Eswatini sends first child representative to global climate summit

Eswatini is set to make history by sending its first child representative to the Conference of the Parties (COP) on climate change. Hlelolwenkhosi Malwande Nsibandze, 15, will attend COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 7 to 20, 2026. He will raise concerns affecting children's lives, including food security, school meals, health, education, and future aspirations. Nsibandze's participation is expected to give children a voice in global discussions on climate change.

Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla described Nsibandze's participation as a proud moment for Eswatini, demonstrating the government's commitment to involving children in decisions affecting their future. Dladla emphasized that children's participation in national, regional, and international platforms strengthens accountability and ensures that decisions are informed by their experiences and aspirations. The government has committed to supporting meaningful child participation and creating opportunities for children to be represented at future international forums.

Nsibandze, as vice chairperson of the Eswatini National Children's Participation and Consultative Forum and World Vision Eswatini's Child Ambassador for the ENOUGH Campaign, has already engaged with other children in discussions on climate change and action. These interactions have helped him understand the issues affecting children, particularly those linked to climate change, food security, school meals, health, education, and future aspirations. He is prepared to advocate for children at COP31.

World Vision Eswatini National Director Amos W. Zaindi expressed pride in Nsibandze's representation of Eswatini and the wider Southern African region at the global climate conference. Zaindi emphasized that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a child rights issue, as its effects are experienced through food insecurity, water scarcity, health risks, disruptions to education, and increased vulnerability to poverty and displacement.

Securing Nsibandze's participation required coordination between government ministries, as he did not have a passport when the opportunity was confirmed. World Vision approached the DPM's office for assistance, and the ministry of home affairs processed and issued Nsibandze's passport in less than five days. The ministry of tourism and environmental affairs facilitated accreditation for Nsibandze and his designated chaperone, Mpendulo Simelane of World Vision Eswatini.

The prime minister will also attend COP31, representing His Majesty King Mswati III, alongside Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane. Dladla commended the ministries and development partners involved, saying their efforts made it possible for Eswatini to have a child represented at the international forum. Nsibandze has previous regional leadership experience, including his election as deputy speaker of the SADC Children's Parliament during the regional World Children's Day commemorations held in Botswana last year.

Nsibandze said he carries the hopes, concerns, and aspirations of hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions, of children and young people who will not be present at the conference. He has engaged children from different backgrounds in Eswatini to discuss climate change and possible action, helping him understand the issues affecting them. Nsibandze will represent the voices, concerns, hopes, and dreams of children who will not have an opportunity to attend the international gathering.

Key points

• Eswatini's participation in COP31 marks a significant milestone in involving children in global climate discussions.
• Nsibandze's representation will highlight children's concerns on climate change, including food security, health, education, and future aspirations.
• The government has committed to supporting meaningful child participation and creating opportunities for children to be represented at future international forums.