Validation Workshop for the Project ‘Public and private investment in sustainable Green cities, Green spaces and Urban Agriculture.’

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development; Dr. Simon Zwane,

Government Officials present,

FAO Colleagues,

Media Houses,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

On behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), I warmly welcome you to this important validation workshop for the project, ‘Public and Private Investment in Sustainable Green Cities, Green Spaces, and Urban Agriculture.’ It is an honor to stand before such a distinguished gathering of experts, stakeholders, government officials, development partners, and community leaders—each of you committed to building a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and equitable future for Eswatini’s urban and peri-urban communities.

Progress is never achieved in isolation. Today, I applaud the collective efforts of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Eswatini Local Government Association (ELGA), local municipalities, private sector partners, and community groups. Your collaboration is a testament to the power of partnership in addressing the challenges of urbanization, climate change, and sustainable development in our cities.

This workshop is more than a meeting—it is a platform for action. Today, we validate resolutions and guidelines that will serve as blueprints for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development. These are not just technical documents; they are instruments of transformation, guiding us to design cities that empower communities, protect the environment, and withstand the impacts of climate change.

By integrating green infrastructure, agriculture, and open spaces into urban planning, we lay the foundation for cities that value both people and the planet. For Eswatini, these guidelines offer a pathway to improved well-being, economic opportunity, and food security.

Allow me to highlight some key achievements of this project.

First, the establishment of the Geo-Observatory Laboratory marks a significant step forward. This modern facility will enable stakeholders to collect and analyze data on urban growth, environmental impacts, and resource requirements. Data-driven planning is essential for sustainable development, and this laboratory positions Eswatini at the forefront of evidence-based urban management.

Second, FAO’s capacity-building support for ELGA has strengthened its ability to lead green city initiatives. A more empowered ELGA can mobilize resources, engage municipalities, and monitor progress, ensuring that interventions are effective and scalable.

Third, the opening of ELGA’s operational headquarters in Manzini is a milestone for the green cities’ agenda. This office is more than a workspace—it is a hub for collaboration, community engagement, and project implementation, symbolizing Eswatini’s commitment to sustainability.

As climate change intensifies, urban and peri-urban communities face growing risks—floods, droughts, and biodiversity loss. Unplanned urbanization can worsen these threats, creating unsustainable environments. Investing in green cities is both a moral and strategic imperative. Green cities offer solutions to climate vulnerabilities and unlock opportunities for economic growth, healthy ecosystems, and social equity.

Urban agriculture—through rooftop gardens, vertical farming, or community allotments—can transform food systems, reduce insecurity, create jobs, and lower emissions. Green spaces, meanwhile, provide vital relief from urban stress, improve mental health, and help cities adapt to climate impacts.

While we celebrate our progress, today marks the beginning of a longer journey. The validation of these guidelines must spark a call to action for ELGA to develop proposals for submission to multilateral partners so that we can implement sustainable solutions for our cities development. Implementation—driven by innovation, partnership, and accountability—will be crucial to turning our shared vision into reality.

I urge all stakeholders—government, municipalities, private sector, and communities—to remain engaged, monitor progress, mobilize resources, and integrate sustainable practices at every stage. Building Eswatini’s green cities will require ongoing, collective effort, we can deliver a sustainable and equitable development in our municipalities.

Solutions has never been more demanding.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in our technical support to the Government of Eswatini, stands ready to support initiatives of this nature for sustainable growth of our cities.

Thank you!