International Politics

NEW YORK, USA - His Majesty King Mswati III has called for the United Nations to establish ad hoc committees to mediate the global conflicts.

Addressing the 80^th General Assembly, the King proposed these committees to tackle escalating global tensions, reinforcing the UN’s founding mission to foster peace. He urged the committees to be supported by the UN Secretariat, to visit conflict zones and engage directly with communities to broker solutions.

Focusing on Africa, His Majesty highlighted conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, the Sahel and the Great Lakes, advocating for equitable representation to ensure all affected nations have a voice. In the Middle East, he suggested the committees facilitate dialogue, asking Palestinians what it would take to release hostages and Israelis what would halt bombardments, with the aim of preventing further loss of life and property.

Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the King proposed the committees mediate discussions to identify peace pathways and provide actionable recommendations to the UN.

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Eswatini calls for inclusion of Taiwan in UN

NEW YORK, USA - His Majesty reiterated Eswatini’s stance on Taiwan’s participation in the UN system.

“The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, did not address the issue of Taiwan’s representation in the United Nations, and it does not preclude their participation in the UN system,” he stated.

“The United Nations must seek suitable ways of including Taiwan so that it can better contribute to realising the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In that way, this will fulfil the UN mandate to ensure that no country is left behind.”

This call reiterates Eswatini’s ongoing advocacy for Taiwan’s inclusion to enhance global cooperation and sustainable development efforts.

Ezulwini Consensus Reform of UN Security Council urgent

NEW YORK, USA – His Majesty King Mswati III has renewed calls for restructuring the United Nations Security Council to ensure inclusive representation, during his UN address.

Speaking at the 80^th General Assembly yesterday, the King stressed that the UN must represent all member States through regionally balanced decisions, warning that without reform, its legitimacy and effectiveness remain incomplete.

This position aligns with the Ezulwini Consensus, the African Union’s common stance on UN reform adopted in 2005 in Ezulwini, Eswatini. The consensus demands at least two permanent seats for Africa with veto power, plus five non-permanent seats, to address historical injustices and enhance Africa’s role in global security.

Originating from an Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa, the Ezulwini Consensus also tackles broader threats like HIV/AIDS, poverty and environmental degradation, advocating debt relief for indebted nations and curbs on small arms trade.

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King unveils bold emissions reduction target

NEW YORK, USA - His Majesty King Mswati III has announced Eswatini’s plan to reduce 2.24 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.

The King has also revealed that the country is among the first 10 countries to submit its Paris Agreement-compliant NDC 3.0 plan to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The plan outlines programmes, resources and a clear plan to achieve this target by 2035.

Speaking at a high level event on Climate Change on the sidelines of the 80^th United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, His Majesty said despite the kingdom’s low emissions, it remains committed to the Paris Agreement.

To meet this goal, His Majesty revealed that Eswatini would need approximately E43 billion (US$2.4 billion).

“Despite this, Eswatini comes to this meeting determined to turn vulnerability into resilience. We are pleased to announce that we have concluded and submitted the Paris Agreement-compliant NDC 3.0,” he said, noting the kingdom was among 10 African nations meeting the September deadline, supported by the local UN Office and partners.

The NDC 3.0 revision was comprehensive and inclusive, with locally driven greenhouse gas data demonstrating national ownership. Lessons from NDC 2.0 and meaningful dialogues shaped the robust report, aligned with the 2023-2028 National Development Plan and the long-term Low Emissions Development Strategy. “Eswatini will reform laws and strengthen all institutions to improve capacity, accountability, monitoring and reporting,” His Majesty said.

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His Majesty King Mswati III addressing the Climate Summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly yesterday. (Pic: Bawethu Sithole - State Photographer)

Members of the royal family listening to His Majesty’s address.