UN Eswatini Concludes Consultations on the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021-2025

The United Nations in Eswatini concluded the fifth and final day of consultations with NGOs, CSOs, academia, philanthropists, the private sector, media and Government officials, in an effort to develop the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021-2025 that is both inclusive and built on strong partnerships. The consultations were held at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini from 22nd to 26th June 2020.

The UNDSCF 2021-2025 serves as the primary instrument for planning and implementation of UN development activities in Eswatini. The Framework supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as reflected in Agenda 2030, whilst harnessing the strong relationships between the Government, UN and partners.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Nathalie Ndongo-Seh, stated; “The Cooperation Framework is our commitment to the people of Eswatini, particularly the most marginalized and vulnerable. It commits the UN development system to support the achievement of national development goals and targets with a focus on leaving no one behind and supporting the development of national development frameworks in line with the 2030 Agenda while including vulnerable populations in and across all processes and programmes.”

The Cooperation Framework is developed following the identification of gaps and vulnerabilities, SDG and national priorities, thus, aiming to ensure that nobody is left behind. So too does it provide a strong accountability measure and strengthen coordination and transparency.

Partners present at the consultations were introduced to the concept of the UNSDCF through a presentation by the Team Leader, Mr Samuel Shin, from the Resident Coordinator’s Office. Mr Shin’s presentation led into various group work exercises in which partners gave invaluable feedback on the national gaps they aware of within their sector, the Eswatini that they hope to see within the next five years and how they might collaborate with the UN to achieve these goals.

The UNDSCF 2021-2025 is expected to be signed by the Government of Eswatini in July 2020.

Please find photographs of the consultations here: https://eswatini.un.org/en/51576-unsdcf-consultations-2020