by Ncaba Ntshakala
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Eswatini has officially welcomed Henrik Franklin as its new leader.
Franklin has been tasked with guiding the organization’s support for the kingdom’s development agenda over the next five years. Franklin, a Swedish national, has a wealth of experience and expertise and he is going to be the new Resident Representative.
With an impressive career spanning over 25 years in multilateral development cooperation across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, Franklin has held key positions in some of the world’s most prominent development organizations.
His experience includes roles at the Nordic Development Fund, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the African Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank.
His diverse background is complemented by his academic credentials, holding a Master of Science in Biology from Stockholm University.
UNDP has asserted that Franklin is not only a seasoned professional in development finance and cooperation but also a polyglot.
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He is fluent in Spanish and English, with additional knowledge of Portuguese and French and he is well-equipped to engage with Eswatini’s diverse partners and stakeholders.
Upon his arrival in Eswatini, Franklin began his assignment by meeting with his team at the UN House.
His initial activities included presenting his credentials to the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mabulala Maseko.
Again, in the coming days, the new UNDP leader is expected to engage with a wide range of partners from various sectors, including the government, the donor community, UN agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations.
His meetings will include discussions with the UN Eswatini Resident Coordinator, George Wachira, as part of his efforts to integrate into the country’s development landscape.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs receives credentials from new UNDP Representative
The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mabulala Maseko, has recently received letters of credence from Hendrik Franklin, the newly appointed Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Eswatini.
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During their meeting, they discussed key areas of cooperation, focusing on strengthening efforts to combat poverty, tackle youth unemployment, address climate change, and promote skills development.
The discussions were said to highlight the importance of enhanced collaboration between the UNDP and the Eswatini government in driving the country’s development agenda.
