By Siphiwosami Ginindza
MBABANE – Members of the public were invited to take part in a dialogue session, presented by MTN Bushfire and UN Eswatini, in collaboration with Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), focusing on the vital role of education in driving climate action.
Held last week Thursday (May 16, 2024) at Malandelas Lifestyle in Malkerns, the session looked into the combination between education and climate action, addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) and 13 (Climate Action).
According to information sourced from EEA’s Facebook page, the speakers included Environmental Consultant Dane Armstrong, who emphasised the importance of creating an enabling environment for climate action education. Armstrong highlighted the growing awareness among Emaswati of climate-related issues and stressed the need for action-oriented learning approaches to equip young people with essential skills for the future.
Youth Environmental Activist Zandisile Howe also emphasised the role of young people as drivers of change in climate action. Howe praised the Clean Up Your Kasi challenge in Ludzeludze as an example of youth leadership making a noticeable impact in communities.
Director of Eswatini Meteoroligal Services Dudu Nhlengethwa-Masina discussed efforts to recognise climate action into the program, ensuring that all Emaswati had access to important information on environmental stewardship. She was representing Climate Change Unit.
Junior Achievement Eswatini Communications and Marketing Specialist Siphesihle Mkhonta highlighted the importance of joining climate action into industry, recommending skill training and the development of eco-friendly technologies to drive sustainable practices.
Yesterday there was an engagement with youth in Sithobelweni Inkhundla on environmental sustainability and access to finance for sustainable livelihoods. Mduduzi Msibi of the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) shared his perception on accessing funds for business development and emphasized the importance of safety and health in handling chemicals.
As the session concluded, participant were encouraged to continue maintaining their commitment to creating sustainable perspectives and empowering individuals and communities to become stewards of a more flexible future. Through education and conversational sessions, Eswatini continues to take proactive steps towards addressing climate change and building a sustainable society. UNICEF Education Specialist Victor Nkambule was also part of the discussion, as a moderator.
YouTube link Dialogue session 2024 on Eswatini TV:
#ImveloYamiYimphiloYami
#ClimateActionDialogue2024
#GreenEntrepreneurship
