Locations6 Africa-focused conversations not to miss during UNGA78
September 13, 2023
The United Nations General Assembly provides a crucial platform for global leaders to address pressing issues and work together to find solutions. This year's theme is “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.”
Ahead of the high-level week, UNDP's Regional Bureau for Africa highlights 5 Africa-focused conversations not to miss during the 78th United Nations General Assembly:
1. SCALING UP GREEN INVESTMENTS TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE – Monday 18 September, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. EST ---> Watch live
UNDP and Global Green Growth Institute will bring together global leaders and influential figures to boost joint actions towards climate-smart agriculture and better food systems in Africa. Expected speakers are:
- Mr. John Kerry, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate
- H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union
- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization
- Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director General of the Global Green Growth Institute
- Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa Director
- Ms. Rebecca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
- Ms. Agnes Dasewicz, COO of Development Finance Corporation
The event will also showcase public private partnerships, innovative approaches, knowledge exchange and policy changes that can incentivize green investments. It will be broadcast live on our social media platforms, in English only.
2. CHAD: THE JOURNEY TOWARDS CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER - Monday 18 September, 11.30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. EST. ---> Watch Live
Chad, a nation at a pivotal juncture in its transition, has just over a year left to complete its journey towards constitutional order. The side event aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this journey, highlighting key aspects such as governance, disarmament, demobilization, reintegration (DDR), and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during this challenging period.
Chad's transition has navigated numerous challenges, including regional crises, economic constraints, and security threats. By fostering political stability and respecting human rights, Chad can create an environment conducive to economic growth, development, and regional peace.
3. TOWARDS A FAIR CARBON MARKET FOR AFRICA - Tuesday, 19 September, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. EST. --> Media registration
In recent years, carbon markets have been identified as a viable financing option for Africa, which is home to some 674 million hectares of forests covering roughly 23% of the continent. The Cuvette-Centrale Peatlands deep in the Congo Basin are alone capable of locking in up to 30 billion tons of carbon, or three years’ worth of the world’s emissions.
While there are several major exchanges where carbon credits trade, there is no single global carbon market price. Carbon credits from Europe can reach over $80 per ton and those from the United States $140 per ton, while African countries usually receive significantly less. This event is being organized with the support of UNDP in order to amplify the African voice on the world stage on the very urgent need to ensure fair and equitable pricing for African countries. Expected speakers are:
HE Félix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
HE Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo
Achim Steiner, United Nations Under-Secretary General and Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme
Juergen Voegele, Vice-President of the Word Bank
HE Stéphanie Mbombo, Special Envoy for the New Climate Economy, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Andrew Steer, President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund
4. MALAWI PARTNERS CONFERENCE: HIGH-LEVEL EVENT TO REBUILD RESILIENCE AGAINST SHOCKS - Tuesday 19 September, 6 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. EST. ---> Follow the event on our social media platforms
Malawi, like many African countries, is vulnerable to various shocks, including disasters and economic crises. The Government has embarked on a wide-ranging and ambitious macroeconomic and structural reform program in line with the Malawi 2063 Vision. The overarching goal of the Government’s efforts is to rebalance the economy in order to accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth and increase resilience in the context of growing threats from natural disasters and economic shocks. The partners conference provides an opportunity to mobilize resources and support the country's efforts to build resilience. Investments in disaster preparedness, social protection systems, and sustainable infrastructure will help Malawi withstand shocks, reduce poverty, and foster long-term development.
The Government has embarked on a wide-ranging and ambitious macroeconomic and structural reform program in line with the Malawi 2063 Vision. The overarching goal of the Government’s efforts is to rebalance the economy in order to accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth and increase resilience in the context of growing threats from natural disasters and economic shocks. The partners conference provides an opportunity to mobilize resources and support the country's efforts to build resilience. Investments in disaster preparedness, social protection systems, and sustainable infrastructure will help Malawi withstand shocks, reduce poverty, and foster long-term development.
5. AFRICA SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORT LAUNCH - Wednesday 20 September, 11 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. EST. ---> Register
The launch of the Africa Sustainable Development Report provides an invaluable opportunity to assess the progress and challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through data-driven analysis, the report will identify areas for improvement, policy recommendations, and innovative solutions. This information will guide decision-makers in shaping effective strategies and interventions to accelerate progress towards the SDGs in Africa.
6. WOMEN IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF PROSPERITY - Saturday 23 September, 9 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. EST. ---> Follow the event on our social media platforms
Increasing women's participation in political leadership is crucial for achieving gender equality and inclusive development. This event’s discussions will focus on removing barriers and promoting women's representation in decision-making processes. By empowering women leaders, Africa can benefit from diverse perspectives, inclusive policies, and greater social cohesion, leading to sustainable and prosperous societies.
These key events highlight critical challenges and opportunities to accelerate sustainable development in Africa. From leveraging carbon markets to promoting inclusive governance and women's political leadership, these critical engagements will drive Africa's development agenda and advance a sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and a prosperous future for all.
