"It does not matter how ambitious you are, you can never be more ambitious than the law, no matter how smart or creative you are!" These words by Zinhle C. Matsebula, at a dialogue session between private sector leaders and the Eswatini United Nations Country Team (UNCT), summarized the sentiment about the need for a facilitative policy and regulatory environment to enable the expansion of Eswatini’s economy.In turn, Jay Jay Worral of Vukani BoMake argued that the country would be better off "not by raising taxation, but by creating jobs so that people can spend more." As one of the younger voices in the room, Worral highlighted the need for greater mentorship, urging senior industry leaders to nurture the younger generation of entrepreneurs and managers. "Allow them to network, allow them to thrive," he emphasized, stressing the importance of intergenerational collaboration to ensure the long-term impact of current initiatives.Business Federation of Eswatini President, Thulie Dladla, highlighted critical challenges facing the private sector, noting that "External finance development has been declining since COVID-19." She drew attention to the gender gap in economic opportunities, particularly for young girls, and pointed out that the private sector is struggling to absorb the available youth workforce, signalling a disconnect between education and market needs.Matsebula, Worral and Dladla were a part of the consultation co-hosted by the umbrella body, Business Eswatini and the UNCT, aimed at shaping the strategic direction of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030. Over 70 participants actively contributed to conversations about innovation, job creation, gender equity, transformative policy environment and sustainable business practices. The dialogue sought to frame solutions for the identified key development challenges including unemployment, a high rate of poverty, unequal education outcomes, climate crisis risks, governance and service delivery, among others.  The dialogue was one in a series of consultations aimed at ensuring the alignment of the new UN Cooperation Framework with Eswatini's development priorities. It follows a similar dialogue with senior government officials and ministers, led by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, held in January. Discussing the Cooperation Framework’s strategic priorities, participants underscored the importance of fostering innovation but also pointed out that barriers to innovation in Eswatini must be addressed. “Let’s tailor something that is designed to meet the specific needs of Eswatini,” Zinhle C. Matsebula suggested. She also stressed the importance of compliance to access international platforms, suggesting that regulations and laws must adapt to the changing needs of businesses while ensuring that local solutions are at the core of Eswatini’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.Nathi Dlamini, CEO of Business Eswatini, and Mvuselelo Fakudze, President of Business Eswatini, talked about the importance of collaboration among all sectors, reinforcing the role of the private sector in driving sustainable development. “Our success as businesses is deeply intertwined with the well-being of the communities we serve,” Mvuselelo Fakudze said, affirming that aligning business strategies with the UN’s vision could yield solutions to Eswatini’s most pressing challenges.As co-convener of the event, UN Resident Coordinator, George Wachira emphasized the interconnected nature of global crises, which demand collaborative solutions. “The challenges we face today are too large for any one actor to tackle alone,” he noted. “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!” The continued collaboration between the UN, Business Eswatini, and the private sector marks yet another significant step toward building a multi-stakeholder partnership for the Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030. As Eswatini advances on its path to sustainable development, the shared commitment of all stakeholders to innovation, inclusivity, and resilience will be pivotal in driving transformative change for a prosperous future.  , filtered_html

The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, through the Eswatini Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity, commemorated International Human Rights Day 2024 under the theme “Fostering Collaboration to Advance Human Rights.” The event, held at Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane, brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, and development partners to reflect on the progress made and challenges faced in advancing human rights in Eswatini.UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. George Wachira, was represented by Ms. Amina Mohammed, who highlighted the importance of prioritising economic and social rights to strengthen political rights. “Collaboration is central to achieving broad and inclusive human rights goals,” she said. She also reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Eswatini’s efforts to promote human rights, particularly in the upcoming UN Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030​.The event featured a video message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who reminded the global audience of the interconnectedness of all rights and the need for collective action to tackle poverty, inequality, and discrimination. “Let’s protect, defend, and uphold all human rights for all people,” he urged.Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, HRH Prince Simelane, delivered the keynote address, commending national efforts in education, youth empowerment, and climate change adaptation. However, he raised concern over the rising cases of gender-based violence, describing it as a violation of the right to life. He also highlighted legislative advancements, such as the Leadership Code of Conduct Bill and the Human Rights and Public Administration Bill, which aim to strengthen institutional capacity and protect vulnerable populations​.A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion on the role of culture and indigenous knowledge in promoting and protecting human rights. The discussion highlighted Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the practice of “Buntfu”—a tradition of mutual respect and community solidarity—as a cornerstone for upholding human rights. The panel featured insightful contributions from Mr. Khethumusa Simelane, an archivist at the Eswatini National Archives; Dr. Joy Ndwandwe, an author and historian specializing in indigenous knowledge; Mr. Thembinkosi Dlamini, Director of the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO); and Ms. Samkelisiwe Ndlangamandla, a youth entrepreneur. The session was expertly moderated by Mr. Mpendulo Masuku, a programme officer at UNDP.The commemoration concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively in building a just and inclusive society where human rights are a lived reality for all., filtered_html

