About 100 experts from across sectors gathered today to assess Eswatini’s climate progress over the past five years under the Paris Agreement and to launch a new five-year action plan towards 2030. Like all signatories of the Paris Agreement, Eswatini has developed and submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate action commitments, to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 2015.

To date, Eswatini has submitted two NDCs, outlining its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The June 03 engagement focused on reviewing achievements under the second NDC (NDC 2.0) and identifying strategies to enhance the third iteration, known as NDC 3.0.

During the event, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ms. Khangeziwe Mabuza, UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Henrik Franklin, and the Chief Economist at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Mr. Sifiso Mamba, officially launched the NDC 3.0 process. All three emphasised the importance of strengthening Eswatini’s climate commitments in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C. They also stressed the need to build climate resilience and mobilize financial flows to support implementation.

Eswatini’s NDC 2.0, submitted in October 2021, demonstrated enhanced ambition through an economy-wide target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% by 2030 compared to a business-as-usual scenario. With adequate external financing, this target could rise to 14%, representing a reduction of approximately 1.04 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

“The reason we are here is to look at where NDC 2.0 has done well and where it hasn’t, so that we can produce an ambitious but realistic and implementable NDC 3.0,” said Ms. Mabuza. She also expressed her enthusiasm for the diverse sectoral participation, which she believes will contribute to a stronger, more inclusive NDC.

“We must see our anticipated NDC 3.0 as a catalyst for cohesive development and avoid looking at it in isolation,” added Mr. Mamba. “The NDC must not only draw from but also feed into Eswatini’s key planning frameworks.”

Mr. Franklin highlighted the importance of innovation, cooperation, and investment in climate solutions: “The success of this process hinges on timely access to data and cooperation across sectors. We must leverage artificial intelligence and other digital tools to leapfrog in our solutions.” He also stressed that climate action requires capital and that “Eswatini must ensure that NDC 3.0 is not only ambitious but also investable.”

The development of NDC 3.0 is being supported by UNDP and the NDC Partnership through the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs. Under UNDP’s flagship initiative, the Climate Promise, which has supported 85% of developing countries, including Eswatini, the country is receiving access to global expertise, tools, and technical support to enhance ambition, improve data, and strengthen alignment with national development priorities. Through the NDC Partnership and the UNDP Climate Promise, the United Kingdom is supporting Eswatini and 18 other countries in the review of NDCs.

In the lead-up to this expert meeting, the Climate Change Steering Committee and other stakeholders also convened to advance the alignment of Eswatini’s Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), known as Vision 2050, with NDC 3.0. LT-LEDS are critical for guiding long-term climate action and ensuring that development aligns with the Paris Agreement’s targets. Through the Climate Promise, UNDP is also supporting Eswatini’s efforts to integrate LT-LEDS and NDC 3.0 for a cohesive and sustainable climate response.