HARNESSING COMMONWEALTH CHARTER FOR CLIMATE ACTION

The Commonwealth Charter, a document that embodies the shared values and principles of the Commonwealth member states, plays a pivotal role in guiding climate action, particularly among the youth in Eswatini. This charter, adopted on March 11, 2013, underscores various principles, including democracy, human rights, international peace and security and sustainable development. For young emaSwati, its implementation in their climate action work is not only relevant, but crucial in addressing the unique challenges posed by climate change.

Understanding the Commonwealth Charter
From the 18th to 20th of June 2024, the Commonwealth initiative hosted a workshop that was organised by the Eswatini Youth Council, to educate50 young people from across the country about the commonwealth charter. The Commonwealth Charter is a comprehensive document that outlines the commitment of member States (including Eswatini), to a set of values and principles aimed at promoting democracy, development and peace. Among its core principles, several directly pertain to climate change and youth.

The charter emphasises the importance of sustainable development, recognising that environmental protection and sustainable economic development are crucial for the well-being of future generations. It also acknowledges the vital role of young people in building strong and resilient societies and promotes their full participation in social, economic and political life. The charter further commits member states to collaborate on global environmental challenges such as climate change, to safeguard the planet for future generations.

Being an agricultural society, the impacts of climate change amplify the current challenges we already face. Issues such as the impact on education, violence against women and girls, food and water shortages, health and mental health issues get amplified. Young people in Eswatini are at the forefront of these challenges. As such, integrating the Commonwealth Charter into their climate action work provides a structured and principled approach to addressing these issues effectively.

Relevance of Commonwealth Charter for young emaSwati
The Commonwealth Charter provides a set of guiding principles that can help young emaSwati formulate and implement effective climate action strategies. By adhering to the principles of sustainable development and environmental protection, youth-led initiatives can be more aligned with global standards and more likely to attract international support, recognition and funding to the projects they want to implement.

The emphasis on youth empowerment in the charter highlights the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes. For young emaSwati this means having a voice in national and local climate policies, ensuring that their unique perspectives and needs are considered. This inclusion is essential for crafting policies that are equitable and effective, which will also be sustainable as the results will be relevant to addressing the needs of the largest population the country. Being part of the Commonwealth provides emaSwati with access to a vast network of resources, expertise and funding opportunities. The charter’s principles can be leveraged to build partnerships with other member states and organisations, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaborative projects within the African continent and worldwide. Young people in Eswatini can get involved with global organisations such as the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network.

The charter’s commitment to human rights and good governance supports the youth in their advocacy for stronger climate policies. It reinforces the notion that addressing climate change is not just an environmental issue, but also a matter of social justice, emphasising the need for fair and inclusive policies. Furthermore, the Commonwealth Charter promotes global solidarity and shared responsibility among member states. It emphasises the participation of small states to make a meaningful impact globally. The commonwealth defines small states as countries with a population of 1.5 million or less and the population of Eswatini is 1.2 million.

Implementation in climate action work
To effectively implement the Commonwealth Charter in their climate action work, the youth can take several practical steps. First, increasing the awareness about the charter and its relevance to climate change among the youth through workshops, seminars and social media campaigns. Young people can also actively engage in policy dialogues through entities such as the Eswatini climate change youth parliament, Hlumisa and the EU youth sounding board, to ensure that youth perspectives are included in national climate strategies. There is also a need to build alliances with other youth organisations within the Commonwealth to share experiences, best practices and resources.

Launching advocacy campaigns that highlight the principles of the charter will help push for stronger climate action from government and private sector. Young people can also develop and implement sustainable projects that align with the principles of the charter, showcasing the practical application of these values. The Commonwealth Charter provides a robust framework for addressing climate change, emphasising sustainable development, youth empowerment and environmental protection. For young emaSwati, its implementation in climate action work is not only relevant, but essential. It offers guiding principles, enhances advocacy efforts and provides access to a global network, all of which are crucial for effectively tackling the climate challenges facing Eswatini. By embracing the charter, young people in Eswatini can drive meaningful change and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: