Positive Changes in Countries Part 20 - Committed Governments, Committed Citizens: Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini

Historically, Eritrea is one of the earliest countries to adopt Christianity and is also home to the world’s first African mosque, the Mosque of the Companions, in Massawa. On September 17, 2018, Eritrea and Ethiopia officials agreed to end decades of previous discord when they signed a peace accord. More recently, the two countries re-opened free travel between their borders. The development has focused on strengthening relations in trade and culture as well as establishing joint economic zones. The health of the Eritrean people has also improved, especially for children. Thanks to government initiatives, and the commitment of citizens, an 80% reduction in infant mortality has been achieved along with a 99% success rate in child vaccinations. Furthermore, polio and measles have been eradicated. Estonia is situated in northern Europe, with more than 2,000 offshore islands in addition to its large mainland. As the first country in the world to do so, Estonia has digitalized its economic structure with the e-Estonia initiative, utilizing Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Through harnessing wind, biomass and hydro power, Estonia has reduced its dependence on oil shale as a main source of electricity. Many Estonian technology companies have signed a Green Pledge to make their operations completely sustainable by 2030. Veganism has also been on the rise in Estonia. The country has experienced ‘a vegan boom’ over the past few years, with an increase in vegan-related Facebook groups as well as vegan cafes and restaurants appearing throughout Tallinn. Eswatini is a small country with a big heart for all its wildlife. The beautiful landscapes and wilderness of the kingdom are home to thousands of species of fauna and flora. Eswatini is well known for its strict laws to conserve the rhinoceros and other animal species. The Game Act provides comprehensive protection for wildlife within all parks and reserves. The government has implemented a National Agriculture Investment Plan (SNAIP) 2015-2025, whose goal is to increase agricultural productivity, reduce rural poverty and to secure a national food supply reserve.