The Visioning & Strategic Prioritization Retreat for the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026-2030 has officially commenced at Sibane Hotel in Ezulwini. The retreat, which runs from November 26 to 28, brings together key stakeholders to envision and set strategic priorities that will guide Eswatini's development efforts for the next five years.The opening session, chaired by WHO Representative, Dr. Susan Tembo, was marked by inspiring remarks from various speakers who emphasized the importance of collaboration and collective vision for Eswatini's sustainable development. Mr. George Wachira, the UN Resident Coordinator, set the tone by emphasizing the critical juncture at which the world finds itself in pursuing the 2030 Agenda. He highlighted the importance of aligning UN support with national development goals, stressing that "the people of Eswatini expect more than just financial support—they expect tangible results."On behalf of the Government of Eswatini, Ms. Thabsile Mlangeni, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD), emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between the UN and the Government in tackling development challenges. Ms. Siphiwe Dlamini, representing Chief Economist Sifiso Mamba as Principal Economist at MEPD, presented an overview of the evolving development context in Eswatini, outlining key challenges and opportunities for partnership.Today's session also featured an overview of the Cooperation Framework (CF) development process by Mr. Benjamin Ofosu-Koranteng, Head of Office in the Resident Coordinator's Office. He outlined the milestones, coordination mechanisms, and the implications of the CF 2021-2025 evaluation. Mr. Ofosu-Koranteng emphasized that the next iteration of the UNSDCF will build upon the strengths of the previous framework while addressing critical gaps such as limited stakeholder engagement and the need for stronger coherence.The morning continued with a presentation of the 2024 Common Country Analysis (CCA) findings by the PPSG CCA Task Team. This set the foundation for understanding the national development priorities, as participants engaged in an open dialogue led by Ms. Vimbainashe Mukota from the Africa Peer Support Group. The discussion refined key development challenges and aimed to ensure no one is left behind in the process.In the afternoon, participants shifted gears towards envisioning "The Eswatini We Want" by 2050. Under the chairmanship of UNFPA Head of Office, Ms. Margaret Thwala-Tembe, stakeholders from various sectors, including government, civil society, academia, and the private sector, worked collectively to articulate a shared vision for sustainable development. Group discussions focused on plausible scenarios for Eswatini's future, identifying high-level goals that could help address existing inequalities and foster resilience.Ms. Vimbainashe Mukota, together with all participants, facilitated an interactive session to define a shared vision, ensuring the voices of the youth and marginalized communities were central to the discussion. The day ended with key takeaways and a summary of the agreed priorities, marking a strong start to this transformative exercise.As the retreat continues, participants will identify strategic priorities for the UNSDCF 2026-2030 and define outcome statements and outputs that will be foundational for the new Cooperation Framework. Tomorrow’s session, chaired by UNDP, will focus on narrowing down key priorities and crafting catalytic solutions that can propel Eswatini towards its development goals.The Visioning & Strategic Prioritization Retreat represents a pivotal opportunity for the UN in Eswatini, the government, and stakeholders to align efforts towards a common goal—a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Eswatini by 2030. , filtered_html

With a call for unity and decisive action, Eswatini marked the national launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at the UN House in Mbabane. The annual campaign, running from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day), brings global attention to the fight against violence targeting women and girls.This year’s theme, “Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls,” urges collective action and meaningful investments to combat GBV, highlighting the urgency of addressing the systemic challenges that perpetuate this crisis. The event underscored the power of partnerships and the importance of translating awareness into action.The Acting Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Jane Mkhonta-Simelane emphasized the need for societal transformation, reflecting on recent tragic cases of GBV reported in the media. She called on all Emaswati to “unite against gender-based violence” and commit to making Eswatini a safe space for women and girls.UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. George Wachira reiterated the UN’s support in addressing GBV. He praised the government’s commitment to tackling the issue through initiatives like the Nkwe Programme of Action and the National Gender Policy and Strategy (2023-2027). “Let us unite, invest, and act until this fight is won,” he urged.The campaign launch called for a whole-of-society approach to end GBV. Communities were urged to challenge harmful cultural norms, such as tibi tendlu, which perpetuates the idea that domestic violence is a private matter. Speakers called for stronger prevention strategies, survivor support systems, and accountability mechanisms for perpetrators.While notable progress has been achieved through coordinated national policies, persistent challenges such as climate change, inflation, and deeply entrenched societal norms continue to exacerbate GBV. Leaders at the event reaffirmed their commitment to sustained action beyond the 16 days of the campaign.The 16 Days of Activism serves as a reminder that violence against women and girls is not inevitable—it is preventable. The campaign will feature community dialogues, educational workshops, and advocacy initiatives designed to engage all sectors of society in creating safer environments for women and girls.The Acting Deputy Prime Minister closed with a rallying call: “Together, let us end gender-based violence. Let us make Eswatini a safe space for all women and girls.”To conclude the launch, Wachira delivered a poignant poem, drawing parallels between Eswatini’s fight against GBV and its leadership in combating HIV/AIDS. His words inspired hope and called for unity, action, and resilience in the face of challenges.The campaign will continue with events across the country, culminating on 10 December 2024. Citizens, civil society, and development partners are encouraged to participate and amplify the message that violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights and an obstacle to development., filtered_html