guidelines.Speaking on behalf of Dr Janabi, Dr Tembo reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to support Member States to strengthen all all-hazards capacities anchored in health systems strengthening and resilience. “We will continue to support the adoption and implementation of evidence-based legislation, policies, standards and guidelines that strengthen emergency preparedness and health system performance and we will support countries to incorporate the latest global guidance into their national contexts,” said Dr Tembo. During the ministerial deliberations, Member States committed to strengthen access to quality-assured antimicrobials, diagnostics and vaccines, and to explore pooled procurement mechanisms to increase purchasing power. Ministers also underscored the need to promote local and regional manufacturing where feasible to enhance supply resilience, affordability and sustainability. Participants emphasized the important of sustainable financing, with commitments to integrate AMR priorities into national budgets and routine financing mechanisms. Stewardship was also highlighted as a cornerstone of AMR containment, including commitments to regional antimicrobial stewardship training and exploring the establishment of an ECSA College of Pharmacists. Enhanced governance structures and elevated ministerial oversight were also highlighted as essential for sustaining progress.WHO participated in a high-level panel discussion on health financing and domestic resource mobilization. The discussion included a panel discussion on human resources for health, focusing on governance and leadership. Eswatini’s Ministry of Health contributed as a panellist, drawing on evidence generated with WHO support, to inform a substantive discussion. On the final day, WHO presented on sustainability and financing for neglected tropical diseases and malaria elimination programmes and participated in the panel on fostering partnerships for resilient health systems, represented by Dr Ambrose Talisuna from WHO’s African Union Liaison Office. To conclude the conference, Malawi’s Minister of Health, Honourable Madalitso Baloyi, formally handed over the ECSA-HC chairmanship to Eswatini’s Minister of Health, Honourable Mduduzi Matsebula, marking a dignified leadership transition in line with ECSA-HC tradition and positioning Eswatini to guide the regional health agenda for the coming year.

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The 76th Health Ministers Conference was held in Ezulwini, Eswatini from 30th January to 5th February 2026

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29 January 2026

SRHR Knows No Borders: Taking Health, Hope, and Dignity to Migrants and Young People in Eswatini

For many migrants and young people in Eswatini, accessing sexual and reproductive health services is not simply a matter of visiting the nearest clinic. It is a journey shaped by fear of discrimination, lack of information, distance, and uncertainty about where they belong. For those on the move seeking safety, opportunity, or stability, healthcare often becomes a secondary priority, even when the need is urgent.It is within this reality that the International Organization for Migration (IOM), collaborated with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the SRHR-HIV Knows No Borders Campaign from 18 to 23 December 2025. The campaign sought to ensure that migrants and young people aged 10 to 35 years could access essential sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services regardless of their background, mobility status, or location.Throughout the campaign period, the communities of Lomahasha and Maphiveni were transformed into spaces of care, learning, and connection. Central to the campaign was the provision of HIV testing and counselling services, alongside family planning information and services, and access to information on gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence. For many residents of Maphiveni and Lomahasha, these services represented acts of empowerment. Young people were able to ask questions freely, learn about their bodies, and make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health without fear of judgement or stigma.A defining feature of the campaign was the mobile clinic, which brought healthcare directly to the people. The presence of the mobile clinic reduced physical barriers to care while sending a message that healthcare must move with people, not the other way around. For those who had avoided health facilities due to fear, language barriers, or past experiences of discrimination and stigma, the mobile clinic offered reassurance and accessibility.For some participants, this was their first-ever HIV test. For others, it was the first time they received accurate, age-appropriate information about contraception and reproductive health. Health workers provided counselling with empathy, ensuring that every individual felt heard and supported. The atmosphere was one of trust built through respectful engagement and culturally sensitive service delivery.One young migrant reflected on the experience, saying, “Sometimes being a migrant makes you feel invisible. You are always moving, and you don’t know where it is safe to ask for help. This campaign showed me that my health matters.” Such reflections underscore the deep impact of taking services beyond traditional settings and into the lives of those most at risk of being left behind.Beyond service delivery, the SRHR Knows No Borders Campaign fostered awareness, confidence, and community dialogue. Young people engaged openly in discussions about HIV prevention, family planning, and healthy relationships—topics that are often silenced by stigma and misinformation. By creating spaces for honest conversation, the campaign helped break long-standing taboos and encouraged healthier behaviours.The collaboration between UNFPA and IOM through this campaign reaffirms the importance of integrated, people-centred approaches to health and information sharing. By recognising the unique vulnerabilities faced by migrants and young people, the campaign responded to the realities of many migrants and young people with solutions that are flexible, inclusive, and rooted in human rights.As the campaign concluded, it left behind services delivered, informed choices, renewed trust in healthcare systems, and a sense of belonging for those who often exist in the margins of society. Most importantly, it reaffirmed a fundamental principle: sexual and reproductive health is a right, not a privilege and it knows no borders.Through this campaign and beyond, IOM and UNFPA continue to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that every person in Eswatini, regardless of age or migration status, can access the care they need to live healthy, dignified, and empowered lives.

