2024 GREEN INDABA: EMPOWERING ESWATINI’S PATH TO SUSTAINABILITY

The 2024 Green Indaba, held on August 22 and 23 at the Happy Valley Hotel, gathered stakeholders from across the public and private sectors, academia, civil society and international organisations. The Indaba aimed to foster partnerships, promote innovative solutions and outline a roadmap for a resilient and sustainable future for Eswatini and beyond. This significant event marked a pivotal moment for Eswatini’s journey towards resilience and sustainability, building on the successes of the inaugural Indaba and other key gatherings throughout the year.

Key themes and discussions

The Green Indaba was organised around several critical themes, starting with Climate-Responsive Food Systems. The discussions emphasised the need for climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance food security in Eswatini, a country heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Participants highlighted innovations such as aquaponic farming and sustainable farming practices that can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.Another point of discussion was on promoting health and well-being through environmental sustainability, focusing on the health of animals, the environment and humans.

This session explored the health impacts of climate change, including the increased prevalence of diseases linked to environmental degradation. The Indaba underscored the importance of integrating environmental considerations into public health policies, aiming to foster healthier communities through sustainable practices. The need for a holistic approach to environmental and public health was a key takeaway from this discussion.The Green Indaba also addressed youth empowerment and gender equality. It recognised the crucial roles of youth and women in driving climate action and sustainable development.

Participants discussed strategies for enhancing youth engagement and leadership, as well as ensuring gender equality in climate resilience efforts. Notable examples of women empowerment and community development were highlighted in a panel discussion by Women Unlimited, who empowered a community of women in the waste management sector to grow their businesses, which in turn helped protect the environment, empower women and grow the economy. This focus aligns with Eswatini’s broader goals of empowering its young population and promoting inclusive development, recognising that both youth and women are pivotal in shaping a sustainable future.Another important topic discussed at the Indaba was ‘Building Climate Resilience through Smart Partnerships’.

Private-public partnerships (PPPs) were highlighted as essential for advancing climate resilience initiatives. The discussions included examples of successful PPPs from other African countries, showcasing how these collaborations can mobilise resources and expertise to implement effective climate solutions. The Indaba called for a strategic approach to building and strengthening these partnerships to drive sustainable development across Eswatini. Lastly, the Indaba focused on innovative financing for green growth. A major challenge identified was the need for substantial financial resources to support the transition to green economies. Discussions pointed out the gap between available financial resources and the investment needed to achieve sustainable development goals.

For example, although the current global wealth is estimated at US$446.3 trillion, only US$3.9 trillion is needed to achieve the SDGs. This disparity highlights the critical need for innovative financing mechanisms, including green bonds and sustainable investment strategies, to bridge the gap and support green growth initiatives in Eswatini. The governor of the Central Bank of Eswatini pledged the Bank’s support in mitigating climate change challenges and highlighted the Bank’s partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the Central Bank of Eswatini Greening Project as a testament to its broader commitment to global climate action and the transition to a sustainable economy.
UN Resident Coordinator in Eswatini, George Wachira, also spoke on the importance of innovative financing for sustainable development, acknowledging that transitioning to green economies requires mobilising substantial resources through partnerships between governments, the private sector and other stakeholders. Thus he applauded all the private sector partners and other stakeholders that have helped to put the Indaba together.

Youth engagement at Indaba

The Indaba provided a platform for young leaders to engage with experts and policymakers, reinforcing the role of youth in shaping the future of climate action in Eswatini. Through panel discussions and interactive sessions, young participants, such as Busiswa Dlamini, who is the Chairperson for Hlumisa Eswatini, shared her perspectives on youth empowerment and climate action. The emphasis on youth empowerment at the Indaba aligned with the world’s commitment to fostering the next generation of environmental stewards, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to lead the charge towards a sustainable future.

The 2024 Green Indaba set the stage for a collaborative and innovative approach to addressing Eswatini’s climate challenges. By bringing together diverse voices and leveraging collective expertise, the Indaba reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to environmental sustainability and resilience. As the country continues to face the impacts of climate change, the outcomes of the Indaba will guide future actions, ensuring that young people and other key stakeholders remain at the forefront of Eswatini’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: