The Major Groups and other Stakeholders (MGoS), mandated to participate in sustainable development processes through, inter alia, A/RES/67/290, are deeply concerned that the 2019 High Level Political Forum (HLPF) under the auspices of ECOSOC lacks a negotiated outcome. The prematurely agreed Political Declaration of the 2019 HLPF under the UNGA fails to recognize the urgency and scope of challenges faced, ignores the root causes and systemic determinants hindering progress, and conveys insufficient ambition and recognition of the responses required by Member States. We offer the following assessment of progress towards the SDGs under review at the 2019 HLPF and the overall status of the 2030 Agenda, four years into its supposed implementation.  

Drawing on a three-day online consultation organised by Peace Direct and United Network of Young (UNOY) Peacebuilders in April 2019 with local peacebuilders from across the world, this report shares key insights and policy recommendations to enhance youth inclusion in peacebuilding processes in light of young peacebuilders’ needs and aspirations to transform their respective contexts.

For the fourth time, The Hague has hosted from 19-20 February 2019 the Planetary Security Conference. This year, the conference’s motto was #doable. Implementation of measures to tackle climate security risks were on the table, and the conference was transformed into a platform for sharing experiences and lessons learned on preventative action. The Youth Cafe has compiled a series of expert interviews on key issues and regions.

The African Development Bank on Friday concluded its Annual Meetings, amid growing consensus that regional integration is imperative to a new phase in African prosperity. Around 2,000 delegates gathered in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, to discuss ways to fast-track regional integration after the milestone African Continental Free Area (AfCFTA) was endorsed earlier this year.

A pilot project, underway in Tunisia, is designed to reduce food imports. Drone technology is being used to collect and analyse data, and monitor irrigated areas, combat pests. The Bank launched the project, in cooperation with the Busan Metropolitan City in Korea with support from the Korea-Africa Cooperation fund (KOAFEC).

“The day we see an Egyptian farming in Sudan, growing wheat, rather than Egypt getting its wheat from Ukraine, Russia - this is regional integration. The day we see a Sierra Leonean mining his diamond and selling that diamond for the $10,000 that it deserves, not just rough stones but cut and polished, with added value; this is a different Africa”.

According to N'sele, a number of African countries could save as much $1 billion on a 20-year loan, if they borrow from the African Development Bank, instead of from the Eurobond market, due to preferable lending rates. Delegates were informed of the Bank’s successful issuance of the first-ever NOK social bond sold in Norway and sealed in 2018.

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of the Government of the Swiss Confederation (SECO) and the African Development Bank on Thursday signed two agreements to fund African initiatives on the sidelines of the Bank’s 2019 Annual Meetings. SECO contributed 3 million Swiss francs to the Entrepreneurship Lab (E-Lab) for innovative young entrepreneurs and 200,000 Swiss francs to the Urban & Municipal Development Fund for Africa (UMDF), which helps African cities plan and manage urban growth and climate-resilient development by improving governance and basic services.