The European Union has invited all youth in Eswatini to apply for its Youth Sounding Board (YSB), an initiative that connects, empowers, and engages young people in development efforts.
An open call has been announced for youth aged 18 to 35 to be part of the second cohort of the YSB. Applications are available online on the official EU in Eswatini social media pages, and the deadline is April 14, 2026. The term for the current cohort of 12 members ends on April 30, after three years of service.
The YSB aims to create a space for meaningful involvement of young people in the EU’s cooperation with Eswatini. It enables active engagement and exchanges between young people, decision-makers, the European Union and its Member States.
The YSB is inclusive and diverse in terms of gender, age, ethnic and cultural background, professional position, life situation, disability status and sexual orientation. It brings together a range of opinions and experiences from across Eswatini’s four geopolitical regions.
The EU Chargé d’Affaires, José Becerra Marta, stated that the YSB is part of the EU Youth Action Plan and aligns with priority areas such as human development, social inclusion, skills development and youth empowerment.
“Our experience with the first cohort of the YSB has been impactful and we invite young people around the country to apply for the second cohort as this is a very empowering opportunity. The future of Eswatini will largely depend on the ability to provide young people with opportunities for employment, education, health and access to decision-making processes,” he said.
He added that the YSB also advises the EU Delegation to Eswatini on youth participation and empowerment and on a broad range of topics such as employment, education, training and entrepreneurship, environment and climate change, human rights and social inclusion.
The YSB also aims to create opportunities for young people and youth organisations to express their views, connect and exchange.
The YSB gives young people a chance to influence EU policies and programs in Eswatini. This involvement ensures that EU projects are more inclusive and actually address the real needs of the youth.
The outgoing YSB has had a term in which they engaged with youth across various thematic areas, such as social inclusion, climate change, entrepreneurship, and skills development. The YSB hosted four major events, the Khululeka Mental Health Seminar, the Green Round Table, the Erasmus + Youth Capacity information session and the Youth Empowerment Fund opportunities session. During their tenure, they also collaborated with the Eswatini National Youth Council in various activities, including the World Youth Skills Day and the International Youth Day.
To apply simply fill in this form: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/fce75b06-11e3-9992-e150-2a1d2810a8ca. The deadline is 14 April 2026.
Young people do not miss out – YSB Chair urges
The Chairperson of the YSB Busiswa Dlamini has urged the youth of Eswatini not to miss out on what she describes as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’
“Being a part of the YSB will capacitate and empower you as a young person. It also allows you to be hands-on in key development issues. While it’s volunteering, you gain so much exposure and professional growth,” she said.
Dlamini said in her term, she has travelled to various countries, including Belgium, to connect and engage with youth on global issues affecting them.
The current youth board has 12 members, namely, Sibusiso Dlamini, Cleo Shabalala, Lindokuhle Dlamini, Sinikiwe Dlamini, Hlengiwe Nkhambule, Mary Ann Howard, Msimisi Dlamini, Lungelo Myeni, Banele Dlamini, Seluleko Simelane and Siphesihle Dlamini.
Selection is based on, youth participation experience, outreach capability, communication skills, creativity and motivation and added value to board diversity.
All candidates must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
➢ be between the ages of 18-35 at the end of the application period;
➢ be available to devote at least 25 days per year to the YSB on a voluntary basis;
➢ have a good command of English;
➢ no specific experience is required;
All candidates will be treated fairly, equitably, and efficiently, with respect and courtesy, aiming to ensure that the candidate’s experience is positive, irrespective of the outcome.