UNDP African Leaders Convene in Namibia to Accelerate SDG Progress, Catalyse Africa's Transformation

December 8, 2023

UNDP African leaders at the Cluster Meeting

Author

Monika Ndapandula Shifotoka

Communications Analyst, UNDP Namibia

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Namibia convened of approximately 120 UNDP African leaders from various corners of the continent. This gathering aimed to reflect on the substantial progress made thus far and devise innovative strategies to bolster UNDP's role in supporting Africa in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The focus was on formulating creative approaches to propel Africa beyond poverty in the forthcoming years. The meeting occurred 21-24 November 2023, Hilton Hotel in Windhoek.

Aptly themed “Innovate, Accelerate, Elevate”, the meeting occurred against the backdrop of significant shifts in the global development landscape, including the emergence of new global conflicts, evolving priorities, and the formation of novel partnerships. Given these circumstances, the event assumes greater significance as it provided a platform for recalibration and collaboration.

This gathering presented a unique opportunity to harness the collective intelligence of diverse minds from across the continent and an incredible opportunity to support Africa's sustainable progress and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. During the four days, the leadership was able to discuss, reflect on the different developmental challenges and opportunities to power Africa’s Moonshot.

Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Africa’s Regional Director, expressed her enthusiasm, stating,

“Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its development trajectory. This gathering presents a unique opportunity to harness the collective intelligence of diverse minds from across the continent. We have an incredible opportunity to support Africa's sustainable progress and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals."

Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, Regional Director of UNDP Africa

She stated that during the Meeting participants should draw on the spirit of the land of the brave and match the development need of our time. “Our Africa today requires nothing short of a Namibia – style dose of bravery – and courage.” She further said, there is a need for a new development frame - shifting gears from development aid to robust development financing.

“Africa is ready for it! Let's build a future where poverty, inequality, and misery have no place. We need a detoxification of development practice to address 21st-century challenges”.

This according to the Regional Director requires changing how we think and do development.

Ambassador Martin Kimani, Kenyan Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) and the President of UNDP Board was also in attendance. He had the following to say at the event:

“Your convening power is one of your most powerful tools; use it. Make UNDP the place where the most vibrant and dynamic thinkers and doers feel seen, recognised and connected.”

He advised leaders to have future-oriented thinking because if are not laying the seeds for how the youth are enabled and connected to lift Africa to a higher place, the leaders will not be on the right path. He further challenged participants to make it an operational habit to challenge assumptions and biases.

“You must create team dynamics that resist traditional solutions that might prolong problematic present conditions in favour of transformative thinking and advocating for change when necessary.”

Achim Steiner, UNPD Administrator said ‘

‘I hope UNDP will continue to see itself as a great connector, rethinking, reinventing, and attracting investment for development that is genuinely global in terms of possibilities. Go for the moon but keep your feet on the ground.”

UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner addressing the meeting

H.E. Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo, Former Vice President of Nigeria emphasized on the vital role that renewable powered industrialization plays on the continent.

“Renewable-powered industrialization in Africa can offer better returns and could enable Africa to become a global green industrial powerhouse, reversing import dependency and strengthening trade balances and currencies.”

Ms Alka Bhatia, UNDP Resident Representative in Namibia

“As we convene amidst an evolving global landscape, our focus remains steadfast on SDGs as our guiding compass towards a more prosperous, equitable, & sustainable future”,

said Alka Bhatia, UNDP Resident Represent in Namibia at the official opening ceremony of the Cluster Meeting.
The Deputy Minister of MIRCO, Hon. Jennelly Matundu at the official opening of the Cluster said

Hon. Jenelly Matundu, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

“the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Namibia necessitates a joint commitment to dedication, collaboration, and innovation, principles that Namibia regards with utmost significance"

She noted that the realization of the SDGs for Namibia necessitates a joint commitment to dedication, collaboration, and innovation, principles that Namibia regards with utmost significance hence, the importance of the coming together of ideas, expertise, and a shared dedication to the well-being of the people by the UNDP leadership.

The discussions also highlighted on Namibia’s green energy potential and the African Continental Free Trade Area as an opportunity for countries to accelerate trade, boost growth, reduce poverty, and broaden economic inclusion. Timbuktoo, UNDP’s initiative providing an opportunity to build startup ecosytems in Africa a pan-African hub focused on growing global-class startups and addressing the gaps in early-stage risk capital was another key discussion from the meeting.

While in Namibia, the top representatives of the UNDP African countries had an excellent opportunity to meet with Namibia’s President Dr. Hage Geingob, underscoring UNDP’s commitment to be immersed in, learn from and foster inclusive partnerships across various sectors of society. The leaders also visit the #BeFree Movement Campus in Katutura by Namibia’s First Lady, the visit provided a platform for a dynamic dialogue on the impact of the digital revolution on the lives of young people.
UNDP Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to partnering with nations across the continent, fostering an inclusive development that leaves no one behind.