MANZINI – The United Nations has pledged its full support to Eswatini as the country assumes its new responsibility as chair of the Southern African Development Community Troika, His Majesty King Mswati III has said.
The King made the announcement while reporting to the nation on his participation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York at Ludzidzini Royal residence yesterday , where he said Eswatini ensured that the international organisation was made aware of its new regional responsibility.
His Majesty said the UN summit provided member states with an opportunity to reflect on the mandates that were set when the organisation was established and assess whether they were being properly implemented.
He said the discussions covered the security of member states and the wider world, with peace among nations remaining an important consideration.
The King said economic development also featured prominently, with discussions looking at how economies could be improved and recalling the establishment of institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to assist countries economically.
He said the international community also looked at Africa’s health crisis, particularly shortages of doctors and medicines.
According to His Majesty, industrialisation was another issue discussed, with countries considering how industrial development could be made environmentally friendly
The King said artificial intelligence was also receiving increasing attention as technologically advanced countries continued embracing the technology to accelerate global technological development.
It was against this backdrop, he said, that Eswatini placed its new regional responsibility before the United Nations.
His Majesty said the country alerted the organisation about its new role as SADC Troika chair and received an assurance of full UN support as Eswatini undertakes the responsibility.
The King also used the opportunity to reiterate Africa’s long-standing campaign for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
He said Africa needed representation at the Council, particularly when decisions affecting global peace were being considered.
His Majesty said African countries would continue advocating for the seat and had not lost hope that the reform would eventually happen.
He explained that reform of the Security Council would require agreement from all five permanent members, as their involvement was necessary for the proposed changes.
The King said Security Council reform was part of the broader reforms being considered within the United Nations and expressed hope that Africa’s permanent representation would one day become a reality.
