By 
By Delisa Magagula
The United Nations has reported that it has invested over E2 million in support of Eswatini’s efforts to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The investment covers various social, economic, and governance programs aimed at accelerating development outcomes and reducing inequality.
According to a recent UN country report, the funding has supported healthcare, education, food security, gender equality, and climate resilience initiatives.
Over 70,000 individuals have benefited from food security programs, while nearly 47,000 adolescent girls received HPV vaccinations as part of public health campaigns supported by the UN.
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The United Nations also partnered with national electoral bodies and civic organizations to promote inclusive political participation. The ‘Vote 4 Women’ campaign, which received UN backing, was credited with increasing the number of women representatives in Eswatini’s national parliament.
In addition to programmatic spending, the UN has collaborated with Eswatini’s government to launch the SDG Recovery and Acceleration Plan.
The plan outlines a financing requirement of over E30 billion and prioritizes key sectors such as renewable energy, digital transformation, agriculture, water and sanitation, education, and social protection.
Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade Manqoba Khumalo presented the SDG plan at the 2023 United Nations SDG Summit.
He reiterated Eswatini’s commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda and called for continued global support and domestic accountability in implementing national priorities.
The UN has also committed resources to strengthen data systems, including the establishment of a National Social Registry to consolidate information on social protection beneficiaries.
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UN officials stated that enhanced data management would support evidence-based policymaking and improve the delivery of development services.
The investment aligns with the UN’s broader goal of ensuring that no one is left behind.
Both the UN and Eswatini government affirmed that progress on the SDGs requires inclusive planning, sufficient financing, and continuous stakeholder engagement at all levels.
