Ending Plastic Pollution: Eswatini’s Call to Action at the Waste Conference 2025
World Environment Day 2025 Since 2022, Women Unlimited has proudly co-hosted the annual Waste Conference in partnership with the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) as part of World Environment Day commemorations. This year the conference was held on the 5th of June 2025 at the Royal Villas Hotel under the theme; “Ending Plastic Pollution”, bringing together […]
Since 2022, Women Unlimited has proudly co-hosted the annual Waste Conference in partnership with the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) as part of World Environment Day commemorations. This year the conference was held on the 5th of June 2025 at the Royal Villas Hotel under the theme; “Ending Plastic Pollution”, bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable Eswatini. The conference reflects our continued commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement, with support from various partners dedicated to tackling the waste management challenge.The day was filled with engaging activities, insightful discussion, and inspiring speeches that emphasized the importance of taking actionable steps to combat climate change and preserve natural resources. World Environment Day aims to raise awareness and inspire action on environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, deforestation, and conservation. It reminds us that we all have a role in safeguarding the environment for present and future generations.The event was graced by his excellency the right honorable Prime Minister, who was represented by the Minister of Housing & urban development, honorable Appolo Mphalala , SADC representatives, UN partners, Waste management companies, academia, youth representatives, non-governmental institutions and many more who participated in discussing sustainable solutions towards a circular economy in Eswatini.A key highlight of the World Environment Day 2025 was the keynote address delivered on behalf of the Prime Minister where he highlighted plastic pollution as a global emergency, noting that over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with less than 10% recycled. The rest pollutes our land, rivers, oceans, and ecosystems, threatening human health and livelihoods worldwide. He also mentioned that In Eswatini, about 43% of waste is openly burned, releasing harmful pollutants, while plastic waste makes up 17.4% of the country’s total waste.The Minister also announced that the UNDP, has approved USD 4.9 million to support Eswatini’s environmental efforts. He called for stronger action to reduce plastic use, redesign products for reuse, and promote recycling.Speaking during the panel discussion, Women Unlimited Founder and Executive Director, Vimbai Kapurura, emphasized that environmental sustainability is not just a women’s issue; “it’s a human issue.” She stressed the importance of avoiding polarizing narratives that slow progress toward sustainable equality and development. “This is not about shifting power from one gender to another,” she said. “It’s about redefining power as shared, and solutions as collective. We must be ready to move beyond induction to true co-leadership, ensuring no one is left behind.The SADC representative commended Eswatini’s role in advancing environmental sustainability, urging the country to take the lead in initiating discussions around a ban on single-use plastics as a demonstration of political will and leadership within the region. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, highlighting that collaborative efforts among SADC nations are essential to tackling shared environmental challenges, particularly plastic pollution, and promoting sustainable development.The Conference reinforced the urgent need for collective and sustained action to combat plastic pollution and protect our environment. As we move forward, Women Unlimited remains committed to working with all stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and ensure no one is left behind in the journey toward a cleaner, greener future.
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Speaking during the panel discussion, Women Unlimited Founder and Executive Director, Vimbai Kapurura, emphasized that environmental sustainability is not just a women’s issue; “it’s a human issue.” She stressed the importance of avoiding polarizing narratives that slow progress toward sustainable equality and development. “This is not about shifting power from one gender to another,” she said. “It’s about redefining power as shared, and solutions as collective. We must be ready to move beyond induction to true co-leadership, ensuring no one is left behind.The SADC representative commended Eswatini’s role in advancing environmental sustainability, urging the country to take the lead in initiating discussions around a ban on single-use plastics as a demonstration of political will and leadership within the region. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, highlighting that collaborative efforts among SADC nations are essential to tackling shared environmental challenges, particularly plastic pollution, and promoting sustainable development.The Conference reinforced the urgent need for collective and sustained action to combat plastic pollution and protect our environment. As we move forward, Women Unlimited remains committed to working with all stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and ensure no one is left behind in the journey toward a cleaner, greener future.
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