Africa-Press – Eswatini. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Eswatini has marked the successful completion of the first cohort of the UNDP Student Ambassadors Programme, a global youth initiative designed to empower young people as advocates for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event, held on September 22, 2025, at UN House, Mbabane, was officiated by the UNDP Resident Representative, Henrik Franklin, who described the milestone as both meaningful and inspiring. He congratulated the 20 ambassadors for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to promoting sustainable development during their term of service.
Launched in April this year, the Student Ambassadors Programme was implemented for the first time in Eswatini, making the kingdom part of a growing global network. This was the third cohort globally, positioning Eswatini alongside other countries pioneering the initiative.
Franklin commended the ambassadors for amplifying UNDP’s mission, particularly through digital engagement. “By raising awareness online about our programmes, values, and global priorities, you have connected young people to issues that matter most: climate action, inclusive governance, gender equality, and sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
Over the course of the programme, the ambassadors participated in nine events facilitated by UNDP Eswatini, including the national launch of the Human Development Report and field visits to observe UNDP’s work on the ground. These experiences offered students first-hand exposure to how UNDP supports the country’s development agenda and fostered interest in careers in the development sector.
The initiative also highlighted collaboration between UNDP and the University of Eswatini. Franklin expressed gratitude to the university for giving students the platform to engage directly with the programme, describing the pilot cohort as “a success that delivered good results.”
Looking ahead, he announced that the programme will now be expanded to include applicants from all universities in the country through a competitive process. “We invite university students in Eswatini to look out for the upcoming call for applications and seize this opportunity with both hands,” he said.
The programme also ties into national efforts to address youth unemployment, which currently stands at 56 percent. Mr. Franklin urged students to apply for the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP), a government–UNDP initiative that places young graduates in six-month work opportunities with a stipend.
The student ambassadors shared their gratitude during the ceremony. Wiseman Masike, a B.Sc. Horticulture graduate from the University of Eswatini’s Luyengo Campus, said: “I am grateful for this opportunity. I believe it will open many doors for my career, building on the lessons I have learned.”
Tiyandza Dlamini, a second-year Bachelor of Arts in Social Science student at the University of Eswatini, described the programme as life-changing: “It was such an honour to be part of this programme. It has opened many doors for me. Recently, I was invited to Sibane Hotel for discussions on LGBT issues, and people look up to you as an ambassador, believing you can bring meaningful conversations.”
The UNDP Student Ambassadors Programme has proven to be more than a platform for youth engagement; it has become a pathway for leadership, advocacy, and empowerment. As Eswatini’s first cohort graduates into the global alumni network, they carry forward a legacy of shaping conversations and inspiring action for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
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