HMK Jets off to New York for UNGA
By Delisa Magagula
His Majesty King Mswati III has departed Eswatini for the United States to participate in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Accompanying the King on this official visit is Inkhosikati Lantentesa.
The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the UN and serves as its main deliberative forum. All 193 member states, including Eswatini, are represented in the Assembly.
Each year, world leaders convene in New York to discuss pressing global issues, ranging from peace and security to sustainable development, climate change, human rights, and international law. The UNGA provides a platform for countries to voice their concerns, negotiate agreements, and collaborate on global initiatives.
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, became a member of the United Nations in 1968. Since then, the Kingdom has participated in various UN programs and initiatives, including efforts in peacekeeping, sustainable development, and human rights advocacy.
Eswatini has signed and ratified several UN conventions, including the World Health OOrganisationFramework Convention on Tobacco Control and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Kingdom’s involvement in these global frameworks underscores its commitment to international cooperation and development. King Mswati III has previously attended multiple UNGA sessions, using the platform to highlight issues critical to Eswatini and other developing nations.
His addresses often focus on socio-economic development, healthcare, education, and the challenges faced by small and landlocked countries. The King’s participation in the Assembly allows Eswatini to engage directly with global leaders and contribute to multilateral decision-making processes.
The upcoming session of the UNGA will also address issues such as climate change, global security, and economic recovery following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eswatini’s delegation will engage with fellow leaders, exchange views on international cooperation, and seek partnerships that can benefit the Kingdom’s development objectives.
Eswatini’s engagement in the UNGA is part of its broader participation in international affairs. The Kingdom has represented itself in other key global forums, including regional and continental summits.
These engagements enable Eswatini to advocate for policies that support its development agenda, strengthen diplomatic ties, and contribute to regional stability in Southern Africa.
By attending the United Nations General Assembly, King Mswati III eemphasisesEswatini’s active role on the global stage. The trip provides an opportunity to reinforce the Kingdom’s diplomatic relationships, highlight its priorities, and learn from international best practices that can be applied to national development.
WWorth notingis that, His Majesty King Mswati III did not address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2024.
A country statement was presented on his behalf. His last speech to the UNGA was in September 2023. The current 80th session of the UNGA, taking place in September 2025, is underway.
As the King and Inkhosikati Lantentesa begin their official duties in New York, the nation of Eswatini watches closely, with the UNGA serving as a vital platform for advancing the Kingdom’s interests while participating in the collective efforts of the global community.
