GEGE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini called on Eswatini’s young people to play a central role in shaping the nation’s future during International Youth Day celebrations in Gege yesterday. The event was held under the theme, “Localising the SDGs: Eswatini Youth Actions For The SDGs and Beyond.”
Addressing the gathering, PM Dlamini said the celebrations offered more than recognition; they were a platform for turning ideas into action for the country’s youth, who make up 37.4% of the population. He noted that young people are crucial to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Prime Minister outlined government efforts to align all youth programmes with the SDGs, the National Development Plan, the Nkwe Programme of Action, and the Grand Plan for National Transformation. These programmes aim to create measurable results in education, skills development, employment, health, and climate action. 
He explained that youth-targeted interventions would contribute to quality education, decent work, gender equality, health, and climate initiatives. The government also plans to incorporate the priorities of the National Development Plan (2023–2028) into youth programming to address employment, skills development, and social protection.
PM Dlamini said young people would have a voice in decision-making through forums such as Sibaya, with seats in policy and budgetary platforms to ensure programmes reflect their input. He added that investments in education, skills, health, jobs, start-ups, agribusiness land, and access to finance would also support continental goals for inclusive growth and innovation under Agenda 2063.
