Baku: 'In Eswatini, we place people at the center of all development processes,' King Mswati III of Eswatini said during the Leaders' Session held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, King Mswati III emphasized the implementation of a sustainable urban development policy aligned with environmental responsibility, economic inclusiveness, and social solidarity. He highlighted the importance of accessible housing for both urban and rural communities, quality infrastructure, integrated spatial planning, and environmental sustainability as national priorities. In 2025, Eswatini launched the comprehensive 'Strategy 2030' Program, which was prepared in line with the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. This strategy aims to expand access to home ownership and significantly improve the living conditions of the people of Eswatini.

King Mswati III further elaborated on the ongoing efforts of municipalities and housing institutions in implementing residential projects for different segments of society. He noted that cooperation with the private sector and development partners helps provide vulnerable groups with decent housing. These initiatives reflect Eswatini's commitment to inclusive and human-centered development.

He acknowledged that no country can address the challenges of urbanization, climate change, and housing security alone. Eswatini welcomes the outcomes of the Africa Urban Forum, particularly the declarations adopted in Addis Ababa in 2024 and Nairobi in 2026. The king reaffirmed full support for UN-Habitat and its partnership with the African Union and UNECA in implementing the New Urban Agenda.

King Mswati III concluded by stating that the scale of these challenges requires stronger cooperation and innovative partnerships among governments, the private sector, civil society, and communities.