The central theme was “Driving Job Creation and Economic Growth through Sustainable, Inclusive, Science-and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.” This theme reinforced the need for practical and inclusive solutions to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s Agenda 2063. It underscored the urgency of integrating sustainable, evidence-based approaches for economic transformation, with particular emphasis on job creation and growth.

The trade union delegation was led by Comrade Hod Anyigba (ITUC-Africa), with significant participation from Comrades Muttaqa Yushau (NLC, Nigeria), Mary Karimu (TUC, Ghana), and Nicholas Businge (NOTU, Uganda). These leaders played crucial roles in ensuring the voice of workers was heard, advocating for policies that focus on decent work, social protection, and workers’ rights.

Major Events and Highlights

• Opening Ceremony: The session was opened by H.E. President Yoweri Museveni, who emphasized Africa’s need for structural transformation, particularly through industrialization, value addition, and investment in human capital. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed highlighted challenges related to informality, debt, and declining FDI, while stressing the importance of financing for health and empowering women in leadership.
• High-Level Panels:
  • Panel 1 discussed innovative financing solutions for SDG and Agenda 2063 implementation.
  • Panel 2 focused on leveraging science, technology, and data to drive inclusive growth and job creation.
  • Panel 3 called for urgent reform of multilateral systems, advocating for the inclusion of social and labour clauses in global agreements.
  • Panel 4 focused on preparations for the Second World Summit on Social Development, stressing employment, poverty eradication, and labour rights.

Trade Union Participation
Comrade Hod Anyigba presented a compelling case for a new social contract at the Major Groups and Stakeholders Workshop, advocating for decent jobs, wages, and universal social protection. Key issues raised included:

• Rights-based digital transformation.
• Reform of the global financial architecture.
• Establishment of a Global Fund for Social Protection.
• Youth employment and intergenerational equity.
• Inclusion of workers in global policy negotiations.

The contributions from the trade union delegation ensured that the workers’ agenda was central in the final outcomes of ARFSD-11, with an emphasis on decent work, social protection, and the formalization of the informal economy.

Kampala Declaration and Trade Union Concerns
The forum produced the Kampala Declaration, which included several commitments:

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Increased health spending, strengthening health systems, and addressing healthcare access disparities.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Gender-responsive budgeting and enhancing women’s access to digital skills and economic empowerment.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Boosting youth employment, fostering skills in digital technology, and eradication of child labour.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Reform of the global financial architecture, and advocacy for inclusive financing mechanisms.

Achievements and Results

• The strong visibility of trade unions in shaping the discourse on SDG 8 (Decent Work).
• The inclusion of key trade union recommendations in the final declaration.
• Enhanced networking with civil society organizations, the ILO, and UN Women.
• The elevation of workers’ demands in global multilateral spaces.

Observations and Recommendations

• Limited Trade Union Representation: Despite strong contributions, there was a need for better inclusion of unions in side events and panels. Future forums must ensure proactive engagement and representation.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Unions must follow up on the implementation of ARFSD resolutions at national and regional levels.

Way Forward
ARFSD-11 reaffirmed that sustainable development cannot be achieved without decent work, labour rights, and inclusive economic policies. Moving forward, trade unions must continue to advocate for:

• Job-rich green and digital transitions.
• Equitable fiscal and trade reforms.
• Public investments in health, education, and social protection.
• Formalization of informal work.