Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Royal Swazi Sun Convention Centre in Ezulwini came alive on 28 November 2025 as leaders, environmental champions and development partners gathered for the prestigious Temvelo Awards Dinner and Awards Night.
Among the keynote speakers was Eva Maria Engdahl, the Head of Cooperation for the European Union Delegation to the Kingdom of Eswatini, who delivered a powerful address reaffirming the EU’s commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability.
Engdahl said it was a rare and meaningful moment to celebrate excellence in a field that has become “a significant global concern over the past 30 years or so.” She noted that the atmosphere of unity and purpose demonstrated the growing national dedication to protecting the environment.
Representing the EU, Engdahl expressed her delight in joining the celebration: “I am very delighted to join all of you today… as we celebrate and recognise efforts made by all of you in the space of environmental conservation and sustainability.”
She emphasised that the awards should not be reduced to symbols of prestige, but rather serve as motivation for continued action. “Awards are not to be looked at as vanity but should be regarded as an inspiration for all of us to achieve excellence, set standards and document the good that prevails among us,” she said.
Engdahl applauded the Eswatini Environmental Authority for conceptualising and hosting the annual event, saying the gesture was “worth recognising,” and highlighted the EU’s appreciation for being considered a partner in Eswatini’s environmental journey.
She further outlined the EU’s guiding pillars in climate and environmental efforts, including staying the course on climate goals, strengthening climate resilience, supporting clean industry transitions, and advancing the circular economy.
The head of Cooperation also commended Emaswati for taking ownership of environmental stewardship in their various trades. She said this demonstrated the importance of “continued collaboration on environmental protection and addressing socio-economic challenges.”
Ahead of the official announcements, Engdahl congratulated all nominees and winners, emphasising that those honoured had “done great work in the past and present” and now carried the responsibility to “raise the bar and do even greater in their future operations.”
Closing her address, she reminded all stakeholders to remain steadfast in the shared mission of climate protection while pursuing national development goals, concluding warmly: “I thank you all. Siyabonga kakhulu.”
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