Rwanda President Paul Kagame has called on Heads of State and board members present to recommit their support towards the, emphasizing the need to put at the forefront the continent’s common development goals.
On September 25, world leaders gathered at the United Nations to adopt the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a universal, and transformative global development agenda.
The Government of Rwanda was selected to host this center to support the implementation of the SDGs in the region.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly taking place in New York, President Kagame on Tuesday chaired the 3rd board meeting for the SDG Center for Africa.
“The Global Goals add value to our respective national development plans, and Africa’s efforts to foster inclusive growth and prosperity,” said Kagame.
“We are keen to work closely with all of you, to mobilise the support, commitment and enthusiasm needed, for Africa to maximise the benefits of this important agreement.”
The center currently established in Kigali aims to support the achievement of the SDGs in all parts of Africa.
President Kagame also took note of the pivotal role each country’s citizens and private sector must play in spearheading the success of the Center and its ambitious development goals.
“Citizen ownership and involvement, gender equality, increased collaboration with the private sector, and technology, particularly Internet broadband, are key to accelerating progress,” said the President.
The SDG goals revolve around three themes: empowering people, eradicating poverty and protecting human dignity; shared prosperity and decent, fair jobs for all; protecting the planet and tackling climate change.
Kagame said, “We have a lot to share, about what works in improving the lives of our citizens. We also want to learn from innovations and successes in other sectors, and other parts of the world.”
Members of SDG Center for Africa Board present at the meeting included President Patrice Talon of Benin, President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, President Alpha Conde of Guinea Conakry, Jeffrey Sachs and business leader Aliko Dangote, co-chair of the board.
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