BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MANZINI – Eswatini is making strong strides in localising global development goals, with government and stakeholders joining forces to validate the country’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR).
Held at The George Hotel, the high-level workshop drew representatives from government ministries, seven municipalities, civil society, and the UN family, all working in lockstep to review the country’s achievements and chart a bold path ahead under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Thabsile Mlangeni, said the session was not just a formality but a milestone in the country’s development journey.
She noted that Eswatini was among a select group of nations globally to present a VNR for the third time, saying this proved the country’s unwavering commitment to inclusive, people-driven development.
“This year’s report tells a richer story,” she said. “We are not only showcasing national progress, we are amplifying voices from the grassroots through the Voluntary Local Reviews. That’s what makes this moment special.”
The Principal Secretary commended municipalities in Ezulwini, Manzini, Mbabane, Matsapha, Siteki, Ngwenya, and Nhlangano for taking bold steps to mainstream the SDGs in their planning and service delivery. She said their participation signaled a shift in how local authorities are viewed, not as implementers of national plans, but as key partners shaping the future from the ground up.
UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative echoed the sentiment, saying the UN was proud to stand alongside Eswatini at this critical juncture. She described the VNR and VLR process as a beacon of hope, showcasing what is possible when global ambition meets local action.
“This is a story of partnership, perseverance and progress,” she said. “We’ve seen declines in under-five mortality, gains in maternal health, and real momentum in women’s political leadership. These aren’t just statistics, they’re signs of a country moving in the right direction.”
She highlighted the increased representation of women in Parliament and the appointment of the second female Deputy Prime Minister as strong indicators that the country was serious about achieving gender equality.
Even while acknowledging that some challenges remain, including youth unemployment and income inequality, speakers emphasised that the groundwork being laid through data collection, inclusive consultations and municipal engagement would help unlock solutions that work for everyone.
The inclusion of Voluntary Local Reviews, officials said, is a game-changer. It reflects a growing understanding that the most effective policies are those informed by the lived experiences of ordinary people.
“This is not just a report for the United Nations,” said the UNDP official. “It’s a promise to the people of Eswatini, that their voices matter, that their progress is recognised, and that no one will be left behind.”
As the workshop drew to a close, participants pledged to carry the momentum forward, with a shared call to action to strengthen partnerships, invest in innovation, and keep community needs at the heart of development planning.
The mood in the room was one of optimism, as government and partners looked ahead to Eswatini’s presentation on the global stage, not just as a country ticking boxes, but as a shining example of home-grown solutions.
