Latest news with #AfricaRegionalForumonSustainableDevelopment
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Advancing Gender Equality in Africa: Key Outcomes from the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11) Gender Forum
During the 11th session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11), UN Women hosted the Gender Forum bringing together key stakeholders to spotlight Africa's progress on gender equality, identify enduring gaps, and foster collaboration for accelerated action. Grounded in the aspirations of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and the African Union's Agenda 2063, the forum served as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and shared commitment to an inclusive and sustainable future. The forum reaffirmed gender equality as a critical enabler of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. Stakeholders emphasized that gender-responsive policies and targeted investments are essential to ensuring women and girls benefit equitably from Africa's development agenda. Endless possibilities to advance gender equality It is critical to consider strategic investments in education—especially for adolescent girls- as this sets a foundation for diverse opportunities in future. This is also a step into the right direction as women are prepared for emerging opportunities in green and digital economies. Women's leadership was recognized as central to driving transformative change. Participants stressed the importance of representation in decision-making across all sectors. Discussions highlighted the need to embed gender-responsive budgeting in critical sectors like energy, transport, agriculture, and technology. Emphasis was placed on ensuring equitable access and inclusive development in traditionally male-dominated industries. It was clear that persistent challenges such as lack of access to land, financial exclusion, and gender pay gaps hinder progress as women are excluded in land ownership are greatly set back by gender pay gap and, in some instances, hindered from progressing because of unpaid care work. It was unanimously indicated that advocacy efforts focusing on recognizing, redistributing, and rewarding unpaid care work must be strengthened across the continent. There is value in recognizing the importance of engaging male allies and addressing societal stereotypes. One of the ways this could be achieved includes changing workplace cultures and perceptions which is a collective responsibility from leadership through to individual contributors from different sectors. How can the gender digital divide be closed? By considering digital inclusion as a driver for economic empowerment and calling for urgent action to enhance women's access to digital tools and technologies. Another critical aspect discussed by the speakers was the importance of gender-disaggregated data and tools like the Africa Gender Index for tracking progress and shaping effective policies. Coordinated efforts among governments, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector were deemed essential to scaling impact which includes strategic partnerships and shared accountability. The forum advocated for innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships and non-traditional funding streams to sustain progress. Ensuring the meaningful participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in development efforts was highlighted as a key priority. Empowerment and protection go hand-in-hand: participants linked gender equality with efforts to end violence against women and girls, stressing its role in driving broader transformation. A major outcome of the forum was a call to mainstream gender considerations in all sectors, including infrastructure, urban planning, and transport. Participants emphasized that gender-responsive design and policy are essential to creating inclusive, safe, and accessible spaces for all—especially women and marginalized groups. With the current global context posing threats to previous gains, the forum urged decision-makers to keep gender equality at the center of heavily funded programs, ensuring no reversal in progress. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Women Leaders Unite to Drive Inclusive Growth and Gender Equality at Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11)
As part of the 11th session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11), UN Women, in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda, hosted a High-Level Women Leaders' Strategic Forum. The gathering brought together influential women leaders from across East and Southern Africa to explore opportunities that can accelerate gender equality and women's empowerment in the region. The session created a powerful platform to spotlight the pivotal role of women's leadership in advancing Africa's development agenda. What came out strongly throughout the discussions, was that women's leadership is essential for driving gender-responsive and inclusive implementation of development priorities at local, national, regional, and continental levels. Aligning with both SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and Agenda 2063, the forum projected the need for more women in decision-making roles to transform governance and development outcomes across the continent. The forum facilitated dynamic networking and peer-learning opportunities. Women leaders exchanged experiences, shared lessons, and built strategic alliances to advance gender equality agendas in their respective countries and sectors. UN Women showcased several impactful programs that demonstrate the power of innovation in empowering women economically. One outstanding conversation was on Climate Smart Agriculture initiatives that build resilience while increasing women's participation in agribusiness. The Market Garden App, a tech-based tool that connects women farmers to market opportunities and resources. These solutions exemplify how innovation and investment can unlock women's potential as key contributors to economic growth and climate resilience. Dr. Julian Adyeri Omalla spoke on the impact of working with grassroot women and their contributions to economic growth and full life transformation as they support their families and their communities. One of the successful programmes is the Adyeri Model, which has empowered over 50,000 women by promoting inclusive value chains and gender-smart investments. These initiatives demonstrate the tangible benefits of investing in women and show what is possible when gender is placed at the center of development efforts. There was a call for bold action in five key areas: Advancing economic justice for women and closing gender gaps in income and opportunity. Transforming the care economy by recognizing, redistributing, and investing in unpaid care work. Expanding decent work opportunities and improving labor protections for women. Bridging the gender digital divide to ensure equitable access to technology and digital skills. Strengthening women's leadership and governance across all levels of society. A major highlight