Eswatini pushes for diplomatic solutions to global challenges
Under the theme of “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding,” Deputy President Mdluli emphasized the pressing need for global solidarity and cooperation in the face of contemporary challenges. Drawing from Eswatini’s experien
THE 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly convened in Geneva saw Deputy President Ndumiso Mdluli of the Senate representing the Kingdom of Eswatini delivering a poignant speech advocating for diplomatic solutions to global challenges.
In his address to the assembly, Deputy President Mdluli commenced by extending appreciation to the President of the IPU for her election to lead the prestigious organisation. He congratulated her on assuming the significant responsibility and expressed Eswatini’s honor to address the esteemed gathering.
Under the theme of “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding,” Deputy President Mdluli emphasized the pressing need for global solidarity and cooperation in the face of contemporary challenges. He highlighted the profound impact of issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic, climate-related disasters, and escalating tensions worldwide.
Mdluli highlighted the irony of discord and mistrust prevailing at a time when global consensus and solidarity are most needed. He stressed the urgency of advancing diplomacy for the betterment of humanity and the planet.
Engagement, resolution of differences, and dialogue formed the cornerstone of Deputy President Ndumiso Mdluli’s address. He emphasized the importance of revitalizing global and regional structures to provide genuine support for countries in need while respecting sovereignty and acknowledging each nation’s unique contributions.
Drawing from Eswatini’s experience, Deputy President Mdluli highlighted the nation’s commitment to dialogue as a primary tool in diplomacy. He shed light on Eswatini’s governance system, known as “Tinkhundla,” which blends traditional and parliamentary governance under the monarchy’s leadership.
This system, he emphasized, reflects Eswatini’s dedication to preserving traditions while embracing progress.
Deputy President Mdluli further elaborated on Eswatini’s annual dialogue forum, the Sibaya, which allows citizens to express their challenges, needs, and hopes directly to the monarch. This tradition, he noted, demonstrates Eswatini’s commitment to incorporating the people’s perspectives into decisionmaking processes. “Our annual and constitutionally mandated dialogue forum, called the Sibaya, or the peoples’ parliament, provides a platform for the public to express freely their challenges, needs, and hopes, directly to the monarch.” Remarked Mdluli when delivering his address to the assembly.
In advocating for peace and understanding, Deputy President Mdluli called for a shift away from power-driven diplomacy towards mutual solutions.
He echoed calls for the reform of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to make it more representative of today’s world.
Concluding his address, Deputy President Mdluli urged a collective commitment to advancing diplomacy guided by principles of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Mdluli leads a delegation from the Parliament of Eswatini which consists of Members of both Chambers of Parliament, two Members from each Chamber.
The members are namely, Senator Princess Ncengencenge Dlamini, Chief Mshengu Dlamini and Alec Lushaba (Hhukwini).
IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. What began in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians, dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, has since grown into a global organisation with 180 Members and 15 Associate Members which Eswatini is one of them.
The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.