By Sizwe Dlamini
The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, George Wachira, has expressed concerns about the current state of global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that only 17% of SDG targets are on track globally, according to the 2024 SDG Report.
Wachira shared these insights during the launch of the ‘Next Einstein Forum Africa SDGs Week’ at the Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane, themed ‘Accelerating SADC Progress towards the 2030 Agenda.’
He extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Information Communications and Technology (ICT), the Kingdom of Eswatini Academy of Sciences (KEAS), and the Next Einstein Forum for hosting this vital event.
“On behalf of UN Eswatini, I express our solidarity with the forum’s mission to spotlight SDG acceleration through youth initiatives. The ‘Next Einstein’ concept is commendable for connecting science, society, and policy in Africa, emphasizing STEM fields. As we gather, it’s crucial to recognize that only 17% of SDG targets are on track globally, as highlighted in the 2024 SDG Report. This emphasizes the need for urgency and innovation. His Majesty King Mswati’s rallying call of ‘Nkwe!’ urges us to act swiftly to advance development,” he said.
Wachira acknowledged progress in health, education, and clean water, but stressed the importance of intensifying efforts in areas that are lagging. He commended the government of Eswatini’s SDG Recovery and Acceleration Plan as a forward-looking strategy.
“We have three key points to consider, linking National and Global Efforts: SDG acceleration requires aligning national strategies with global advocacy, especially amid crises that hinder development financing. Eswatini’s participation at recent global summits advocating for a just global system is commendable. Partnerships, and collaboration across governments, academia, civil society, the private sector, and development partners are vital. We must foster cross-sectoral partnerships to scale solutions and ensure no one is left behind. Youth Initiatives leveraging our young population and technological growth are crucial for a sustainable future. As Einstein said, we cannot solve problems at the same level of imagination at which we created them; we must evolve new ideas and energy to advance the SDGs.”