Advancing Sustainable Development: Insights from the African CSO Pre-Conference Towards the 69th UN Civil Society Conference

The recent African CSO Official Pre-Conference, preceding the 69th United Nations Civil Society Conference, served as a pivotal platform for discourse, collaboration, and advocacy toward advancing sustainable development across the continent. Graced by esteemed figures such as Carole Ageng’o, Co-Chair of the UN Civil Society Conference, Sandra Macharia, Director of the United Nations Information Service, Florence Syevuo, Chief Executive Officer of SDG Forum Kenya, and Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, alongside delegates from diverse backgrounds, the event provided invaluable insights and recommendations aimed at leaving no one behind on the path towards progress.

Collaboration emerged as a central theme, emphasizing the power of unified action among civil society organizations (CSOs), governments, and stakeholders. Acknowledging the complexity of global challenges, participants stressed the need for inclusive partnerships at local, regional, and international levels to effectively address issues and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The workshop also underscored the need for enhanced accountability mechanisms within governments and civil society, recognizing transparency as essential for building trust and ensuring effective development interventions. Transparent decision-making processes and resource allocation were identified as crucial elements for sustainable progress.

A strong call emerged from the floor to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, including youth, women, persons with disabilities, and indigenous groups, which was underscored as imperative. CSOs pledged to advocate for their rights and inclusion in policy development and decision-making processes, aiming for equitable representation and participation.

Youth were positioned as catalysts for change, with CSOs committing to empower them and harness their innovative potential. Support for youth-led initiatives, mentorship programs, and leveraging technology for social impact were emphasized as avenues for driving progress toward the SDGs.

Climate change emerged as a pressing concern, with CSOs advocating for the integration of indigenous knowledge and traditional practices into resilience efforts. Promoting climate justice, sustainable land management, and safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities were highlighted priorities.

The panel discussions further delved into crucial aspects of climate action, emphasizing inclusivity, representation, digital engagement, and financial prioritization. Strategies to bridge gaps in governance structures and utilize digital platforms for broader engagement were explored, alongside the role of financial infrastructures in driving sustainable development. The second panel effectively highlighted the areas of intersectionalities of multilateralism. Competition among other CSOs tends to continually fragment and isolate partners. Unlocking new financing, getting sustainable financing, investing money, endowment funds, strengthening capacities, shifting narratives, exploring opportunities, and moving away from victimhood status rather able and capable societies and communities who can craft solutions that are not only sustainable but also could see us scale from depths of poverty to development.

In conclusion, galvanizing a common voice for civil society in Africa is essential for fostering collective action, and collaboration, and amplifying the concerns of the African people. By embracing positive collaboration and employing a systems approach, Africa can stride towards a prosperous and sustainable future for all. Let us heed the insights and recommendations gleaned from this conference to propel meaningful change across the continent and beyond.

UNCSC