His Majesty King Mswati III has urged the international community to deliver on its climate finance commitments as Southern Africa faces one of the most severe El Niño-induced droughts on record. Addressing the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, the king emphasized that developing nations produce minimal global emissions yet shoulder the worst impacts of extreme weather events, changing climate patterns, and crop failures. He called for greater climate justice, including predictable funding and technology transfers to help vulnerable nations adapt.
The king also informed the assembly of food security initiatives in Eswatini, which include expanded State subsidies for subsistence farmers, increased investments in research, and accelerated major dam construction projects to expand irrigation networks in the Lowveld region. He stated that the national objective is to ensure that every family has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, which is a matter of basic human dignity. The king's address coincides with Eswatini assuming the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (Troika).
During his address, the king urged the UN to enforce binding compliance on signed international peace agreements, warning that broken promises continue to pull vulnerable populations back into conflict. He expressed concern over unconstitutional changes of government across Africa, which undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions. The king pointed out that military expenditure continues to divert essential funds away from economic development.
The king highlighted the African Union's Agenda 2063 and its aspiration to 'silence the guns' as a reflection of the continent's resolve to end conflict and create stable conditions for sustainable growth. He assured the assembly that Eswatini would use its Troika leadership to champion preventive diplomacy and mediation to secure long-term stability across the continent. The regional organ, established to manage conflicts and maintain regional stability across Southern Africa, delegates oversight of diplomatic interventions and crisis resolution to its rotating leadership.
The king also appealed for support to help African countries develop capacity to manufacture essential pharmaceuticals and health products and to back regional bulk purchasing arrangements. He directed the call to the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO), noting that the COVID-19 pandemic showed that no country could protect itself from a global health emergency alone. The king cited recent resurgences of mpox, recurring Ebola outbreaks, and other emerging diseases as underlining the need for vigilant and resilient health systems.
Furthermore, the king reiterated a call on the United Nations to grant Taiwan participation in its meetings and specialized agencies. He stressed that the international community cannot afford to exclude key global contributors from international forums aimed at achieving sustainable global growth. The king noted that Taiwan plays a vital role in global supply chains and has much to contribute to the international community in building a sustainable future for humanity.
The king's address at the UN General Assembly concluded with a call for the international community to work together to address global challenges. He emphasized that the UN must shift from being just a talk shop to taking concrete actions to address the pressing issues facing the world. The king's delegation to the UNGA includes Inkhosikati LaNgangaza, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Pholile Shakantu, and Eswatini Ambassador to the UN Thanie Dlamini, among others.
Key points
- The king calls for climate justice and predictable funding to help vulnerable nations adapt to extreme weather events.
- The king urges the UN to enforce binding compliance on signed international peace agreements to prevent conflict.
- The king appeals for support to help African countries develop capacity to manufacture essential pharmaceuticals and health products.
