Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa, who arrived in Kampala, Uganda yesterday, will join fellow Heads of State today at the 11th session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11).
The high-level forum is being held under the theme “Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science-and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063”.
As the current SADC chairperson, the President is set to deliver remarks during a Presidential panel session alongside his counterparts:
President William Ruto of Kenya (EAC chairperson)
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria (Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States)
President Teodoro Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea (Chairperson of the Economic Community of Central African States)
President Ismael Guelleh of Djibouti (Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Authority for Development)
President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast (STYIP champion)
Philemon Yang of the UN General Assembly
ARFSD-11 is a timely opportunity to drive real change and spur the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063.
Africa, like the rest of the world, is off track in meeting most SDG targets.
Our Reporter, Wallace Ruzvidzo, is in Uganda and will provide live coverage from the event. Some of the visuals will be coming from Ruzvidzo and Presidential Photographer Tawanda Mudimu.
Delegates trickle in
Delegates have started arriving for the high-level forum. President Mnangagwa is accompanied by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira; Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube; Presidential spokesperson Mr George Charamba and other Government officials.
Entertainment as delegates arrive at the venue of the forum
Objectives of the forum
The objectives of the Eleventh session of the regional forum are:
To review progress, challenges, and opportunities in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. ARFSD-11 will conduct an in-depth review of implementation in Africa of SDG 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) and the corresponding goals of Agenda 2063 with a special focus on its second ten-year implementation plan (STYIP).
To strengthen learning and advocate effective policy measures and actions, including sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions to advance implementation of SDGs and Goals of Agenda 2063 at national, regional and global level.
To follow up and take forward the outcomes of the Summit of the Future.
To serve as the Africa regional preparatory meeting and produce Africa’s collective inputs to the HLPF to be held in New York in July 2025 and the Second World Summit for Social Development to be held in Qatar from 4 to 6 November 2025.
Reach consensus and adopt Forum outcome documents, namely:
- Summary and key messages of the Forum comprised of Africa’s priorities and key policy options and recommendations to inform and spur actions at subnational, national, regional and global levels to accelerate the integrated implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Second ten-year implementation plan of Agenda 2063.
- The Kampala Declaration on sustainable, inclusive, science-and evidence-based solutions to advance implementation of SDGs and Goals of Agenda 2063. Source: uneca.org
Uniting for Africa’s cause
The eleventh session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11) is jointly organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Government of the Republic of Uganda in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank and the United Nations system organisations.
11th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development proceedings begin
President Mnangagwa and host President Yoweri Museveni have entered the main auditorium.
Now is the singing of the national anthems, marking the beginning of proceedings.
Pictures: @RuzvidzoWallace
President Mnangagwa and host President Yoweri Museveni making their entrance into the main auditorium.
Director of ceremonies gives opening remarks
South African Journalist and Presenter Lerato Mbele, who is the director of ceremonies is giving opening remarks.
She says Africa has no time for waiting in its quest for sustainable development.
“Partnerships matter…if we work together regionally and globally, we will get things done,” she said.
Ugandan Minister for ICT and National Guidance Dr Chris Baryomunsi has taken to the dais.
He begins by taking delegates through the first session’s programme, which will end with President Museveni giving the keynote address.
He goes on to lead the delegates through a short video of strides taken by Uganda towards sustainable development in Africa.
President, Economic and Social Council, and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations Mr Robert Rae gives remarks
He began with a call to action to all nations towards the building of a better world.
“The struggle you (Africa) are facing is a struggle being faced all over the world.
“Unless we take the necessary measures, we will not attain the SDGs,” said Mr Rae.
He then acknowledged Africa’s crucial role in the global development matrix.
“All of us at the UN recgonise that africa is at the centre of the ideas, initiatives and actions…,” he said.
Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
Amina Mohammed is giving her remarks virtually.
She says Africa must confront the hard truths and ensure bold solutions are cultivated for the continent’s continued development
The UN Deputy Secretary said although the continent was facing various challenges, there was much progress being registered in other areas.
“Africa is not standing still, we are standing up,” she said.
“Now we must turn words into action.”
Ugandan President Museveni is now delivering the keynote address before the session before a short break.
He said its important that African countries jealousy safeguard their mineral wealth from imperialist forces.
The Ugandan President said his Government was doing the best it can to ensure the continent’s development.
First session has come to an end.
Next will be the Presidential dialogue
President Mnangagwa and his counterpart President Museveni make their way back into auditorium for commencement of the Presidential dialogue.
President Mnangagwa is now making his contribution in the Presidential panel.
He said Southern Africa’s resolve to attainment of regional, continental and global goals was firmly grounded in the SADC Treaty.
“In he context of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want”, the collective experiences of our countries are invaluable in nurturing evidence-based leadership, as we reflect, learn and co-create solutions towards a better tomorrow,” said the President, who is the current SADC Chair.
On its part, he said Zimbabwe was implementing transformational initiatives that have seen development across the country.
When quizzed what he would do differently if the responsibility of the attainment of regional, continental and global goals was solely upon him, the President said he would ensure that all countries stand united in their pursuit.
Panel has ended. Presidents are now leaving.
