By: Ismael Kasooha
New York
The Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah has called on World Leaders to consider the African continent’s call for a system that is not rules-based but responsive to address deep structural vulnerabilities and supports tailored, transformative solutions.
Nabbanja made the call while delivering her remarks as the Chair of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development during a High Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. She said that the African continent requires partners who address the challenges affecting the people, not conditionalities.
“As Chair of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, I echo the continent’s call for a system that is not rules-based, but responsive to address deep structural vulnerabilities and supports tailored, transformative solutions,” noted Nabbanja.
She added that Uganda looks forward to constructively engaging in the discussions on the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative and the review of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the HLPF.
Nabbanja said that Africa’s story is not one of challenges alone, but of the immense potential of young populations, green energy prospects, and critical minerals for global transitions. “What we require is the systemic support to translate these opportunities into prosperity for all,” she noted.
The Premier further said that Uganda was making tangible progress on SDGs. “We have surpassed 90% in immunization coverage (SDG 3), achieved over 34% women representation in Parliament (SDG 5), and attained 6.3% GDP growth this year (SDG 8). We have restored fish stocks (SDG 14), and built strong SDG coordination through our Secretariat (SDG 17),” she observed.
Nabbanja said that the efforts are guided by our 10-Point Strategy and 4 ATMS which include Agro-industrialization, Tourism, Minerals, Oil and Gas, and Science, Technology and Innovation to spur inclusive growth and job creation.
“Regional Commissions like ECA play a unique and strategic role. They offer integrated policy advice, regional public goods, and help connect local realities to global agendas. Through ECA’s support, Uganda pioneered the alignment of our national and local reviews with global SDGs and Agenda 2063,” she observed.
She underscored the importance of strong UN Resident Coordinator System, working in synergy with Regional Commissions for greater coherence and effectiveness.
“Excellences, the multilateral system must evolve to deliver hope and results on the ground. We must ensure Africa is actively involved in shaping the global agenda,” she noted.
The Theme of the 2025 United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) is “Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, Science-and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind”.
The HLPF on Sustainable Development is the central United Nations Platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and its 17 SDGs.
The Ugandan delegation to this session was led by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja; the Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Kasule Lumumba; the State Minister for Environment, Beatrice Atim Anywar, the Chairperson of the National Planning Authority, Prof. Pamela Mbabazi; Uganda’s Deputy Permanent Representative at the United Nations-Ambassador Godfrey Kwoba, the Head of the SDG Secretariat in Uganda Dr. Albert Byamugisha, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwiine among other technical staff.
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