Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Kingdom of Eswatini reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to inclusive and sustainable development during the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), held in Doha, Qatar, from 4–6 November 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Senator Thulisile Dladla represented His Majesty King Mswati III and the people of Eswatini at the global gathering, which convened under the theme “It’s Time to Deliver Solutions.”
The Summit brought together heads of state, ministers, and development experts from across the world to review progress since the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development. Delegates engaged in discussions on poverty eradication, employment creation, education, health, and social inclusion, with a focus on aligning these priorities with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs).
The DPM led a high-level Eswatini delegation comprising the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, the Ambassador to the Permanent Mission of Eswatini to the United Nations, the CEO of the Eswatini National Youth Council, and senior officials from several ministries. Their presence underscored Eswatini’s whole-of-government approach to addressing social and economic development challenges.
Renewed Global Commitments
The Summit culminated in the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, which renews the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration while adapting them to current global realities. The Declaration focuses on three interlinked priorities: poverty eradication, full and productive employment, and social inclusion.
It further calls for urgent climate action, inclusive economic growth, and the empowerment of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The Declaration also emphasises international cooperation, particularly in support of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) such as Eswatini.
Eswatini’s Vision for Empowerment and Sustainability
Delivering her statement on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Eswatini’s belief that social development is not merely policy but a moral obligation.
“Our nation’s stability is built upon the pillars of justice, dignity, and opportunity,” Dladla said. “Eswatini’s development approach ensures that every citizen is an active participant in shaping their future.”
The DPM highlighted key national initiatives such as the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF), which promote entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and economic participation among communities and young people.
She also commended progress in gender equality and disability inclusion, referencing Eswatini’s Persons with Disabilities Act (2018) and ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) as milestones that ensure no one is left behind.
Building a Resilient and Inclusive Future
Eswatini’s investments in education, health, and social protection remain central to its social development agenda. Free primary education has achieved near-universal enrolment, while universal health coverage efforts have significantly reduced HIV infections. Additionally, government grants continue to support the elderly, orphans, and persons with disabilities, reflecting compassion as a cornerstone of governance.
The DPM also spotlighted Eswatini’s agricultural transformation through the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (ESWADE), which empowers smallholder farmers to transition from subsistence to commercial farming, advancing food security and economic inclusion.
A Call for Global Solidarity
In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Eswatini’s alignment with the Doha Programme of Action for LLDCs (2024–2034) and called on the international community to strengthen financing, technology transfer, and fair market access for developing nations.
“Eswatini stands ready to work with global partners to build societies that are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable,” she said. “Together, we can ensure that every person lives with dignity, opportunity, and hope.”
Dladla landed at King Mswati III International Airport on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from Doha, Qatar.
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