By Mncedisi Masuku

Following the inclusion of youth and gender as cross-cutting issues in Eswatini’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), young people across the country have become increasingly energized to move beyond policy discussions toward meaningful climate action and implementation. This national policy shift has created renewed momentum for youth to actively shape climate solutions that respond to both environmental and socio-economic challenges.

In response to this momentum, Hlumisa, a youth-led environment and climate change umbrella movement, successfully hosted the first-ever Eswatini Green Youth Round Table. The event was held in Eswatini and brought together youth from diverse climate and environmental movements, grassroots initiatives, and organizations working across the country. Among the participants was Climate YES–Eswatini, which participated with eight delegates, ensuring strong representation of faith-based and values-driven climate perspectives.

The round table was designed as a safe, inclusive, and collaborative space for young people to connect, learn, and co-create. Its primary focus areas included movement building and networking, knowledge exchange, and exposure to green entrepreneurial skills and craft work. Unlike conventional climate dialogues that emphasise advocacy alone, this platform intentionally highlighted the importance of equipping youth with practical skills that enable them to engage in climate-resilient livelihoods and economic opportunities.

Through interactive discussions and peer learning, participants explored how youth can actively contribute to climate-smart entrepreneurship, community-based environmental education, and cross-sector collaboration. The sessions emphasized that youth leadership in climate action should not only be about advocacy and accountability, but also about implementation, innovation, and ownership of climate solutions at local and national levels.

A key takeaway from the round table was the collective recognition that youth must play a dual role: holding policymakers accountable to the ambitions submitted to the UNFCCC through NDC 3.0, while simultaneously positioning themselves to benefit from emerging climate opportunities, including green skills development, sustainable enterprises, and community-led initiatives. Participants agreed that empowering youth economically is essential for sustaining long-term climate action in Eswatini.

Climate YES–Eswatini contributed a unique perspective by integrating faith, morals, and climate action, demonstrating how climate finance, policy, and implementation intersect with ethical responsibility and stewardship of creation. This approach enriched the discussions and affirmed the role of values-based leadership in addressing the climate crisis. The Eswatini Green Youth Round Table marked a significant milestone in strengthening youth collaboration and leadership in Eswatini’s climate landscape. It laid a foundation for continued partnership, shared learning, and coordinated youth-led action, ensuring that young people are not only advocates for climate justice, but also active drivers of sustainable development and climate resilience in Eswatini.