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IOM, UNFPA, and FLAS officers engaging travelers at the Lomahasha Border Gate as part of the SRHR, HIV, and GBV “Knows No Borders” Campaign.

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Press Release

23 June 2025

Resetting Agenda on Climate Action: United Nations Secretary-General to Deliver Major Address

The Secretary-General will outline the progress made since the Paris Agreement was adopted a decade ago, examine the barriers that continue to stall climate action, and make a bold call to speed up pathways to energy transitions.The address is intended to build global momentum in the lead-up to key multilateral forums and national decision-making processes. It aims to inspire bolder commitments ahead of major international milestones such as the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference and to inform the next generation of national climate action plans, including Eswatini’s forthcoming third round of Nationally Determined Contributions, which are being led with the support of UNDP.The Secretary-General’s address will also underscore how transitioning to clean and affordable energy is not only feasible, but vital to delivering jobs, economic growth, energy security, and resilience, especially for developing countries. It will challenge the outdated perception that climate action is too costly, instead presenting evidence that greater investment in renewable energy is sound economic policy. “Climate action is essential not only for the planet but also for Eswatini’s economic growth, energy security, and the wellbeing of its people,” according to George Wachira, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Eswatini. “This address will reinforce the opportunity for Eswatini to lead the way in adopting sustainable energy solutions that align with our national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.”The United Nations is inviting policy makers, civil society organizations, private sector, youth and members of the public to join the Secretary General as he unpacks the speech to the global community. Event Details:
Title: Moment of Opportunity: A Global Climate Address by the UN Secretary-General
Date: Tuesday, 24 June 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. EDT (3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eswatini Time)
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York | Livestreamed Globally

Media representatives are encouraged to cover the event and engage with its outcomes. Digital platforms will carry the event live, and expert interviews will be available upon request.For media inquiries, please contact:
Sisekelo Dlamini – sisekelo.dlamini@un.org | +268 7630 4529Mantoe Phakathi – mantoe.phakathi@undp.org | +268 7808 9481 About the UN in Eswatini:
The United Nations in Eswatini partners with the government and stakeholders to support sustainable development, climate resilience, and poverty eradication. Through initiatives aligned with the SDGs, the UN promotes inclusive growth and environmental stewardship that benefits all Eswatini citizens.

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Press Release

06 May 2025

MTN BUSHFIRE & UN INVITE YOUTH TO LIVE DIALOGUES SERIES

The UN Live Dialogues are MTN Bushfire and the United Nations in Eswatini’s joint outreach programme, aimed at encouraging young people to lend their efforts towards fostering positive change and sustainable legacies in our communities. Each dialogue will be hosted by specific UN agencies and will involve panel discussions, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities. Experts, practitioners, and representatives from relevant civil society organisations will be invited to share insights, best practices, and experiences related to the theme. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, ask questions, and contribute valuable insights on key topical issues affecting the Eswatini youth. This initiative is a dynamic and inclusive response to igniting collective action towards achieving the national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and further advancing the impact of MTN Bushfire’s call to action for positive social and environmental change, Bring Your Fire, and in in line with the MTN Bushfire 2025 theme: ‘Creativity. Unity. Sustainability.’MTN Bushfire will also be giving away tickets to the 2025 festival to offer the opportunity for further engagement in the festival’s creative advocacy space, the UN Bring Your Fire Zone.The first UN Live Dialogues session will be held at Limkokwing in Mbabane on Friday 9 May, 2025, under the theme ‘Sustainability of Arts & Culture Festivals and Digital Connectivity’. The topic will be ‘Creating Synergies in the Creative-Cultural Ecosystem for Sustainable Festivals & Events’ and will be moderated by Lwandle Simelane, Secretary General of the Eswatini National Commission for UNESCO. Panellists will include Mmeli Hlanze, Executive Director of the Eswatini Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS), renowned artist Mbongiseni “Bholoja” Ngubane, Siphilele Magagula from Batter Branding, Nomathemba Xaba from New Life Entertainment, and Digital Media and Communications Specialist Miliswa Vilane. The themes for the other upcoming 2025 UN Live Dialogues are: Food Systems: Promoting Sustainable and Efficient Food Production & Distribution; Health & Gender Equality (including HIV): Promoting Health, Gender Equality and Well-Being for All; and Climate, Biodiversity, Pollution: Addressing the Urgent Challenges Posed by Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution.Participating UN agencies include the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) and the International Office of Migration (IOM).Follow MTN Bushfire social media for further information, panellist profiles and updates.DateTimeVenueTheme / SDGsTopicUN AgenciesFriday, 9 May11am – 12:30pmLimkokwing Campus, MbabaneSustainability of Arts and Culture Festivals & Digital Connectivity(SDGs 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, 17)Creating Synergies in the Creative-Cultural Ecosystem for Sustainable Festivals & EventsUNESCO, in partnership with ESWACOSTuesday, 13 May11am – 12:30pmUNESWA, Luyengo CampusPromoting Sustainable and Efficient Food Production and Distribution (SDGs 2, 3, 12 & 15)Empowering youth through technology and innovation for inclusive agrifood systems transformation to achieve food sovereignty in Eswatini FAO, UNHCR, WFPWednesday, 14 May11am – 12:30pmUNESWA, Kwaluseni CampusHealth & Gender Equality (including HIV): Promoting Health, Gender Equality and Well-Being for All (SDGs 6, 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15)Mental Health, HIV and Gender Based Violence Impact on Well-Being.WHO, UNAIDS, UNFPA, IOMThursday, 15 May11am – 12:30pmHouse On Fire, MalkernsClimate, Biodiversity, Pollution: Addressing the Urgent Challenges Posed by Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution (SDGs 6, 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15)Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Through the Systems Thinking Approach.FAO, IOM, WHO, UNESCO

