The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have jointly launched their Country Programme Documents (CPDs) for 2026–2030, marking a renewed and strategic commitment to Eswatini’s sustainable and inclusive development. 

The launch took place at the UN House in Mbabane and brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, government officials, civil society organisations, and development partners – demonstrating the broad-based support behind Eswatini’s national development agenda.

The event was officiated by the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, represented by Principal Secretary Ms. Thabisile Mlangeni, while the joint statement was delivered by UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Henrik Franklin. Together, they underscored the importance of coordinated partnerships in driving inclusive growth and improving the wellbeing of all emaSwati.

A Strategic Partnership Aligned to National Priorities

The newly launched CPDs are firmly aligned with Eswatini’s National Development Plan (2024–2028), relevant sectoral strategies, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030). Through these programmes, UNDP and UNFPA reaffirm their commitment to supporting the Government’s vision of accelerating progress towards upper-middle-income status, with a strong focus on resilience, equity, and social inclusion.

The CPDs were developed through extensive, government-led consultations coordinated by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development. This inclusive process ensured that the perspectives of young people, women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable communities are embedded at the core of programme design and implementation.

“Today’s joint launch of our Country Programme Documents (CPDs) is a testament to our commitment to working together and delivering as one, under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator,” said Franklin. 

UNDP’s Focus on Prosperity, Governance, and Resilience

As UNDP marks 60 years of transformative impact, innovation, and partnerships and 48 in Eswatini, its new Country Programme is anchored on four key pillars: prosperity for all, effective governance, a healthy planet, and strengthened crisis resilience. The programme prioritises support to micro, small, and medium enterprises to improve access to markets, promotes youth-led innovation, and advances green economic growth that harnesses Eswatini’s natural capital.

In parallel, UNDP will continue to strengthen governance systems and support national efforts to build resilience against climate change and external shocks. Mobilising both domestic and external resources remains a core focus, recognising that sustainable development requires coordinated investment from government, the private sector, civil society, and development partners.

UNFPA’s Commitment to Health, Rights, and Gender Equality

UNFPA’s 8th Country Programme reaffirms its commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, promoting gender equality, and strengthening population and development outcomes. A key priority is reducing teenage pregnancies by half by 2030 through expanded access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, particularly for adolescent girls and young women in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

To achieve these outcomes, UNFPA will leverage innovation, strategic partnerships, and data-driven approaches to address persistent inequalities and accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that no one is left behind.

A Call to Collective Action

The joint launch of the CPDs represents more than a milestone—it is a call to collective action. The Government of Eswatini, through the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, has committed to strengthening coordination and ensuring coherent implementation across all relevant ministries and institutions.

Both UNDP and UNFPA expressed appreciation for the Government’s continued partnership and cost-sharing arrangements, highlighting the shared commitment to accountability, innovation, and evidence-based implementation.

As emphasised in the Honourable Minister’s speech, “These Country Programme Documents will be implemented alongside strengthened government monitoring frameworks to ensure that results are measurable, resources are used efficiently, and benefits reach communities—especially youth, women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable households.”

Looking Ahead

With strong alignment to Eswatini’s development priorities, the new CPDs provide a platform for innovative financing solutions, South-South cooperation, enhanced private sector engagement, and scaled-up climate and resilience financing. UNDP and UNFPA reaffirmed their commitment to stand alongside the Government and people of Eswatini throughout the five-year implementation period, working together towards a future where every liSwati enjoys dignity, opportunity, security, and prosperity.

Links to the Country Programme Documents:

• https://www.undp.org/eswatini/publications
• https://eswatini.unfpa.org/en/publications