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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia / April 28 / 2026
The 12th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD12) officially opened today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together African leaders, policymakers, researchers, youth representatives, and development partners to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Held from April 28–30, 2026 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa, this year’s forum is taking place under the theme: “Turning the Tide: Transformative and Coordinated Actions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.”

The opening session set a strong and urgent tone, with speakers emphasizing the need for faster implementation of sustainable development goals across the continent amid growing climate challenges, economic pressures, and infrastructure gaps.

Speaking at the forum, Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), highlighted Africa’s critical role in linking climate action with long-term development goals.

“As Ethiopia prepares to host #COP32, Africa has a unique opportunity to connect climate ambition with sustainable development delivery,” Gatete said.

He stressed that climate action should not be treated separately from development priorities, noting that both must work together to create meaningful and lasting impact for African communities.

Gatete also emphasized the importance of investing in foundational sectors that directly support economic growth and improve people’s lives.

“Water, energy, infrastructure, and cities are not peripheral—they are the foundations of Africa’s transformation,” he stated.

He added that strengthening these sectors will help drive job creation, improve competitiveness, and promote inclusive development across Africa.

The forum serves as a key platform for reviewing the continent’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and identifying practical solutions to speed up implementation. Discussions are expected to focus on climate resilience, food security, digital transformation, youth engagement, and sustainable infrastructure.

As delegates gather in Ethiopia’s capital, expectations remain high that the forum will deliver actionable strategies to help African nations meet both global and continental development commitments.

With Ethiopia preparing to host COP32, the country is increasingly positioning itself as a major platform for global conversations on climate action and sustainable development in Africa.

The three-day forum continues through April 30, with panel discussions, policy dialogues, and partnership engagements expected to shape Africa’s sustainable development agenda for years to come.

Emebet Asefa, Correspondent