CSOs urge African leaders to accelerate SDGs progress
“Achieving the SDGs and Agenda 2063 requires strong leadership at all levels,” said Richard Rumsey, Program Quality Director at World Vision Uganda.
A high level-panel discussion of representatives from the Government of Uganda, Civil Society organizations and the United National Economic Commission for Africa discussing the context of advancing sustainable, inclusive, science based and evidence-based solutions to increase the pace and scale of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. (Photos by John Musenze)
John Musenze
Journalist @New Vision
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Civil society organizations (CSOs) have rallied African leaders to act with urgency and purpose to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
This message was amplified during the 11th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD), held last week (April 9-11) at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
The forum brought together government representatives, civil society actors, private sector leaders, youth, and religious stakeholders, united under the theme: “Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science-based and evidence-based solutions.”
World Vision, a humanitarian organization with deep roots in Africa, used the platform to urge governments to prioritise vulnerable groups and strengthen leadership at all levels.
“Achieving the SDGs and Agenda 2063 requires strong leadership at all levels,” said Richard Rumsey, Program Quality Director at World Vision Uganda.
Betty Amongi Ongom, the Minister of Gender, Labour & Social Development, Mattias Naab, Regional Service Center for Africa, UNDP and Aron Gagula who represented African Children at the children and youth side event during the 11th Africa Regional Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals in Munyonyo, Kampala.
“Governments must prioritise the most vulnerable, especially women and children, by investing in gender-transformative and child-sensitive social protection systems.”
The forum took place against a sobering backdrop of sluggish SDG progress. The United Nations reports that only 16% of global targets are currently on track for achievement by 2030.
For Africa, the outlook is even grimmer—just 10 out of 144 measurable SDG targets are likely to be met at the current pace, while 106 targets need urgent acceleration and 28 are regressing.
At the heart of the discussions was a shared understanding that bold change is essential. World Vision highlighted its own contributions to sustainable development, with particular emphasis on nutrition, child wellbeing, education, and access to clean water.
In 2023 alone, the organisation’s Global Hunger Response reached more than 11 million people struggling with acute food insecurity: 7.5 million in East Africa, 2.1 million in Southern Africa, and 1.2 million in West Africa.
World Vision’s work is aligned with multiple SDGs, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), particularly within underserved and fragile communities.
Faith leaders also took centre stage during a side event focused on the unique role of religious institutions in driving social change.
Quality Programs Director at World Vision Uganda, Richard Rumsey, moderating a panel discussion with a child during on unlocking opportunities for Africa’s Youth in line with the Pack for the Future.
World Vision Uganda’s National Director, Jeremiah Nyagah, challenged faith-based organisations to lead efforts toward inclusive development.
“Faith institutions have unique reach and trust across communities,” he said.
“They must play a central role in shifting mindsets and addressing poverty, inequality, and harmful cultural practices that hinder development.”
He underscored the importance of religious leaders in advocating for values and behaviours that uplift health, education, and economic empowerment.
Adding to the chorus of voices pushing for reform was advocacy expert Ruth Koshal, who stressed the need for African nations to lessen reliance on foreign aid and focus on homegrown solutions.
“As we approach the midpoint of the SDG timeline, now is the time for daring leadership,” she said.
“Africa must invest in maternal and child health services, nutrition financing, job creation, and inclusive social protection systems, especially for marginalised communities.”
Koshal also advocated for a data-driven and science-led approach to policymaking, with local innovations guiding the continent’s development journey.
The 2025 ARFSD Forum, hosted by the Government of Uganda in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and other partners, provided a space for reflecting on regional progress, promoting peer learning, and showcasing innovative pathways to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
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