MBABANE – At just 15 years old, Hlelolwenkhosi Nsibandze is preparing to take Eswatini’s children to the global stage, becoming the first child representative from the country to participate in a United Nations climate change conference.
Nsibandze is set to represent Eswatini at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Türkiye, where he will bring forward the voices, concerns and aspirations of children, particularly on issues affecting their future.
He was bid farewell during a ceremony held at the Deputy Prime Minister’s (DPM) Office. DPM Thulisile Dladla described his participation as a proud and historic moment for both Eswatini and Southern Africa.
Dladla said his selection was more than a symbolic gesture, but demonstrated the importance of ensuring that children were not merely beneficiaries of decisions affecting them, but active participants in shaping their future.
She encouraged the young representative to express himself respectfully, boldly and confidently, recalling how he had previously impressed high-profile delegates, including the President of Botswana, during an engagement in that country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nsibandze assured those present that he understood the weight of the responsibility entrusted to him, emphasising that he was not travelling to Türkiye for a holiday or to express his personal opinions, but to represent children who would not have the opportunity to attend the conference.
As the World Vision Child Ambassador for the ENOUGH Campaign, which seeks to end child hunger and malnutrition, and Vice Chairperson of the Eswatini National Children’s Participation and Consultative Forum, he said his engagements with children had exposed him to challenges surrounding climate change, food security, school meals, healthcare and education.
He said he had also engaged children locally to gather their views on climate change, which would help inform his contribution at the global gathering.
Nsibandze pledged to represent Eswatini with pride, dignity and respect, while ensuring that children’s perspectives were included in discussions about the future of the planet.
He credited the Government, World Vision Eswatini, his parents, teachers and fellow pupils for supporting his journey.
