Africa-Press – Eswatini. Twenty students from the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) have been named as the country’s first representatives in the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Student Ambassadors Programme a global initiative aimed at empowering youth to champion the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The announcement was made during a special ceremony held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane, where the selected students were officially introduced as part of the global network of over 400 student ambassadors from more than 30 countries.
Speaking at the event, UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin explained that the programme was not an internship or job opportunity, but rather a transformative learning experience designed to expose students to the development landscape.
He reportedly stated that the goal was to help students enhance their abilities to understand the development space and that it could potentially lead to career opportunities in the sector.
Franklin further emphasised that investing in young talent was central to the UNDP’s People for 2030 Strategy, which seeks to nurture a new generation of leaders and changemakers in development.
The selected students were chosen through a competitive process conducted in partnership with the Dean of Student Affairs at UNESWA.
According to organisers, the group brings a wide range of skills and experiences, including climate activism, entrepreneurship, peer education, and community outreach.
Meanwhile Thuli Mamba, the Senior Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at UNESWA, highlighted the importance of equipping students with the right tools to meet today’s global challenges.
She said that Africa needed young people who were not only critical thinkers but also strong communicators and skilled researchers.
“The Africa we want requires students with critical skills,” she said, adding that they must be prepared to respond to complex global issues.
One of the newly appointed ambassadors, Bandile Mnisi, who is pursuing a degree in Environmental Health and Food Science, described the programme as an opportunity to foster collaboration and exchange ideas with fellow youth across the world.
She said that being a part of the initiative would help young people mobilise more people to focus on the SDGs and learn from one another.
Ambassador Henrik Franklin.
Another student, Nkosephayo Makhubu, who is studying Consumer Science, expressed hope that the programme would help him, and his peers find ways to contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
“I understand that this is not a job opportunity, but it will enhance our ability to come up with strategies to start businesses and earn a living.
This mission is fundamentally about the advancement of humanity.” he said.
According to a statement from UNDP, the students will take on several responsibilities as part of the ambassador programme.
These include raising awareness about the SDGs and UNDP’s mission, engaging with peers and communities both online and offline, and developing communication and leadership skills.
They will also receive training in how to build personal brands and amplify messages around sustainable development.
One of the key features of the programme is its focus on digital engagement. Ambassadors will be encouraged to use social media and other digital platforms to promote inclusive, people-centred development.
They are also expected to organise community-based events and discussions to bring the SDGs to life in local contexts.
Franklin noted that student ambassadors were not only meant to learn but also to inspire.
“You are the leaders we have been waiting for.This is your chance to shape the future, and we are here to support you.” he said.
The event was attended by senior officials from UNESWA, UNDP staff, and proud family members of the students.
There was an air of celebration and hope as speakers shared messages of encouragement and reminded the students of the critical role youth play in driving change.
Throughout the ceremony, the message was clear: young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow they are the changemakers of today.
As the students take up their new roles, they carry with them the hopes of a nation and the shared ambition to create a more sustainable, equitable future.
Whether it’s through climate action, innovation, education, or health, each ambassador will contribute to the collective push towards achieving the 17 SDGs by 2030.
Mamba urged the students to take their roles seriously, reminding them that they had been chosen not just for their academic achievements but for their passion and potential.
With their official induction complete, the 20 student ambassadors will begin their journey of advocacy, learning, and leadership.
The programme is expected to run throughout the academic year, with regular check-ins, mentorship opportunities, and chances to collaborate with ambassadors from other countries.
In a closing statement, Franklin reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting young people in Eswatini.
“This is not just a moment. It’s a movement. And we are proud that Eswatini is now a part of it.” he said.
The students were seen taking photos with their certificates, visibly excited and energised about the path ahead.
As one attendee put it, “It’s a new chapter not only for the students but for Eswatini’s development story.”
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