By HICGI Staff – Updated at 12:45 EAT on Monday 26th Feb 2024

Renowned economist and sustainable development advocate, Prof Jeffrey Sachs, embarked on his much-anticipated visit to Uganda with a productive meeting at the National Planning Authority (NPA). The gathering, which saw Prof Sachs in dialogue with Prof Mbabazi Pamela, Chairperson of the NPA, marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to advance Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and align strategic planning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The discussions, which unfolded on the first day of Prof Sachs’s visit, centered around the pressing need to integrate the SDGs into Uganda’s national development agenda. Recognizing the critical role of strategic planning and policy formulation in driving progress towards the SDGs, Prof Sachs and Prof Mbabazi Pamela explored potential pathways for Uganda to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.

At the heart of the conversation was a shared commitment to identifying synergies between Uganda’s development priorities and the targets outlined in the SDGs. Prof Sachs, drawing on his vast experience in sustainable development initiatives worldwide, offered insights into best practices and innovative approaches that could inform Uganda’s strategic planning process.

Key areas of focus included poverty alleviation, healthcare access, education reform, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development. Prof Sachs emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach to development that addresses the interconnected challenges facing Uganda, from economic inequality to climate change resilience.

As Chairperson of the NPA, Prof Mbabazi Pamela underscored the agency’s dedication to promoting evidence-based policy formulation and fostering partnerships for sustainable development. She highlighted the valuable role of international collaboration and expertise, such as that offered by Prof Sachs, in informing Uganda’s strategic priorities and guiding decision-making processes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration between Prof Sachs, the NPA, and other key stakeholders in Uganda’s development landscape. Moving forward, efforts will focus on translating discussions into concrete action plans, with a view towards accelerating progress towards the SDGs and realizing Uganda’s vision for sustainable and inclusive development.

Prof Sachs’s visit represents a significant milestone in Uganda’s journey towards achieving the SDGs and building a brighter future for its citizens. By harnessing the expertise and insights of global leaders in sustainable development, Uganda is poised to unlock new opportunities for growth, prosperity, and well-being for generations to come.

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