Uganda is set to host the 11th session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11) from April 6 to April 11, 2025, at the Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo, Kampala.
The high-level event, organized by the Government of Uganda in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and other key partners, will bring together about 2,000 delegates, including Heads of State and Government, policymakers, business leaders, civil society representatives, youth leaders, and development partners to assess Africa’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.
The forum’s main segment will run from April 9 to April 11, 2025, featuring a presidential dialogue, high-level panel discussions, plenary roundtable panels, and parallel meetings. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to officiate the opening session.
With the theme “Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063”, the forum will focus on SDGs under review in 2025, including Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Life Below Water, and Partnerships for the Goals.
Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Justine Kasule Lumumba, highlighted the forum’s significance:
“This landmark event will bring together about 2,000 high-level delegates, including Heads of State and Government, former Heads of State and Government, policymakers, business leaders, civil society representatives, development partners, youth leaders, academia, media among others to assess Africa’s progress toward achieving the SDGs and Agenda 2063.”
A key outcome of the forum will be the Kampala Declaration, a document outlining policy options, recommendations, and consensus priorities aimed at accelerating economic growth and job creation across Africa. These resolutions will serve as Africa’s collective input to the 2025 High-Level Political Forum and the Second World Summit on Social Development.
UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, H.E. Leonard Zulu, emphasized Uganda’s growing role in regional sustainability efforts:
“The selection of Uganda as the host country underscores its commitment to advancing sustainable development and regional economic transformation. The forum will serve as an opportunity for Uganda to showcase its leadership in implementing SDG-aligned policies, fostering public-private partnerships, and championing innovative, data-driven solutions for job creation and inclusive growth.”
Meanwhile, ECA Executive Secretary Mr. Claver Gatete noted that ARFSD-11 is an opportunity for Africa to address its $402 billion annual financing gap and accelerate progress toward middle-income status:
“ARFSD-11 is a moment to scale up what works, close our continent’s 402-billion-dollar annual financing gap, and unlock the full potential of Africa’s people, especially our women and youth. It is also an opportunity for Africa to sharpen its ambitions so that by 2044, all countries can attain middle-income status.”
With Uganda hosting this crucial forum, organizers are encouraging all stakeholders—governments, businesses, and civil society—to participate actively in shaping Africa’s sustainable future.
