Eswatini Champions Inclusive Growth and Social Justice at Doha Summit

Eswatini Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Development at Global Summit

The Kingdom of Eswatini prominently championed its dedication to inclusive and sustainable development during the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), held in Doha, Qatar, from November 4 to 6, 2025. The nation's delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Senator Thulisile Dladla, underscored Eswatini's progress and vision for social justice on the international stage.

DPM Dladla represented His Majesty King Mswati III and the people of Eswatini at the high-level gathering, which convened under the theme 'It's Time to Deliver Solutions'. The summit aimed to assess global progress on social development since the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration and to renew commitments in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Key Initiatives and Calls for Global Solidarity

In her address, DPM Dladla articulated Eswatini's belief that 'social development is not merely policy but a moral obligation'. She highlighted the country's shift from welfare dependency towards empowerment and self-reliance, ensuring citizens are active participants in shaping their future. Key national initiatives presented included:

• The Rural Development Fund (RDF), promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance in communities.
• The Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF), fostering economic participation among young people.
• The Persons with Disabilities Act (2018) and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), strengthening inclusion for persons with disabilities.
• The 'Housing and Human Security for All' model, redefining housing as a social institution central to inclusion, health, and opportunity.

On behalf of King Mswati III, DPM Dladla also called for increased financial support from global partnerships and international organizations for landlocked and developing countries. This support is crucial for ensuring access to markets, technologies, and sustainable financing, thereby advancing social development in these nations.

Doha Political Declaration and Eswatini's Role

The Summit culminated in the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, a document that renews the commitments of the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration while adapting them to contemporary global challenges. These challenges include climate change, digital transformation, and demographic shifts. The Declaration emphasizes poverty eradication, the creation of decent work, and social inclusion as essential elements for achieving sustainable development.

Eswatini's delegation, which included the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, Eswatini's Ambassador to the UN in New York Thamie Dlamini, and the CEO of the Eswatini National Youth Council Lwazi Mamba, underscored the nation's 'whole-of-government approach' to addressing social and economic development challenges. The UN Resident Coordinator, George Wachira, had previously commended Eswatini's 'renewed energy' and 'progressive stance' in its preparations for the summit, highlighting its determination to ensure that no one is left behind.

Looking Forward

The Second World Summit for Social Development served as a critical platform for global leaders to reaffirm their commitment to social justice and sustainable development. Eswatini's active participation and its emphasis on practical solutions and international cooperation reflect its dedication to building an inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for its citizens and contributing to global social progress.