BY KING’S OFFICE CORRESPONDENTS
NEW YORK, USA – Cabinet ministers accompanying His Majesty the King hailed his 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly speech delivered on Wednesday.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Pholile Shakantu said the King’s address covered critical global and domestic issues, starting with the Ezulwini Consensus, where he reminded the world leaders about the need to reform the United Nations Security Council. She said the African Union and other leaders within and outside Africa have repeatedly called for its implementation.
“The Consensus, adopted in March 2005 during a meeting in Ezulwini argues that Africa is under-represented in a body whose decisions can have far-reaching effects on the continent. It calls for two permanent seats for African states, with the same rights and responsibilities as existing permanent members, including the right of veto while that power remains in use. It also seeks five non-permanent African seats on an expanded Council,” the minister said.
She further stated that the African Union’s position is rooted in the view that the current Security Council structure does not adequately reflect today’s world, including Africa’s size, population and role in international affairs.
“African leaders have described this imbalance as a historical injustice, given that much of the continent was under colonial rule when the United Nations was established,” she said, a sentiment which was also echoed by Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday.
Shakantu said by raising the Ezulwini Consensus at the General Assembly, His Majesty the King placed Eswatini’s voice behind a shared African position and renewed calls for a more representative and effective UN.
She said the the proposal remains part of wider discussions about how to make global decision-making more inclusive and better aligned with present-day realities.
Meanwhile, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Prince Simelane said the King’s speech was wide ranging covering issues that affects not only Emaswati but the world.
“We are always grateful and pleased to note the wisdom God has bestowed upon His Majesty the King and the respect he commands.
“It is pleasing to hear the United Nations welcoming him properly as His Majesty the King of the Kingdom of Eswatini. We were pleased to note that the King called for the respect of even small countries and further called for Taiwan to be permitted to play a role in the global stage, including at the UN,” he said.
Prince Simelane said the emphasis of upholding true rule of law and constitutionalism was one issue His Majesty the king raised to the world, saying unconstitutional removal of governments needs to be condemned by all.
“We were humbled to note that the King’s speech attracted even applause from the audience, a testament of the seriousness of the issues he raised,” he said.
Meanwhile, Commerce Industry and Trade Minister Manqoba Khumalo said: “I was very impressed with His Majesty’s speech. It was balanced, seeking to ease tensions where wars are raging and promoting peaceful dialogue.”
Minister Khumalo further said the speech placed emphasis on Africa being given equal respect at the UN and access to development finance at affordable rates.
“He continued to advocate for Taiwan in unequivocal manner. Lastly, I liked how he positioned Eswatini’s economic strategy as a hub for raw materials benefaction for the region and the continent. It was an excellent speech and we all say Bayethe Wena WaPhakathi,” Minister Khumalo said.
