Belém, Brazil – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has called for inclusive and equitable global climate action, insisting that countries contributing most to the crisis take the lead in resolving it. He spoke on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III at the Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Africa contributes very little to global greenhouse gas emissions yet bears the heaviest burden of climate impacts. “Africa contributes less than 4 percent of global emissions, yet we endure the heaviest consequences. The Kingdom of Eswatini, like much of the continent, has borne the brunt of this circumstance,” PM Dlamini said.
He described the threats facing Eswatini’s rain-fed agriculture, which sustains over 70 percent of the population, as increasingly severe. Unpredictable weather patterns, water scarcity, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss are placing immense strain on rural communities across the country.
“Eswatini is determined and ready to play her part, but the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities must remain intact,” he said. “Those who have contributed most to this crisis must lead the way in resolving it. Our commitment does not abdicate their responsibilities to lead the response. We cannot allow our people to live in poverty while resources are diverted to solve a crisis that disproportionately benefited others.”
PM Dlamini also called for climate financing models that are adequate, accessible, and transformational for the countries that have contributed least to the crisis. He said the current global financial system is “simply not fit for purpose” and criticized the complex processes developing nations face when trying to access climate funds. “We need transformative climate financing, moving from aid to strategic investments in local innovation,” he said.
“The war humanity has waged against nature, especially our climate system, has reached a point where it threatens our very survival. Corrective action is no longer a choice; it is an imperative. Climate action is long overdue, and its urgency cannot be overstated,” PM Dlamini added.
The Prime Minister stressed that Africa’s climate struggle is not only about environmental policy but also about survival and justice. Despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, Eswatini seeks to rely on resilience, innovation, and unity to chart a sustainable future.
Finally, PM Dlamini called for full inclusion in global climate efforts for all nations, including those often excluded from participation such as the Republic of China, Taiwan. “The principle of leaving no one behind must be more than a slogan; it must be a commitment that we live by. We must unite to confront one of the greatest challenges humanity will ever face,” he said.
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