The Kingdom of Eswatini is committed to building climate resilience and shifting its development trajectory away from carbon emissions, announced Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini during the official opening of the Eswatini Inaugural Green Indaba. The two-day event, held in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), SNG Grant Thornton, the Eswatini Stock Exchange, and the Central Bank of Eswatini, aims to consolidate efforts towards a transition to a green economy and the scaling up of green development initiatives.
Highlighting the urgent need for action, Prime Minister Dlamini underscored the adverse impact of climate change on Eswatini’s economy and the livelihoods of its people. He expressed concerns about the destruction of infrastructure, disruptions to food production systems, and the resurgence of previously controlled diseases. To combat these challenges, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of delinking development from carbon emissions and investing in a green economy.
During the event, Prime Minister Dlamini unveiled Eswatini’s first electronic car, the Nissan LEAF, which was procured by the UNDP as part of its Energy Moon Shoot initiative. The car will be powered entirely by solar energy, aligning with Eswatini’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the vehicle as a symbol of the country’s determination to embrace sustainable transportation solutions.
In his speech, Prime Minister Dlamini acknowledged the need to mobilize resources from both external and internal sources, including public and private sectors. He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to accredit national entities to the Green Climate Fund, the largest source of climate finance. The Prime Minister also expressed the government’s commitment to greening the finance sector and improving financial inclusion.
[WATCH]: Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini test drives the electrically powered Nissan LEAF, procured by UNDP as part of its global campaign to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2030.
UNDP Resident Representative Rose Ssebatindira praised Eswatini’s commitment to a low-carbon transition and emphasized the importance of reshaping economic systems, policies, and financial instruments. Ssebatindira stressed the need for inclusive and just measures, adoption of innovative technologies, and capitalizing on green investment opportunities to achieve the goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.
The Eswatini Inaugural Green Indaba serves as a platform to harness collaborative efforts between the government, UNDP, SNG Grant Thornton, the Eswatini Stock Exchange, and the Central Bank of Eswatini. The event aims to consolidate initiatives toward a green economy and promote sustainable development.
While recognizing the existing efforts by private enterprises in investing in renewable energy, Prime Minister Dlamini stressed the importance of collaboration with partners to empower the people of Eswatini to derive livelihoods from climate action. He emphasized the need for comprehensive understanding of the climate finance landscape and its applicability to all sectors, from businesses to vulnerable communities, encouraging unified action.
The Eswatini Inaugural Green Indaba sets the stage for Eswatini’s ambitious pursuit of climate resilience, green development, and sustainable growth. By prioritizing green investment opportunities and mobilizing green financing, the nation is taking significant steps toward realizing its commitments under the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement. Through collective efforts and a unified vision, Eswatini is determined to secure a prosperous and habitable future for its citizens and generations to come.
