Manzini, 13 May 2025 — Eswatini is moving forward with plans to boost climate-resilient urban development as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD) and the Eswatini Local Government Association (ELGA), hosts a validation workshop on Wednesday at The George Hotel in Manzini.
The workshop, scheduled for 14 May, will serve to review and approve new resolutions and guidelines aimed at promoting sustainable green cities, green spaces, and urban agriculture across the country. The initiative is part of a readiness project funded by the Green Climate Fund to strengthen Eswatini’s capacity to adapt to climate change in urban and peri-urban areas.
Stakeholders expected to participate include Assistant FAO Representative Howard Mbuyisa, MHUD Principal Secretary Dr. Simon Zwane, CEOs of local municipalities, senior government officials, and urban development experts.
The National Green Cities Coordination and Resource Mobilization Consultant will present the draft guidelines for discussion. The document is expected to guide municipalities in creating sustainable infrastructure and food systems while preparing for natural hazards like flooding, droughts, and extreme weather.
According to project organisers, the proposed framework aligns with national priorities by addressing the specific climate vulnerabilities faced by towns and peri-urban settlements in Eswatini. These include damage to infrastructure, threats to livelihoods, and increasing environmental risks brought on by shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures.
The event will also offer a space for networking and dialogue among key players involved in urban planning and environmental management. Workshop sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude with lunch in the early afternoon.
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