By Ayanda Dlamini
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Thursday officially launched their Country Programme Documents (CPDs) for the period 2026–2030, reaffirming their joint commitment to supporting Eswatini’s inclusive, resilient and sustainable development agenda.
The launch, held at the UN House in Mbabane, brought together senior government officials, development partners, civil society, youth representatives and stakeholders. It marked the unveiling of the 8th UNFPA Country Programme alongside the UNDP Country Programme Document, both aligned to national priorities and global development frameworks.
Delivering a joint statement on behalf of the two agencies, UNDP and UNFPA Resident Representative Henrik Franklin described the occasion as a milestone in the long-standing partnership between the United Nations and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“Today’s joint launch of our Country Programme Documents is a testament to our commitment to working together and delivering as one, under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator,” Franklin said.
Responding to evolving challenges
The launch comes at a time when Eswatini, like many countries, faces complex and interconnected challenges, including climate-related shocks, economic pressures and widening inequalities. Franklin emphasised that women, adolescent girls, young people and persons with disabilities are often the most affected.
“The new programmes place a strong emphasis on resilience, equity and inclusion,” he said. “They are designed to respond to the lived realities of emaSwati and ensure that development progress reaches even the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities.”
Both programmes are aligned with the National Development Plan (2024–2028), sectoral strategies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030), ensuring coherence and national ownership.
Supporting economic transformation and resilience
UNDP’s Country Programme is anchored on four strategic pillars: prosperity for all, effective governance, a healthy planet, and crisis resilience.
As UNDP marks 60 years globally and 48 years of operations in Eswatini, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country’s long-term development ambitions.
Key priorities include strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), improving access to domestic and international markets, and fostering innovation by harnessing the potential of the country’s youth.
The programme also promotes green economic growth that creates jobs while safeguarding Eswatini’s rich natural capital.
In addition, UNDP will continue supporting good governance reforms and building resilience to climate change and other external shocks.
Franklin acknowledged the global financial uncertainties affecting development financing, noting that while UNDP may not bring large financial resources, it plays a critical catalytic role.
“We are committed to supporting Eswatini to leverage its internal assets and mobilise both domestic and external resources for critical investments,” he said, while commending the government’s cost-sharing contributions under the current CPD, particularly in youth empowerment and economic transformation.
A shared commitment to the future
Franklin reaffirmed the commitment of both UNDP and UNFPA to stand with the Government and people of Eswatini throughout the five-year implementation period.
“Through strong partnerships, accountability, innovation and evidence-driven implementation, we are confident that these programmes will contribute meaningfully to national development outcomes,” he said.
“Together, we are working towards a future where no liSwati is left behind.”
The launch underscored the enduring partnership between Eswatini and the United Nations, and a shared determination to translate policy into tangible improvements in people’s lives over the next five years.