Ezulwini – The Kingdom of Eswatini is cementing its leadership in Africa’s climate diplomacy as it prepares for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), to be held in Brazil next year. Through a new national training initiative, the country is equipping negotiators with the technical and diplomatic skills needed to influence global climate policy.
The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA), in collaboration with the United Nations, convened a three-day Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue under the theme “Empowering National Experts for Effective Environmental Policy Negotiations.” The training took place from 13 to 15 October 2025 at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini.
The Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) joined key national institutions for the session, which focused on strengthening the country’s ability to participate effectively in global environmental and climate discussions. Government officials, negotiators, and technical experts attended the event to sharpen their skills in international climate diplomacy and environmental policy formulation.
EEA Executive Director Isaac G. Dladla participated in a panel discussion where seasoned negotiators shared strategies with emerging professionals on representing Eswatini’s interests in global platforms such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties.
The dialogue is part of Eswatini’s pioneering Climate Change and Environmental Diplomacy and Negotiations initiative, driven by MTEA. It seeks to build long-term national capacity for meaningful engagement in international environmental forums and ensure that Eswatini’s voice—and Africa’s—is strongly represented.
The programme is supported by several United Nations agencies, both resident and non-resident, including UNDP, WHO, and FAO. It also receives backing from the African Regional Collaborative Platform through the Opportunity Issue-Based Coalition on Climate Action, Resilience and Food Systems (OIBC4), which includes UNFCCC, UNEP, UNECA, IDEP, CEMUNE, and WMO.
Tourism and Environmental Affairs Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane said the training reflects the country’s ongoing investment in its human capital to ensure effective representation in international negotiations. She said building negotiation skills was key to advancing Eswatini’s environmental interests and regional solidarity across Africa.
UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira applauded the initiative, noting that Eswatini is not only participating in climate diplomacy but leading by example. He said the training could serve as a model for SADC member states seeking to improve their negotiation capacity and strengthen Africa’s collective voice in global climate governance.
The three-day programme placed strong emphasis on peer-to-peer learning, where experienced negotiators mentored younger participants through practical exercises and simulations. Sessions delivered by experts from various UN agencies covered critical topics such as climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, and just transitions.
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