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NEW YORK, USA: The escalating pockets of conflict, which include recent coups on the continent, are of great concern and require a unified solution.
There have been no less than six coups over the past few years, the most recent being witnessed in Niger.
The King making his statement at the 78th UN General Assembly.
Addressing the 78th UN General Assembly yesterday, His Majesty the King said among the multiple crises, which include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate change catastrophe, the geopolitical conflicts and wars were troubling.
“Of great concern are the conflicts, coups and unconstitutional changes of governments in several African states, which are negating the gains towards attaining our African Union goals.
He further noted that these challenges have undermined the resilience of countries and increased their vulnerability to shocks, while significantly slowing progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030.
(From L-R) seated front) Inkhosikati LaMahlangu and Home Affairs Minister Princess Lindiwe with members of the Eswatini delegation listening attentively to His Majesty’s address.
He called for tolerance and the promotion of peace in all areas, saying there was a greater need for unity among the United Nations member states than ever before.
He recalled that the United Nations was founded on the timeless ideals of global peace, security, development, human rights, and global cooperation.
“We owe it to ourselves to reignite global solidarity to achieve economic and social advancement for all our peoples,” he urged.
The King’s Private Secretary Mbongeni Simelane, Commerce, Trade, and Industry Minister Manqoba Khumalo and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Thuli Dladla listening to His Majesty’s address at the UN yesterday while Eswatinii Embassy official Martin Mbingo captures the speech on camera. (pics: Len Mohale).
He also highlighted that for 78 years, the United Nations had stood for the great ideal of building an international system of collaboration, solidarity and common purpose.
“Just as the founders of the UN once united to address the challenges of their time for the benefit of all, it is now our responsibility to stand together and confront those we face today, rebuild trust, and take swift action to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGS) and the African Agenda 2063,” he urged.
The King applauded the Secretary-General of the United Nations and his personal envoy for their roles in the efforts to find a political solution to the Moroccan Western Sahara issue.
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TINKHUNDLA A UNIQUE DEMOCRACY
NEW YORK, USA: World leaders were informed yesterday that the Tinkhundla system of government was a unique model of a people-driven democratic system of governance.
What makes it unique is that it is a cherished home-grown system.
His Majesty the King said, like many other democracies, the country’s constitution recognised the role of the monarchy as well as a bi-cameral parliament, separation of powers, fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
“It takes into account our rich cultural heritage and traditional African values in that it is grounded in respect, consensus and community support through traditional structures. It is a monarchical democracy,” he explained.
The King elucidated that the Tinkhundla system was based on individual merit, where candidates are nominated from their communities to stand for elections in constituencies, which are called Tinkhundla, to which they are accountable.
Members of the Eswatini delegation in the UN Assembly Chambers gallery ahead of His Majesty’s address yesterday.
The electorate, he said, expects members of parliament to meet as colleagues rather than combatants, to look for consensus as opposed to partisanship, and to balance the interests of their constituencies with those of the nation.
The UU was further informed of the ongoing electoral process, which is held every five years as a constitutional imperative.
“In this regard, a voter registration exercise was conducted, which returned over 95% registered against an eligible population. This was a resounding success and a ringing endorsement of support for the system of government,” he said.
The head of state also explained the role of Sibaya, which he said remained one of our highest institutions where emaSwati dialogue and play their part in determining the future they want.
“It is an all-inclusive forum where citizens, irrespective of gender and social status, discuss issues of national interest,” said His Majesty.
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AGENDA 2030 INCOMPLETE WITHOUT TAIWAN – KING
NEW YORK, USA: The Kingdom of Eswatini has stood firm in the call for the full membership of Taiwan in the United Nations.
During his address to the 78th UN General Assembly, His Majesty the King emphasised the importance of including Taiwan and its people in the sustainable development agenda 2030.
