Officials Push for Bold Action on SDGs as Continental Forum Opens in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2026 —Leaders and policymakers have called for urgent, transformative action to accelerate Africa’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.

They have also warned that growing economic, social, and climate pressures risk derailing the continent’s ambitions.

The 12th session of the African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development opened in Addis Ababa under the theme: “Turning the Tide: Transformative and Coordinated Actions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.”

 

The gathering brought together government officials, development partners, and experts to assess progress and chart a path forward.

Speaking at the opening, Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), highlighted the scale of challenges facing the continent, including slowing economic growth, widening inequalities, climate shocks, and geopolitical tensions.

 

Despite these headwinds, he urged African nations to remain ambitious and embrace innovative, system-wide solutions.

“Africa must move from fragmented interventions to integrated strategies that deliver impact at scale,” Gatete said, emphasizing the need for increased investment and stronger regional cooperation.

The forum will focus on priority areas such as water and sanitation, energy, infrastructure, sustainable urban development, and partnerships—sectors seen as critical to unlocking inclusive growth.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the African Union Commission Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi said the forum comes at a decisive moment, with just a few years remaining to meet the 2030 targets.

 

While noting progress in aligning national plans with continental priorities, she pointed to persistent challenges including financing gaps, unemployment, and climate vulnerability.

The deputy chairperson reaffirmed the importance of strengthened collaboration between the African Union and the United Nations, particularly in mobilizing resources and enhancing institutional capacity across member states.

Also addressing the forum, Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, described the current moment as a “critical juncture” for Africa’s development trajectory.

 

 He acknowledged the continent’s financing constraints and rising socio-economic pressures but underscored its strong potential, driven by a youthful population, innovation, and regional integration.

Thapa called for scaled-up investments in infrastructure, education, and digital access, alongside reinforced multilateral cooperation to sustain development momentum.

The forum is expected to serve as a key platform for reviewing progress, sharing best practices, and identifying practical solutions.

 

Participants stressed that discussions must translate into concrete, measurable actions that improve lives across the continent.