Global reach as Eswatini hosts EU Green Week
MBABANE- The Kingdom of Eswatini will join the rest of the world in observing the European Union (EU) Green Week 2022 starting from Monday, May 30 to Sunday, June 5, 2022, with a host of green activities in the capital city, Mbabane.
The Delegation of the EU to the Kingdom of Eswatini has partnered with the Municipal Council of Mbabane and Yibutse Green Action for the #EUGreenWeek2022. Throughout the week, a number of activities will be hosted around the city to promote a circular and green economy, zero pollution, biodiversity, conservation and sustainable living.
The EU Ambassador to Eswatini Dessislava Choumelova, says the EU Green Week is a global EU initiative annually that shines a spotlight on the need to work together and strengthen efforts against climate change, realising an environmentally protective society, for sustainable livelihoods and development. “EU Green Week is an annual opportunity to reinforce our joint commitment to protect our planet and livelihoods and promote green, sustainable and inclusive development. This year’s edition focuses on the European Green Deal - the EU’s sustainable and transformative growth strategy for a resource-efficient and climate-neutral Europe by 2050. There is no planet B,” the ambassador said.
“As EU, we are pleased to bring to the people of Eswatini this important initiative and partner with the Municipal Council of Mbabane and NGOs, where we all come together to take action to save our planet, promote environmental awareness and sustainable living habits. Man and nature cannot be in conflict. We understand clearly that climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution know no bounds, hence we promote joint action with our partners in Eswatini and across the world.” The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is right to point that the loss of biodiversity and the intrusion of humans into the habitat of wildlife is the breeding ground for pandemics. Each one has the responsibility to protect the environment and take action to mitigate the impact of climate change.”
The Ambassador noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has also demonstrated that societies have a great potential for collective action and change when faced with such health, economic and social emergencies. “EmaSwati, like many people in nations across Europe and beyond, will use the #EUGreenWeek2022 to take individual and collective steps to protect the environment and climate change action. I saw strong commitment and increased knowledge about the urgent need to act by Eswsatini youth at the Bushfire Schools Festival, dedicated to green, inclusive and sustainable development this year.”
The ambassador thanked the Municipal Council of Mbabane and Yibutse Green Action for the
partnership in hosting the various events marking #EUGreenWeek2022.
The Municipal Council of Mbabane, Zephania Nkambule said the city of Mbabane is honoured to be the host of the EU Green Week in Eswatini, which will see scores of individuals and organisations making an extra effort to conserve and promote the environment and sustainable life choices. “We are grateful to the European Union Ambassador to the Kingdom of Eswatini, Dessislava Choumelova, and her team for their unwavering efforts in promoting partnerships in the conservation of our beautiful life-sustaining environment and saving the planet. We are also grateful to our partners Yibutse Green Action for their consistency and vibrancy in community mobilisation for environmental protection and preservation,” the mayor said.
Mayor Nkambule said the EU Green Week resonates perfectly the council’s strategy and progressive actions for a resilient, liveable, sustainable urban environment, aligned with a healthy natural environment and infrastructure supportive of a low-carbon economy.
Meanwhile, Musa Ndlangamandla, the founder and Executive Director of Yibutse Green Action, welcomed the partnership, which
will see scores of emaSwati and people around the world reducing their carbon footprint, recycling, planting trees, and cleaning up surrounding communities. “This is a historic moment for Yibutse Green Action as we partner with the EU and the city of Mbabane in observance of the EU Green Week. This platform is special because it is simultaneously observed by millions of people in nations across the world. They are helping to create a sense of shared responsibility for our environment and our planet,” Ndlangamandla said.
Among the highlights of the uniquely interactive and educative events is the launch of the #EUGreenWeek 2022 on Monday June 30, 2022 at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground. Activities on the day include a recycling/upcycling exhibition by community environment associations, engagement of pupils and youth in environmental issues, and tree planting at the Coronation Park.
Other activities on the week include donation of waste bins to schools, media activations and interviews, and a Zero-Emissions Challenge. The weeklong activities will be featured on social media and mainstream media blitz; under the hashtags: #EUGreenWeek2022; #MunicipalCouncilofMbabane; and #YibutseGreenAction