President Suk Yeol and his delegation in discussions with His Majesty the King and a local delegation consisting of Foreign Minister Thuli Dladla, Ambassador to the United Nations Thami Dlamini, and King’s Private Secretary Mbongeni Simelane.
He stated that failing to do so would hinder the achievement of this agenda, which aims to ensure that no one is left behind.
He said including Taiwan at this crucial point is imperative in order to effectively accomplish the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
“We are advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations system, which would involve its participation in meetings, mechanisms, and activities related to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he stated.
His Majesty stated that this action would not only enhance global cooperation and partnership, but also underscore the principle of ensuring that no individual would be overlooked or excluded.
On October 25, 1971, the United Nations passed Resolution 2758, which recognises mainland China as the sole legitimate government of China. Consequently, Taiwan is considered to be a part of China according to this resolution.
Taiwan has consistently contested this stance, leading to on-going tensions between the two nations for several years.
Yesterday, His Majesty the King met with the President of the Republic of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, at the Korean permanent mission in New York. The two leaders discussed a variety of topics that are of mutual importance to both countries. (All Pics; Len Mohale)
The Kingdom of Eswatini has maintained a strong alliance with Taiwan for the past 55 years, making it the only African country that continues to uphold diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The significance of these ties was emphasised by the presence of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who was the guest of honour at the 55th Independence celebrations held at Somhlolo National Stadium on September 6, 2023.
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KEY MILESTONES APPLAUDED
NEW YORK, USA: Some of the delegates of the United Nations applauded when His Majesty described significant milestones in the country’s development progress.
These included substantially reducing the infant mortality rate and the maternal mortality ratio, decreasing the prevalence of HIV among adults aged 15 to 49, and increasing access to electricity to more than 80 percent.
In addition, he said 69% of the population had access to basic water services, while 58% to basic sanitation services.
Emazinyane taking to their seats at the UN General Assembly chambers prior to His Majesty’s address. (Pics Len Mohale)
According to the King, Eswatini has achieved an adult literacy rate of 87%, while the total enrolment ratio for primary education had increased from 97% in 2000 to 104%.
The Ingwenyama also highlighted how Eswatini had been ranked top five by the world bank for our growing economy with our GDP growth at about 7.8 percent andattained the second greatest manufacturing value added per capita country, and are placed sixth on the 2022 Africa Industrialization Index.
“Furthermore, we have been ranked number 9 amongst the 10 African countries with the highest GDP per capita. We will not rest on our laurels but work much harder as we look to improve our economy,” he said, while emphasising that for the remaining seven years, the country would work on creating decent jobs and employment opportunities for everyone, especially the youth.
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REVIEW INTEREST RATES
NEW YORK, USA: Eswatini has called upon the UN member states to re-evaluate the global financial architecture.
The King said the interest charged on development loans must be structured in a way that is fair and beneficial for both the least and developing nations.
“This will ensure eradication of poverty in all its forms and improved living conditions for the poorest of the poor,” he said.
Sustaining the SDGs, he emphasised, will require that member states develop innovative financing strategies to ensure that implementation reaches the most left behind.
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2023 A TURNING POINT FOR ESWATINI
NEW YORK, USA: The year 2023 is a turning point for the country in which emaSwati hope to break through to a better future for all.
His Majesty has said the kingdom stood with the rest of the world in committing to accelerating progress in the implementation of the UN targets in the remaining seven years.
“The SDGs will continue to be a guiding light that shapes national policies, budgets, institutions, government’s and sector strategies,” he said.
He was optimistic that a wide range of actors would be mobilised and capacities strengthened to ensure achievement of the goals by 2030.
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CONDOLENCES EXTENDED
NEW YORK, USA: His Majesty the King has said climate change, poverty, inequality, and resource depletion, had made sustainable development an imperative for the survival and well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
He said natural disasters in the form of floods and earthquakes had become prevalent, claiming thousands of lives, citing recent incidents in Libya and Morocco.
“We wish to extend our sympathies and condolences to those who have lost their loved ones,” he said.
