MBABANE – A gathering of government officials, civil society, private sector representatives, and development partners met at the Hilton Garden Inn on July 23 to reflect on the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’s recent speech titled “A Moment of Opportunity.” The dialogue, convened by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs and led by UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira, focused on advancing a just energy transition in Eswatini.
The event was supported by the United Nations Development Programme under its Climate Promise initiative, which assists 140 countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. Eswatini is currently preparing its third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), aligning with the Paris Agreement goals.
Speakers included Hon. Jane Mkhonta-Simelane’s representative, Chief Environment Coordinator Constance Dlamini, UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira, and UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin. The discussions centered on how climate ambition can drive economic transformation and development.
The panel, moderated by Eswatini Environment Authority Executive Director Gcina Dladla, reviewed national progress on renewable energy policies and challenges faced in balancing energy needs with sustainability.
Minister Mkhonta-Simelane’s office highlighted the country’s Energy Master Plan 2021–2037, which aims to increase renewable energy’s share to 50% by 2030. However, youth participation remains limited mostly to consultation phases, according to Nokuthula Mamba, Executive Director of the Youth Sustainable Development Centre.
Speakers addressed the need for financing and technology to support vulnerable countries through a just transition. Standard Bank CEO Mvuselelo Fakudze spoke on mobilising both local and international funds for large-scale projects, while Meteorological Services Director Duduzile Masina noted ongoing efforts to access Green Climate Fund instruments for risk mitigation.
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