In September 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Earlier in 2015, the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) also committed to “Agenda 2063: The Africa we want,” a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation  of Africa over the next 50 years.

The Symposium reaffirmed Africa's firm commitments to realizing the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063. There is a strong conviction that Africa can deliver on the high ambitions of both Agendas — and a determination to make it happen.

Participants discussed how the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 could be localized, implemented and reviewed in an integrated way. Many countries have been localizing the SDGs and integrating them in their institutions, policies, plans and oversight and review systems. Success requires a collective effort of national and local governments working as partners with civil society, the private sector, academia and others. There was a strong message that realizing the vision of the two Agendas hinges on establishing an adequate institutional framework and a truly new paradigm of governance. Development plans and policies need to take integrated approaches, which is challenging. Success also requires innovation, and resource mobilization. Strong accountability frameworks at national level and quality disaggregated statistics and data are critical. Voluntary National Reviews at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development help countries to learn from each other and can strengthen national implementation. Other important peer and other review mechanisms exist notably the APRM.

The Symposium was attended by about 100 international and local participants, including ministers, high-level officials, civil society, private sector, academia and development institutes.

• SESSION 1 – Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063: What are the trigger changes for making their vision a reality?
• SESSION 2 – Adapting the 2030 and 2063 Agendas at the national level and developing integrated policies to achieve the SDGs
• SESSION 3 – Means of implementation of the SDGs
• SESSION 4 – Realizing the SDGs in societies in conflict and sustaining peace
• SESSION 5 – Mobilizing institutions and societies; strengthening capacities and bolstering leadership
• SESSION 6 – Reviewing implementation and measuring progress of the SDGs
• SESSION 7 – Conclusion and ways forward

The Symposium will be held at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions, ECA's mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development.

Made up of 54 member States, and playing a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape, ECA is well positioned to make unique contributions to address the Continent’s development challenges.