Press Release

Eswatini Strengthens Environmental Collaboration with UNEP

04 March 2025

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Rose Mwebaza, is currently in the Kingdom of Eswatini for a four-day mission aimed at enhancing UNEP’s work in Eswatini in collaboration with the government and other UN agencies. 

Caption: Thoba Dlamini

Her mission follows discussions with Prime Minister Russel Dlamini when he attended the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi in February 2024. During that meeting, Dr. Mwebaza accepted the Prime Minister’s request to visit the Kingdom to assess the country’s environment needs and collaboration initiatives.

Accompanied by two experts, Dr. Mwebaza’s visit aims to identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration and partnerships. She will consult with government officials from various ministries at a workshop co-organised with other UN agencies. 

Dr. Mwebaza commenced her engagements with meetings Monday with Prime Minster Dlamini and Tourism and Environmental Affairs Minister Hon. Jane Mohonta-Simelane accompanied by the UN Resident Coordinator in Eswatini Mr. George Wachira. She and her team also visited an environmental restoration site at Manyeveni under Khubutha Inkhundla.

Photo: © Thoba Dlamini | RCO
Photo: © Thoba Dlamini | RCO

As a renowned expert in climate policy, climate diplomacy, environmental governance, and law, Dr. Mwebaza has played a pivotal role in advancing climate resilience across Africa. 

With Eswatini facing growing climate pressures and the UN country team currently developing the next UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2026–2030, this mission presents a critical opportunity to strengthen collaboration among UN entities, government officials, and key partners in fostering an integrated approach to address the country’s environmental challenges. 

UN entities involved in this initiative

RCO
United Nations Resident Coordinator Office
UNEP
United Nations Environment Programme

Goals we are supporting through this initiative