- Eswatini urges action as global climate commitments remain unmet
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has called on the international community to ensure that climate justice becomes a reality, while urging developing countries not to allow climate-related restrictions to hinder their development ambitions.
The Prime Minister made the remarks during a virtual presentation at a global gathering of climate change practitioners held under the banner “At the Crossroads Series III – Climate Justice Session.” The event brought together academics, policymakers and practitioners working directly with communities on climate change adaptation and resilience-building initiatives.
Drawing from his background as a disaster risk management expert and his current role in Government, Dlamini stressed that sustainable development remains essential for developing nations seeking to strengthen resilience and protect livelihoods.
“Climate-related restrictions should not be used to constrain development. Developing nations must continue pursuing sustainable development as a pathway to building resilience and protecting the livelihoods of their people,” he said.
Call For Immediate Action
The Prime Minister noted that many developing countries could no longer afford to wait indefinitely for climate-related commitments and support that have yet to materialise.
Instead, he said, nations must take proactive steps to protect their citizens and economies from the growing impacts of climate change.
Among the measures he highlighted were ecosystem restoration through tree planting, investment in dams and accessible irrigation systems, the establishment of Disaster Risk Management Funds and continued advocacy for climate justice at the global level.
Dlamini said such initiatives were critical to strengthening resilience against increasingly frequent climate-related shocks, including droughts, floods and extreme weather events.
Loss And Damage Fund Must Be Operationalised
The Prime Minister also joined calls for the swift, equitable and effective operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, a global mechanism intended to assist vulnerable countries that suffer the consequences of climate change.
He urged the international community to honour commitments made under global climate agreements and ensure that resources reach countries that need them most.
Developing countries have repeatedly argued that they bear the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing far less to global greenhouse gas emissions than industrialised nations.
The issue has become a central component of the climate justice movement, which advocates for fairness in how the burdens and responsibilities of climate change are shared.
Building Resilience At Home
While calling for international support, Dlamini emphasised that Eswatini remains committed to strengthening its own resilience and reducing dependence on external financing.
He said Government would continue investing in communities and future generations to ensure the country is better prepared to withstand climate-related challenges.
“For Eswatini, climate action is about safeguarding progress, strengthening resilience and securing dignity and opportunity for generations to come,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that Eswatini was not seeking charity but meaningful partnerships based on mutual respect and shared responsibility.
“We do not seek charity; we offer partnership. But true partnership requires courage, fairness, accountability and unity,” he said.
Climate Justice A Shared Responsibility
Dlamini concluded by stressing that climate justice should move beyond being an aspiration and become a practical reality for vulnerable countries and communities.
His remarks reflect growing calls from developing nations for a more balanced global response to climate change—one that supports economic development while addressing environmental challenges.
As climate risks continue to affect communities across the world, the Prime Minister’s message underscored the importance of combining local action, international cooperation and equitable climate financing to build a more resilient future.
