Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has placed Eswatini firmly on the global climate map, announcing the nation’s ambitious plan to reduce 2.24 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
The King revealed that Eswatini is among the first 10 countries worldwide to submit its Paris Agreement-compliant NDC 3.0 plan to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Speaking at a High-Level Event on Climate Change on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, His Majesty declared that Eswatini, though a low emitter, remains steadfastly committed to global climate goals.
“Despite this, Eswatini comes to this meeting determined to turn vulnerability into resilience. We are pleased to announce that we have concluded and submitted the Paris Agreement-compliant NDC 3.0,” he said.
A Blueprint for Green Growth
The NDC 3.0 framework provides a detailed roadmap of programmes, resources, and reforms required to achieve the 2035 target. The King revealed that Eswatini will need E43 billion (US$2.4 billion) to fully implement the plan.
Unlike its predecessor, NDC 2.0, which raised US$449 million (E8.1 billion) of the US$900 million–US$1.5 billion target since 2018, the new plan calls for scaled-up, predictable climate finance.
“Thus, we expect stronger collaboration with our partners, including the local private sector, to finance the US$2 billion (E36 billion) gap,” His Majesty stated.
Reform, Resilience, and Innovation
King Mswati III stressed that Eswatini will reform laws and strengthen institutions to improve capacity, accountability, monitoring, and reporting. At the heart of the NDC 3.0 plan lies a commitment to climate-smart agriculture, technology adoption, and green infrastructure.
The Kingdom will also expand early warning systems, enhance water resource management, and improve waste management to safeguard vulnerable communities.
“Eswatini will remain a net carbon sink and reduce 2.24 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. We will also invest in climate-smart agriculture and technology. Early warning systems, water resource management, waste management and infrastructure will be improved to protect our most vulnerable society,” His Majesty said.
A Call for Affordable Climate Solutions
His Majesty emphasized the importance of affordable climate-smart technologies for farmers, homeowners, and entrepreneurs. He urged the recapitalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund to ensure that solutions reach those most in need.
“Eswatini cares about survival and opportunity. With the right support, the country can turn climate challenges into green growth, food sovereignty and shared prosperity,” he affirmed.
Eswatini’s Global Leadership
With this bold commitment, Eswatini joins a select group of nations setting the pace for climate action. The Kingdom’s leadership underlines that small states, though vulnerable, can play a big role in shaping a sustainable future.
His Majesty’s message at the UN resonated as a powerful call: with the right partnerships and resources, Eswatini is ready to transform climate challenges into opportunities for resilience, prosperity, and global leadership.
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