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Press Release

20 February 2025

Applications Now Open for the 2025 Reham al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship

Since its inception in 1981, the fellowship has hosted 670 journalists from 168 countries, providing them with the tools to produce high-quality coverage of the UN General Assembly and related events. Many former fellows have built strong international networks, advancing their careers and contributing to more informed global reporting.Established as the Department of Public Information (DPI) Training Programme for Broadcasters and Journalists from Developing Countries under United Nations General Assembly Resolution 35/201, the fellowship was renamed in 2003 in honour of Reham Al-Farra, a 29-year-old Jordanian UN Public Information Officer who tragically lost her life in the 19 August 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad.RAF fellowship participants gain firsthand exposure to the inner workings of the United Nations, equipping them to report more effectively on key global issues. Fellows engage with senior UN officials, media experts, and specialized UN speakers, receiving valuable training while expanding their professional networks and strengthening connections with UN offices to support future reporting.The programme enjoys broad support within the UN system, including from the Deputy Secretary-General and the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Past fellows have had the opportunity to meet with high-ranking officials, such as the UN Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly, and Permanent Representatives to the UN. Additionally, participants engage with international news organizations and receive training from leading media experts.This prestigious programme, scheduled for September and October 2025, is open to journalists aged 22 to 35, from developing countries and economies in transition, with experience reporting on UN-related issues. Journalists from Eswatini are strongly encouraged to apply and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to gain valuable insights, enhance their expertise, and contribute to more in-depth coverage of international affairs.The application period for the 2025 RAF fellowship runs from 17 February to 31 March 2025. Interested candidates can apply at: https://www.un.org/en/raf/application2025.

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Press Release

13 February 2025

Private Sector and United Nations Forge Stronger Ties for Eswatini’s Future Under the UN-Government Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030

As the UN shapes this critical framework, consultations with key national stakeholders ensure that the strategy aligns with Eswatini’s development priorities. A most recent step in this process was the high-level dialogue with the Government on 16 January, led by the Right Honourable Prime Minister, which focused on the CF’s strategic direction and key areas of intervention. Building on these discussions, today’s dialogue marked a significant milestone, integrating the private sector’s voice into the country’s trajectory for the next five years. It provided a platform for the UN to present the draft strategic priorities of the 2026–2030 Cooperation Framework, and for industry leaders to share insights on mobilizing collective efforts to build a resilient and thriving Eswatini.Reflecting on the importance of partnerships, Nathi Dlamini, CEO of Business Eswatini, remarked: "Being part of BE, I am reminded of the power of collaboration. In-country, we have seen firsthand how partnerships between the public and private sectors, civil society, and international organizations can transform economies, uplift communities, and create a more equitable future for all."Echoing the words of Business Eswatini’s CEO, Mvuselelo Fakudze, President of Business Eswatini, emphasized: "The private sector is a vital partner in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We recognize that our success as businesses is deeply intertwined with the well-being of the communities we serve. A thriving economy, a healthy environment, and an inclusive society are not just aspirations—they are prerequisites for sustainable business growth."With only five years left to achieve the 2030 SDG targets, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Eswatini, George Wachira, highlighted the indispensable role of the private sector in Eswatini’s economic progress and long-term sustainability, stating: "The private sector is more than just an engine of economic growth; it is a catalyst for transformation. You drive innovation, deploy cutting-edge technologies, build skills, continuously improve efficiency, lift people out of poverty, and make money out of it!"Mr. Wachira also highlighted the world’s "polycrisis," where developing nations face dwindling development support and steeper financial barriers compared to developed countries. Despite these challenges, he underlined that today’s complex global landscape also presents opportunities to rethink development strategies and embrace bold, innovative solutions.In the light of today’s discussions, the UN reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the private sector to drive meaningful change and accelerate progress toward the SDGs and opened the floor for open dialogue. The United Nations assured that insights gathered during this dialogue will inform the final Cooperation Framework, ensuring it resonates with Eswatini’s comprehensive aspirations and the broader global agenda for sustainable development.

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