BY DELISA THWALA
EZULWINI– The United Nations (UN) has praised the Kingdom of Eswatini on handling a number of crises that easily affected their economy.
This took place at the currently ongoing 10th Retreat of the Association of Senates, SHOORA and Equivalent Councils of Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA) held at Royal Swazi Spa.
UN George Wachira said on the climate crisis, a few days ago, the Kingdom of Eswatini launched an ambitious E1.3 billion implementation plan of the Nationally Determined contributions within the framework of the Paris Agreement.
“I warmly congratulate the Government for this commitment. Increasing trade and investments: Eswatini launched its National strategy and Implementation Plan for the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement,” he said.
In addition he said as everyone knows, the future of development has shifted from donor aid to trade and investment, led by a strong private sector and a facilitative policy environment.
“Intra-Africa trade has remained at around 18 per cent compared to intra- Europe at over 70 per cent. Thus, Eswatini’s step to tap into intra-Africa trade offers a great opportunity to tap into the 1.2 billion people market,” he said
He further congratulated Eswatini for the steps it is taking to respond to the crises.
“I also commend Eswatini for its Commonwealth Champion Role, along with Kenya, on Energy Literacy and Geothermal Power. I would like to frame these suggestions within the reality that this year marks the midway point in the Agenda 2030 of sustainable development.
“Currently, thanks mostly to the crises that we are discussing at this forum, all indications are that we will miss the headline targets to end poverty, reduce inequality and protect the environment,” he said.
Furthermore, he said, parliamentarians are urged to stay abreast of the developments around the crises and be present about what they can do in their countries to advice governments and draft progressive laws and policies that are responsive and improve the human condition.
“We must continuously lift up our heads, read the broader context, and act locally,” he said.
Worth noting is that Eswatini is across the six regions that could be forced to migrate within their countries by 2050, with Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounting for 86 million internal climate migrants.
He said As the UN, they can attest that the impacts of these crises are very real: An estimated 88-155 million people around the world have been pushed into poverty.
“The crises are affecting the most vulnerable populations, countries and economies and have unevenly worsened the plight of women and girls,” he said.
In addition, he said this situation has created greater vulnerability to subsequent shocks and significantly increased the obstacles that Africa and the Arab World face to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
He said crises have ways of birthing other crises and they need to do all they can to prevent this from happening, including the possibility of new conflicts.
