Youth urged to be ‘agents of change’ for planet
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MBABANE – Eswatini’s youth have been challenged to become agents of change for the environment, and to make sustainable life choice to preserve the planet.
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Eswatini Dessislava Choumelova made these remarks at the conclusion of the #EUGreenWeek2022, in Mbabane. The EU had partnered with the Municipal Council of Mbabane and Yibutse Green Action NPO in hosting the EU Green Week.
Ambassador Choumelova joined Mbabane Mayor Zephaniah Nkambule, acting Chief Executive Officer of Eswatini Environment Authority Gcina Dladla and Executive Director of Yibutse Green Action Musa Ndlangamandla in a clean-up campaign and tree planting exercise at Sidwashini.
Emlembe Beverages and Premier Eswatini, the manufacturers of SUB bread were part of the sponsors of the event. “Climate change has increased levels of uncertainty about the future. Young people are valuable contributors to climate action,” she said.
She said young people hold the key to finding innovative solutions to combat the impact of climate change.
Ambassador Choumelova said the the EU is committed to helping young people take action to protect the future of the planet.
PartnershiP
In another matter, Ambassador Choumelova said the EU will continue to strengthen its partnership with the Municipal Council of Mbabane on green and climate resilient investments.
One of the areas of cooperation is the waste minimisation project implemented by the Municipality that is funded by the EU to the tune of E4. 1 million.
She lauded the rise in the spirit of volunteerism, urging residents to always avail themselves to cleanup their communities.
“The EU supports social action and community service in environmental stewardship. This is important as it ensures our environment is clean and - we are able to maintain healthy communities,” she said.
Pollution
The Mayor of Mbabane Zephaniah Nkambule thanked the EU for its support to the Municipality in its efforts to combat the three interconnected environmental crisis the city and the country, face namely; climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste levels.
He lauded the EU for choosing Mbabane and Yibutse Green Action
to jointly host the EU Green Week. He said he looked forward to many more years of hosting the EU Green Week, saying it has helped create a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.
Mayor Nkambule said: “As Mbabane City we will continue to pursue a circular green economy. We believe strongly that we must learn to live in balance with the planet that sustains us. We need to grow green.”
EEA’s Dladla paid tribute to the EU, Municipality and Yibutse Green Action for pushing the green agenda and strengthening partnerships for the environment. “There is a better way to do things cleaner, greener, healthier. Each of us is part of the solution,” he said.