Open Space Centre participated in the National SDG Conference from June 22-23rd at the Kampala Speke resort Munyonyo. The conference facilitated analyzing and sharing key messages of the Mid-Term Progress on SDGs and preparing different stakeholders to participate in the annual High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). The overall objective of the National SDG conference was to review Uganda’s mid-term progress with a focus on the interlinkages and leveraging national and continental actions for accelerated delivery of SDGs and Agenda 2063.

The SDG conference featured a series of integrated activities and high-level meetings that included a series of capacity-building workshops, exhibitions, expert panels, and plenary presentations highlighting progress made towards the attainment of the 2030 SDG targets through the localizing SDGs project.

Under the theme “Leveraging Inclusive National and Continental Actions for Accelerated Delivery on the SDGs and Agenda 2063”, the Second Uganda Annual SDG Conference will be conducted under the three sub-themes that will inform the high-level panel discussions as follows. 

• Financing frameworks and opportunities for regional cooperation and accelerated delivery on SDGs and Agenda 2063  

• Leveraging science, technology, and innovation for accelerated delivery on SDGs and Agenda 2063.  

• Leaving No One Behind: The Ultimate Benefit of SDG Localization 

The primary SDGs of focus during the SDG conference included; 

Goal 6: clean water and sanitation 

Goal 7: affordable and clean energy 

Goal 9: industry, innovation, and infrastructure 

Goal 11: sustainable cities and Communities 

Goal 17: partnerships for the Goals 

The UASDGC23 was also premised on the fact that the majority of the UN member stated would be reviewing the mid-term progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs through the SDG Summit 2023 in New York under the auspices of the UN General Assembly in September 2023. In this regard, the Conference offered a platform for Open Space, CSOS and government to reflect on the midterm progress and level of implementation of NDPIII in addition to showcasing some of the catalytic innovations that have spurred action and accelerated SDG implementation. midterm progress of SDGs and reflects on how its leveraged regional frameworks and opportunities for integrated delivery on SDGs and Agenda 2063. 

The Conference provided for both physical and virtual participation and brought together participants and stakeholders from Ministries, high-level policymakers, officers and experts from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, UN Agencies, African Union Civil Society Organizations, Business and Industry Organizations, Academia and Research Institutions, Development Partners, and international participants including regional UN offices and Media.  

 Specific Objectives  

• To conduct a mid-term progress review on the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for 

Sustainable Development 

• To review the sub-national and regional actions and commitments for accelerated implementation of the SDGs and A2063 

The Conference served as a platform for the sharing of experiences, good practices, and lessons learned in efforts to implement the two agendas.