On 11th May 2021, the Global Opportunities for Sustainable Development Goals (GO4SDGs) initiative hosted the GO4SDGs High level launch in Africa.
In Africa, GO4SDGs will build on progress made by the ongoing SWITCH Africa Green project and other regional initiatives. GO4SDGs will scale up Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) capacity of stakeholders, including governments, research institutes, cleaner production centers and others. The initiative will collaborate with the African Alliance on Circular Economy and others to advance SMEs’ access to finance for innovation and circularity in their business models. By supporting the development of Africa’s first Food Waste Index, GO4SDGs will support decisions-makers in setting the right policies to stem food waste.
GO4SDGs will also promote sustainable tourism in Africa by working towards regionally harmonized reduction in single-use plastics. Lastly, GO4SDGs will collaborate with the Africa Green University Network to empower African youth to adopt sustainable lifestyles in campuses and in their lives.
GO4SDGs Africa was launched from 10:00am - 11:30am EAT on 11th May 2021 followed by two online training modules for SCP stakeholders on the SCP Hotspots Analysis Tool (SCP-HAT) on 11th May 2021 (from 12:00pm - 3:00pm EAT) and 12th May 2021 (from 11:00am - 2:00pm EAT). This tool will help identify SCP hotspots in African economies for policy intervention.
A full recording of the launch is available:
GO4SDGs High level Launch
Tuesday, 11th May at 10:00am - 11:30am EAT
Speakers:
Opening & Welcome Remarks:
- Dr. Juliette Biao Koudenoukpo, Director & Regional Representative, UNEP Africa Office
Keynote Address and Official Launch of GO4SDGs in Africa:
- H.E. Hon. Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Minister
Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation - Ghana
GO4SDGs Project Overview:
- David Rubia GO4SDGs Programme Officer; UNEP Africa Office
Panel Discussion:
- How can we support policymakers to effect coherent policies for resource efficiency, SCP & green economies in Africa?
Dr. Jenitha Badul Senior Policy Advisor for Sustainability Programmes & Projects; Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment - South Africa - How can we help African SMEs access green financing?
Patrick Lumumba Senior Capacity Development Officer; African Guarantee Fund - Energizing Africa’s youth to embrace sustainable lifestyles
Dr. Veronica Ebot Manga Associate Professor of Soil Geochemistry & Environmental Protection; University of Buea - Cameroon
Moderator: Dr. Margaret M. Oduk, a.i Head of UNEP Liaison Office to African Union Commission, UN Economic Commission for Africa & Ethiopia