By EPN Staff
MBABANE – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Receives UNEP Delegation
On 5 March 2025, Senator Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, hosted a courtesy visit from Dr. Rose Mwebaza, Director and Regional Representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The delegation also included Mr. George Wachira, UN Representative, and other senior UNEP officials.
During the meeting, the UNEP delegation provided an in-depth briefing on their ongoing consultations with various government ministries and stakeholders. They highlighted UNEP’s current initiatives in the Kingdom of Eswatini and discussed potential future collaborations. The focus was on UNEP’s commitment to supporting Eswatini’s national development agenda, as outlined in the Government’s Programme of Action, and identifying synergies between UNEP’s expertise and the Kingdom’s priorities.
A significant topic of the discussions was the exploration of geothermal energy as a viable renewable energy source for Eswatini. The UNEP delegation reaffirmed their dedication to assisting the government in conducting feasibility studies and assessments for this promising initiative. Additionally, the meeting emphasized UNEP’s role in supporting land and ecosystem restoration, which is crucial for the Kingdom’s tourism and agricultural sectors.
In a remarkable acknowledgment of Eswatini’s leadership in environmental governance, the UNEP delegation congratulated the Kingdom on its successful bid for the position of African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE). They expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the Honourable Moses Vilakati, former Cabinet Minister, to advance regional and continental environmental sustainability objectives.
Furthermore, Minister Shakantu and Dr. Rose Mwebaza discussed future collaboration focusing on promoting Environmental Diplomacy through capacity-building programs in diplomatic engagements. UNEP seeks to empower the Kingdom to leverage international partnerships and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable development.
In her remarks, Minister Shakantu expressed deep appreciation for UNEP’s continued support to the Kingdom of Eswatini. She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with UNEP and advancing shared environmental and developmental goals for the benefit of the Kingdom and the region at large.
This visit underscores the commitment to collaborative efforts towards a sustainable future for the Kingdom of Eswatini, positioning it as a key player in environmental diplomacy within the region.
