EU committed to supporting transformation towards renewable energy in Eswatini

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EU committed to supporting transformation towards renewable energy in Eswatini

The European Union (EU) is committed to supporting Eswating in its transformation towards renewable energy. EU Ambassador-designate to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, said this on 17 September 2024 during the 3^rd annual EU Green Power Transformation Forum held at Ezulwini.

© EU in Eswatini

This two-day event, a Team Europe effort organised in partnership with European institutions, GIZ and its platforms - GETinvest and GETtransform as well as the Government of Eswatini, Business Eswatini and the Renewable Energy Association of Eswatini, brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss and strategise on sustainable energy solutions and their potential impact on Eswatini.

In his speech, Ambassador Mecklenburg said the EU was recognised as a world leader in promoting international responses to environmental and climate challenges. He added that the EU was also committed to spearheading the global fight against climate change. Mecklenburg further said EU leaders aspire to make Europe the first economy in the world to become climate-neutral and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. He said this objective was at the heart of the EU Green Deal and also aligns with the EU commitment to global climate action.

On the other hand, the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, emphasized the collective nature of the journey towards a sustainable energy future, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts and commitment. He stressed the potential to transform the energy landscape, unlock new opportunities, and create a brighter, greener future for Eswatini.

During the closing ceremony on 18 September, EU Head of Cooperation, Eva-Maria Engdahl, said in the next coming few months, the EU will start its new programming in Eswatini focusing on Skills for Youth Employability, Entrepreneurship and Empowerment. Engdahl said the renewable energy sector will be central to this support by strengthening vocational education and training in line with labour market demands and skill needs.

According to Engdahl, this will in turn contribute to the economic development in Eswatini including human development and social inclusion of unemployed youth, women and other disadvantaged groups in the country.