By Earnest Kivumbi Benjamin – Updated at 1724 EAT on Sunday 06th April 2025

MUNYONYO- Uganda is proudly hosting the Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11), jointly organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Government of the Republic of Uganda. The Forum is held in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and various United Nations system organizations.

The Forum officially commenced today, Sunday, 6 April 2025, at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, Kampala, and will run until 11 April 2025.

The theme of this year’s session is:

“Driving Job Creation and Economic Growth through Sustainable, Inclusive, Science- and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.”

According to the United Nations, ARFSD-11 presents a timely and critical opportunity to catalyze real progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Africa, like much of the world, remains off track in meeting many SDG targets and has even experienced regressions in some areas. In response, African Heads of State and Government have adopted the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063, emphasizing the need for urgent, coordinated action. With just six years remaining until 2030, ARFSD-11 is a rallying call to accelerate implementation at all levels.

In his opening remarks, United Nations Resident Cordinator to Uganda Leonard Zulu says“Today’s dialogue on carbon markets, energy access & adaptation is a chance to ensure Africa’s voice stays strong in global climate talks. Let’s turn COP 29 outcomes into bold, inclusive action.” – He added that “Africa is at a critical juncture—facing climate shocks while striving to meet the SDGs & Agenda 2063. Now more than ever, we need bold partnerships & innovative solutions.”

Held in the wake of the Summit of the Future, the Forum also offers a platform to reflect on the summit’s outcomes and identify actionable steps toward implementation. Additionally, ARFSD-11 is instrumental in shaping Africa’s common position for the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to take place in Qatar from 4 to 6 November 2025.

Forum Features and Objectives

ARFSD-11 includes a range of pre-events and side-events that align with the main theme and subthemes of the Forum. The primary objectives of the Eleventh Session include:

1. Reviewing Progress – Assessing progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063, with a focus on the STYIP and SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 14 (Life Below Water), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

2. Strengthening Policy and Practice – Promoting effective, inclusive, and science-based policy measures to advance the SDGs and Agenda 2063 at national, regional, and global levels.

3. Follow-up Actions – Carrying forward the outcomes of the Summit of the Future.

4. Regional Preparation – Serving as Africa’s regional preparatory meeting for the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York and the Second World Summit for Social Development.

5. Adopting Outcome Documents – Reaching consensus on key deliverables including:

• A Summary and Key Messages document outlining Africa’s policy priorities.

• The Kampala Declaration on sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions.

Participation and Format

The Forum is being held in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and virtual participation. Delegates include ministers, high-level policymakers, and experts from ECA member states, the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, regional and subregional bodies, UN system agencies, civil society, the private sector, academia, and other key stakeholders.

Highlights of Day One

Opening day activities included a Dialogue on Advancing Environmental Sustainability and discussions on COP29 outcomes, carbon markets, energy access, and a Youth Pre-Event themed “Youth, Job Creation, and the Realization of the SDGs in Africa.”

Upcoming Sessions

The coming days will feature a wide array of events and discussions including:

• Blended finance solutions to mobilize private investment for Africa’s priorities.

• Sessions on accelerating transformation through the STYIP of Agenda 2063.

• The 7th Africa Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Forum.

• The 6th Africa Climate Talks.

• The SDGs Forum.

• Preparatory workshops for Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs).

• Stakeholder sessions with civil society and major groups.

• A high-level Meeting on Financing Sustainable Development involving ministers of finance, central bank governors, and pension fund managers.

Parallel Meetings by SDG Focus Area:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Additionally, a Retreat of the United Nations Regional Opportunities and Issue-Based Coalition will be held.

Stay tuned as HICGI News Agency brings you live updates and comprehensive coverage of this landmark event.