Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Government of Eswatini has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development by strengthening its partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to accelerate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This renewed collaboration was marked by the successful launch of the Joint Country Programme Documents (CPDs) for the 2026–2030 period, which took place on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the UN House in Mbabane. The launch represents a significant milestone in aligning international support with Eswatini’s national development priorities.
The auspicious event was attended by very important officials, who play a significant role in the development of Eswatini. Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini, and Senator Dr Linda Nxumalo were among those that attended the occasion. Members of Parliament (MPs) such as Mzwandile Masiphula Mamba (Khubuta), Manqoba Sihlongonyane (Sithobela), Sifiso Shongwe (Kwaluseni), and other politicians were also among the attendants.
Officials in Eswatini’s corporate sector, such Municipal Council of Mbabane CEO Gciniwe Fakudze and NDMA CEO Victor Mahlalela, were also in attendance. Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Economic Planning and Development, Dr Tambo Gina, Principal Secretary Thabsile Mlangeni highlighted the importance of the partnership, describing it as a continuation of a long-standing and strategic relationship between the Government of Eswatini and the United Nations system. She emphasised that the collaboration is firmly anchored in the National Development Plan and the country’s long-term transformation goals.
Mlangeni noted that the CPDs directly address key structural challenges facing the country, including poverty, youth unemployment and inequality. She stressed that the programmes promote integrated and people-centred solutions aimed at ensuring dignity, opportunity, security and prosperity for all Emaswati.
UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin underscored the depth of cooperation between UN agencies and the government, particularly in areas such as youth development and climate-smart agriculture. He highlighted initiatives such as Youth Connect, implemented in partnership with UNFPA, as examples of practical collaboration that empower young people and strengthen economic resilience.
Franklin reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting Eswatini’s ambition to progress from a lower-middle-income country to an upper-middle-income country, noting that sustainable growth, innovation and inclusive development remain at the heart of the agency’s support.
UNFPA Head of Office Margaret Thwala presented key priorities under the new programme cycle, particularly in addressing high maternal mortality rates, gender-based violence and unmet needs in family planning. She explained that the use of hotspot analysis and georeferenced data will allow for more targeted and effective interventions in areas of greatest need.
Thwala also emphasised the importance of strengthening and integrating health systems, noting that increased access to services must be matched by improvements in quality and outcomes. She said the new approach would focus on high-impact interventions that deliver measurable and lasting results.
In his official address, Minister Dr Tambo Gina expressed appreciation to UNDP and UNFPA for their sustained partnership and alignment with Eswatini’s development agenda. He praised the achievements of the current country programmes and expressed confidence that the new CPDs would further accelerate national progress.
The Minister highlighted that the CPDs are fully aligned with the National Development Plan (2023/24–2027/28), economic recovery efforts, human capital development, governance and accountability reforms, and improved service delivery across key social sectors. They also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030.
The launch of the CPDs signals a shared vision and renewed momentum towards a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous Eswatini, driven by strong partnerships and a collective commitment to sustainable development.
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