SDG Summit team concludes regional consultations

A task team comprising officials from the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD) and the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development (MTAD), with support from the United Nations in Eswatini, has concluded consultations with regional development teams in all four regions.

The last session of consultations, held in Manzini, was attended by close to 50 members of the regional development team which comprises representatives from Government departments, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders. Consultations were also conducted with the regional development teams of Shiselweni, Lubombo and Hhohho, respectively.

MEPD Senior Economist, Nonhlanhla Shongwe revealed that more consultations were underway with various sectors and stakeholders at the national level. “From here we will be meeting with other sectors to get more views as we consolidate the Government plan to accelerate the SDGs ahead of the Summit in September,” she said.

As part of the preparations of the SDG Summit, the Government of Eswatini, with support from the United Nations in Eswatini, is developing a national acceleration plan that will encapsulate a surge in commitment from all stakeholders to take implementation of the SDGs to the next level. The ‘Rescue Plan’ will articulate a set of ambitions for investments to secure maximum acceleration across the SDGs as well as the required policy adjustments and institutional reforms to support the achievement of SDGs by 2030.

The Rescue Plan is premised on the Eswatini National Development Plan 2023/24 - 2027/28. Based on preliminary analysis, supported by UNDP through artificial intelligence software, Eswatini’s plan is expected to focus on priorities aimed at addressing youth unemployment as well as strengthening public policies and institutions for improved service delivery. These targets were found to significantly impact the achievement of other SDGs and targets.

His Majesty King Mswati III is expected to present Eswatini’s renewed commitment towards the SDGs at the SDG Summit scheduled for 18-19 September 2023, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.