The African Union Commission (AUC) the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), African Development Bank and United Nations Development Programme on 20 September 2023 jointly launched the 2023 Africa Sustainable Development (SDGs) Report, on the margins of UNGA78, showcasing the progress and prospects for the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Africa. The event took place in the Conference Hall of the African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nation in New York, in the presence of H.E. Ambassador Albert M. Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals of the AUC and H.E Antonio Maria Afonso Pedro, Acting Executive Secretary of the ECA.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the launch of the 2023 Africa SDGs Report in a video call, the AUC Deputy Chairperson, Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa underlined that, the 2023 Africa SDGs Report is a living testimony that both organizations are committed “to talking the talk and walking the walk together”.  She added that, this report is the result of a collaborative effort between the African Union, the United Nations, and other Regional and International partners, stressing that, the SDGs Report provides a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the progress, challenges, and opportunities for achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa.

“While we celebrate the remarkable achievements that Africa has made, we are soberly reminded that more needs to be done in some areas. Towards this end, the report has identified key drivers of change to accelerate the continent’s transformation, such as industrialization, digitalization, innovation, regional integration, and green transition….. The report further offers, a set of policy recommendations to help African countries overcome structural challenges and achieve sustainable development. These include strengthening governance and institutions, mobilizing domestic and external resources, enhancing social protection and inclusion, and building resilience to shocks”. Underscored the AUC Deputy Chairperson.

Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa further recalled that, following the 6th African-Union United Nations Annual Conference on 1 December 2022, led by the AU Chairperson, His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat and UN SG, Antonio Guterres, and the follow up visit by the Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohamed in May 2023, the vision was clearly set for both organizations to align our resources along One Framework - Two Agendas, calling us to cascade this through all our work.

The AUC Deputy Chairperson emphasized that, the Chairperson and the Secretary-General underscored the importance of deeper horizontal and vertical integration, coordination, collaboration, and alignment of AU-UN work towards implementing Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda in support of AU Member States through One Framework-Two Agendas. Adding that the launch of this report coincides with the finalization of the African Union’s Second Ten Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063. The findings and in particular, the gaps identified in the Africa Sustainable Development Report will need to be bridged in the second decade of Agenda 2063.

According to the AUC Deputy Chairperson, this report is not only a valuable source of information and analysis, but also a call to action. “It beacons us to work together to support Africa's aspirations for a prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable future…. The findings in this report are indeed timely. They inspire us to renew our commitment and cooperation for the Africa we want through the effective implementation approach of One Framework - Two Agendas,” Concluded Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa. 

During the launching of the SDGs Report 2023, Commissioner Muchanga reiterated that establishing regional coordination and communication is critical for the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the SDGs.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

About the African Union:

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. 

The AU Vision is to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission.

About the AU Permanent Observer Mission to the UN:

The Permanent Mission of the African Union to the United Nations (AU Mission to the UN) plays a pivotal role in representing the interests of the African Union within the United Nations system. 

The Mission advocates for African interests and concerns on a wide range of global issues, including peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, and climate change. It works to ensure that African perspectives are considered and integrated into UN policies and decisions.

The Mission plays a crucial role in aligning AU positions with UN agendas and initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and peacekeeping missions.

The Mission serves as a channel for information exchange between the African Union and the United Nations. It relays UN decisions, resolutions, and initiatives to the AU and provides the UN with updates on AU activities and developments in Africa.

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