of the forum was the introduction of the Kampala Compact, a bold and transformative framework designed to guide concrete commitments and actions for: Women's economic empowerment Inclusive governance Sustainable, gender-responsive development The Compact is expected to serve as a key reference point for leaders and policymakers to track progress and reinforce accountability on gender equality commitments. Rising to the occasion by taking charge: Financing, Policy Reform, and Strategic Partnerships The forum concluded with strong calls to: Mainstream gender into national and regional policies and budgets Tackle barriers such as limited access to finance and resources for women entrepreneurs Foster inclusive and innovative partnerships across sectors The Ambassador of the Netherlands addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of allies in achieving gender equality and citing the upcoming Beijing+30 milestone as a critical moment for reflection, recommitment, and renewed action. Looking ahead, there are strong outcomes from the numerous collaborations that brought together the key stakeholders to the forum. The session served as a powerful reminder that Africa's sustainable future depends on the full participation and leadership of women. By investing in women, reforming systems, and working in solidarity, the region can move closer to a just, inclusive, and gender-equal society. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Group calls for investment in key sectors to drive Nigeria's economic growth
An Osun State-based Founder and Executive Director of the Youth Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), Mr Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, at the weekend affirmed that commitment to energy, infrastructure development, agribusiness, healthcare, digital technology, and manufacturing is the only solution to driving robust economic growth in the country. The founder of the non-governmental organisation made the remark in a statement made available to our reporter in Osogbo after his participation in the 11th Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD), convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), which took place in Kampala, Uganda, from 6 to 11 April 2025. Mr Olaore underscored the importance of enhancing digital infrastructure and promoting e-commerce across the African continent, saying this would create meaningful employment opportunities and foster a conducive environment that could promote favourable business conditions for youths and encourage women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to drive robust economic growth. Highlighting the alarming youth unemployment rate in developing countries across Africa, he expressed concern over its contribution to insecurity and various social challenges. He emphasised that job creation is a pivotal strategy for fostering self-sufficient economies, meeting humanitarian needs, and stimulating demand for goods. According to him, 'The vast entrepreneurial potential, talent, and resourcefulness of African youth are often underutilised. Many young individuals find themselves confined to unproductive employment opportunities, while others may migrate to developed countries where their skills are more recognised. This situation is largely attributed to inadequate institutional frameworks, a challenging business environment, and a shortage of enabling resources.' To effectively address the unemployment crisis and foster inclusive growth, Olaore, however, harped on the necessity of collaboration among various stakeholders, including civil society organisations, academia, and the private sector, saying such collaboration has the potential to unlock productive, locally-driven trade opportunities within Africa. He further highlighted the importance of engaging grassroots stakeholders in the policymaking process, noting that this engagement can lead to innovative and practical solutions to Africa's enduring challenges of poverty and insecurity. Mr Olaore acknowledged the crucial role that nonprofit organisations and the private sector play as agents of change in facilitating skill development that aligns with local needs and charged governments to implement stable regulatory reforms and develop the essential infrastructure required for sustainable growth. He also extended his appreciation to the contributions of the session's moderator, Zuzana Sch, Director of Microeconomic Policy at UNECA, and Waleed El-Zomor, International Trade Consultant with the U.S. Agency for International Development. The group founder disclosed that the programme, Decent Jobs and Economic Growth High-Level Session, was chaired by Her Excellency Hon. Justice Lumumba, Minister for General Duties of Uganda, on 10 April 2025. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
11-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Uganda's innovations and value chains take centre stage at The Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD11) knowledge fair
The Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11) was marked by a vibrant Knowledge Fair and Exhibition jointly organized by the United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programmes and coordinated by the Knowledge Management team of ECA and the Government of Uganda. The Knowledge Fair was officially opened by the new chair of the ARFD Bureau, Justine Lumumba Kasule, Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda and Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the ECA. The Fair brought together a wide array of exhibitors showcasing tangible success stories aligned with the five focus Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ARFSD-11: 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). Exhibitors included United Nations entities, the Science and Technology Department of Uganda, and a range of innovators from the informal and private sectors. A highlight of the exhibition was the " Making Uganda the Best" theme, which spotlighted locally driven innovations such as value-added agricultural products, advancements in Uganda's motor industry, and digital technologies developed to support livelihoods and environmental sustainability. During the exhibition tour, Minister Lumumba and Mr. Gatete engaged directly with innovators and stakeholders, praising their contributions toward achieving the SDGs. The Executive Secretary commended the creativity and commitment demonstrated, emphasizing the importance of scaling up these inventions and marketing best practices across the African continent to foster inclusive, homegrown development. 'This Knowledge Fair is a testament to Africa's ability to innovate and deliver solutions tailored to our development context,' said Mr. Gatete. 'We must do more to amplify these efforts, share knowledge across borders, and foster regional value chains that empower our people.' The Knowledge Fair, which is central to ECA's knowledge delivery serves as a dynamic platform for exchange, networking, and the promotion of sustainable innovation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
