The Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNet) participated in the Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11), held from 9 to 11 April 2025 at the Speke Resort and Convention Centre, Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda.
Organized jointly by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Government of the Republic of Uganda, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Development Bank, and UN system partners, ARFSD-11 served as a strategic platform to evaluate Africa’s progress on both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
This year’s forum, themed “Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063,” brought together ministers, policymakers, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, and development partners from across the continent.
CSDevNet, represented at the forum, contributed to discussions on key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 14 (life below water), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals). These discussions aligned closely with CSDevNet’s ongoing advocacy for climate-resilient development and inclusive policy solutions.
Speaking during one of the breakout sessions, CSDevNet’s delegate Mr. Stephen Abu, the National Network Coordinator (NNC), noted, “The ARFSD continues to be a powerful space for shaping Africa’s collective voice on sustainable development. Our presence ensures that civil society remains central in the conversation on solutions that are not only science-based but also locally grounded.”
He further emphasized, “As we review progress on both the SDGs and Agenda 2063, the inclusion of grassroots and community-based perspectives—championed by networks like CSDevNet—is critical to ensuring no one is left behind.”
CSDevNet also contributed to the preparatory processes leading to the adoption of the Kampala Declaration, which outlines Africa’s shared priorities and policy recommendations for scaling up sustainable, inclusive development solutions. The forum’s outcomes will also inform Africa’s input into the 2025 High-Level Political Forum in New York and the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled for November 2025 in Qatar.
CSDevNet remains committed to deepening collaboration with regional and international stakeholders to advance the integrated implementation of the global and continental development agendas, with civil society as a vital partner in driving meaningful change.
