By EPN Reporter
EZULWINI – With the serene mountains of Ezulwini Valley as a backdrop, Eswatini once again stood tall on the global stage as Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini received the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Mr. Jean Todt, on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III.
The high-level courtesy visit, held a day before the prestigious Kofi Annan Road Safety Awards, was more than ceremonial – it was a powerful endorsement of Eswatini’s growing reputation as a beacon of progress in road safety and sustainable development.
Welcoming Mr. Todt and his delegation, the Prime Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the UN for choosing the Kingdom as host for the continental ceremony. He praised Mr. Todt’s unwavering dedication to saving lives globally through improved road safety policies and programmes – efforts that are clearly bearing fruit in Eswatini.
“Our country has seen a decline in road traffic accidents,” the Prime Minister noted. “This is a testament to what collaboration, awareness and decisive policy can achieve. We are deeply honoured to be entrusted with hosting this important event, which reinforces our shared commitment to protecting lives.”
Mr. Todt, whose voice has echoed across continents calling for safer roads, was equally moved by the warm Eswatini welcome. He hailed the Kingdom’s strides in aligning with the global Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030), and commended its leadership for demonstrating that even small nations can lead with big impact.
“Eswatini may be small in size, but it is vast in vision,” Mr. Todt said. “Your efforts in road safety resonate far beyond your borders. Hosting the Kofi Annan Road Safety Awards here is a statement to Africa and the world that commitment and leadership know no boundaries.”
He also reiterated the urgent need to address what he termed a “silent pandemic” – the global crisis of road fatalities and injuries that claims over 1.2 million lives each year and leaves 50 million more injured, many permanently.
Against this sobering reality, Mr. Todt’s message was clear: hope lies in action. Political will, cross-sector cooperation and strong policies are the tools needed to reverse the tide. Eswatini, he said, is on the right path.
The PM, in turn, conveyed the Kingdom’s deep regrets that His Majesty King Mswati III could not meet the delegation in person due to other national engagements. However, he affirmed His Majesty’s steadfast support for all efforts aimed at enhancing public safety and saving lives.
The meeting was more than a diplomatic courtesy. It was a moment of mutual inspiration – a call to action and a celebration of shared values. As the sun sets over Ezulwini, the Kingdom of Eswatini stands poised to shine a spotlight on Africa’s commitment to safer roads and healthier futures.
Tomorrow, the global road safety community will gather for the Kofi Annan Road Safety Awards – and Eswatini will host, not just as a venue, but as a symbol of hope, progress, and positive impact.
(Pics: Eswatini Govt)
