STATEMENT BY THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION
AT THE 12TH SESSION OF THE AFRICA REGIONAL FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (ARFSD-12)
Your Excellency Robinah Nabbanja, Chair of the Outgoing Bureau,
Your Excellency Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa,
Your Excellency Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the Economic and Social Council,
Your Excellency Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank,
Your Excellency Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations General Assembly,
Your Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Your Excellency Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen
- I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Mahamoud Ali Youssouf who regrets that he could not be present and has entrusted me to represent him at this important gathering.
- At the outset, allow me to express our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Ethiopia for hosting us here in Addis Ababa, the diplomatic capital of Africa, and to commend the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and all co-organizers for convening this Twelfth Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development.
- I also wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Government of Uganda, the Right Honourable Prime Minister and Chair of the Outgoing Bureau Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, for exemplary leadership. We thank you for hosting the 11th Session in Kampala and commend your government for championing the outcomes of the Kampala Forum at key global platforms, including the High-Level Political Forum, the World Summit for Social Development, and the United Nations Climate Change Conference, as well as for translating these commitments into national priorities
- This year’s theme, “Turning the Tide: Transformative and Coordinated Actions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063,” could not be more timely. As we approach the final stretch toward 2030, it is clear that progress across many of our countries is not advancing at the pace or scale required. This Forum therefore represents not just a platform for reflection, but a decisive moment for collective action.
Excellencies,
- This Forum’s focus on five critical Sustainable Development Goals: Clean Water and Sanitation; Affordable and Clean Energy; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities; and Partnerships for the Goals is both strategic and timely. These goals are foundational enablers of sustainable development and closely aligned with the aspirations and flagship priorities of Agenda 2063
- Africa has demonstrated unwavering commitment to sustainable development through the implementation of both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. These two frameworks are not parallel; they are mutually reinforcing blueprints for inclusive growth, resilience, and prosperity on our continent.
- I am pleased to inform this distinguished Forum that the African Union has made significant progress in domesticating the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063 across Member States. Countries are aligning national development plans, policies, and budgets to reflect continental priorities, thereby strengthening ownership and accountability.
- Furthermore, the African Union Commission is currently finalizing the Biennial Report on the Implementation of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan which will be presented at the mid-year summit. While the report is yet to be officially launched, preliminary findings point to several important trends: Notable progress has been recorded in areas such as infrastructure development, regional integration, and digital transformation, particularly under flagship initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Improvements in governance and institutional frameworks are evident in a number of Member States, reflecting stronger commitment to transparency and accountability.
- However, significant challenges remain, especially in financing sustainable development, job creation for Africa’s growing youth population, climate resilience, and addressing inequalities within and between countries. These findings underscore the urgent need for accelerated, coordinated, and transformative action, as rightly emphasized by the theme of this Forum.
Excellencies,
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Partnership remains central to our success. In this regard, I wish to highlight the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2018 between the African Union and the United Nations, which provides a strong framework for joint implementation of development programmes across the continent. This partnership has enhanced alignment, reduced fragmentation, and strengthened support to Member States in delivering on shared priorities.
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As we move forward, this collaboration must be deepened, particularly in mobilizing financing, strengthening institutional capacity, and scaling up innovative solutions that respond to Africa’s unique development context.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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This Forum comes at a critical juncture. With less than five years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we must shift from incremental progress to transformational change. This requires: Stronger policy coherence between continental, regional, and national frameworks; Increased investment in critical sectors such as water, energy, infrastructure, and sustainable cities; Enhanced partnerships across governments, the private sector, civil society, and development partners; And above all, unwavering political will.
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The outcomes of this Forum will play a crucial role in shaping Africa’s unified voice at upcoming global platforms, including the High-Level Political Forum. We must therefore ensure that our deliberations translate into concrete, actionable recommendations that deliver real impact for our people.
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In conclusion, the African Union Commission reaffirms its full commitment to working with all partners to accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda. Together, we can indeed turn the tide and build a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Africa.
Thank you; Asante sana. Merci beaucoup. Shuk ran