BY MBONGENI NDLELA
EZULWINI – In an address that resonated with hope, resolve, and ambition, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini highlighted the Kingdom of Eswatini’s commitment to charting a transformative path in partnership with the United Nations.
Speaking at the Government of Eswatini–United Nations Dialogue on the new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026-2030, held at Happy Valley Hotel, Ezulwini today, the Prime Minister laid out an ambitious vision for inclusivity, resilience, and economic prosperity.
“We stand at a crossroads,” the PM declared.
“compelled by the pressing realities of our time to act decisively and innovatively towards a shared vision of progress, prosperity, and sustainability for the Kingdom of Eswatini,” he said.
The PM acknowledged the challenges that hinder progress by highlighting Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage, the resilience of its people, and the beauty of its land.
He called for bold measures to address these pressing issues with unemployment at 35.4 per cent, a poverty rate of 58.9 per cent, and a public service delivery index at a mere 0.35.
He also pointed to other critical challenges such as gender-based violence, declining education standards, corruption, and climate change.
“Our public service delivery index underscores the urgent need for transformation in governance and service delivery,” Dlamini emphasized.
“Climate change, increasing inequality, and a lack of national cohesion further threaten our nation’s progress,” he said.
Strategic Pillars for Transformation
The keynote address outlined five strategic pillars to guide the UNSDCF and the country’s broader development agenda:
- Transforming Public Service and Governance: The government’s strategy focuses on decentralization, fostering accountability, and leveraging digital innovation to ensure efficient service delivery. Dlamini reiterated the importance of Eswatini’s Tinkhundla System in preserving the nation’s cultural identity and fostering democratic governance.
- Education and Health: Education reform aims to equip the youth with 21st-century skills through vocational and tertiary education aligned with global economic demands. Health sector improvements include addressing gaps in service delivery, shortages in healthcare personnel, and access to essential medicines. The ultimate goal is universal access to quality healthcare and education.
- Economic Transformation and Job Creation: Economic policies will prioritize creating a business-friendly environment to attract investment, foster industrialization, and support key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. “Innovation and technology will be central to our economic transformation,” Dlamini noted.
- Food Security and Sovereignty: Sustainable agricultural practices, investment in irrigation, and agricultural innovation are envisioned to achieve food sovereignty within 15 years.
- Disaster Preparedness and Climate Action: Acknowledging the growing impact of climate change, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for renewable energy, disaster preparedness, and proactive resource management to protect future generations.
Building Partnerships for Progress
The premier called for stronger partnerships with development partners and the United Nations to ensure impactful and sustainable progress.
He stressed the importance of tailoring UN interventions to Eswatini’s unique needs and aligning them with national priorities rather than global mandates.
“We envision a United Nations that operates as one cohesive team aligned with our national agenda, with the Cooperation Framework as our compass,” he stated.
He continued: “Interventions must transform lives, not merely satisfy mandates.”
A Call for Unity and Determination
Closing his address, Dlamini invoked an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
He urged all stakeholders to commit to designing and implementing a highly results-oriented UNSDCF that reflects the aspirations of all emaSwati.
“Together, we have the power to transform challenges into opportunities and aspirations into realities,” Dlamini concluded. “Let us seize this moment to chart a course for a brighter future built on partnership, innovation, and determination.”
PM’s address serves as a rallying call and a blueprint for a transformative era in Eswatini, promising a well-developed, inclusive, peaceful, and economically prosperous kingdom where every liSwati can thrive.
