By Sizwe Dlamini
The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Eswatini has revealed its Annual Report for 2023, showcasing notable advancements in key areas crucial to the country’s sustainable development.
This comprehensive report highlights the collective achievements of the UN, the government of Eswatini, development partners, civil society, and other stakeholders in pushing forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Key Achievements highlighted in the report include:
Food Security: The UN’s food security programs have made a substantial impact, reaching 70,000 Emaswati. These initiatives have significantly improved access to nutritious food and enhanced the well-being of the country’s vulnerable communities.
Healthcare: One of the standout achievements in healthcare is the successful HPV vaccination campaign, which reached 46,674 girls. This campaign represents a significant stride in combating cervical cancer, especially crucial given the high HIV prevalence in Eswatini.
Women’s Empowerment: The ‘Vote 4 Women’ campaign has led to a notable increase in female representation in the nation’s parliament. This year, 17 women were either elected or appointed as Members of Parliament and Senators, reflecting a positive shift towards gender equality in governance.
Environmental Sustainability: The UN’s efforts in promoting renewable energy have been bolstered by the establishment of a 35KW mini-grid at Mvundla. This initiative supports households with sustainable energy solutions, contributing to the broader goal of environmental sustainability.
Governance and Human Rights: Human rights education reached over 275,000 Emaswati through various channels including regional roadshows, national events, and online platforms. This outreach emphasizes the importance of human rights awareness across the country.
The report also highlights the UN’s alignment with Eswatini’s National Development Plan 2023-2028 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021-2025. These frameworks are dedicated to fostering inclusive growth, developing human capital, enhancing governance and justice, while also promoting environmental sustainability.
UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. George Wachira, expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts that led to these aforementioned achievements.
“Our successes in 2023 highlight the dedication of the UNCT, the government of Eswatini, our development partners, civil society, and the private sector. Together, we have made significant strides towards the 2030 Agenda, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
The 2023 Annual Results Report is now available for public viewing and can be accessed here through the following link: https://eswatini.un.org/en/274919-un-eswatini-results-report-2023.
About UN Eswatini:
The United Nations in Eswatini works closely with the Government, development partners, civil society, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all Emaswati. The UNCT in Eswatini is committed to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through collaborative and integrated efforts.