Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations (UNDESA) are organizing a preparatory and capacity development workshop for major groups and other stakeholders in Africa to help countries prepare for the High-Level Political Forum on sustainable development that will be held in New York from 9 to 18 July 2019.

The workshop takes place during the fifth session of the Africa Regional Forum for Sustainable Development (ARFSD), which will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, from 16 to 18 April 2019, on the theme "Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality".

The workshop, which will be held on the eve of the main sessions of the regional forum, is intended to brief major groups and other stakeholders on the follow-up and review process related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, in light of the selected sustainable development goals approach from 2017 to 2019.

Charles Akol of the ECA's Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Division says the workshop will also promote mutual learning through the exchange of experiences; lessons learned; promising approaches and practices in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and tracking of progress towards achieving the SDGs and aspirations of Agenda 2063.

"There would be a special emphasis on the selected goals that are particularly relevant to the 2019 high-level political forum," said Mr. Akol, adding the workshop will also promote dialogue and consensus among the major groups and other stakeholders on their perspectives to advance the implementation of Agendas 2030 and 2063.

Major groups and other stakeholders play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development on the continent, he said.

"It is well known, for instance, that they contribute significantly to efforts aimed at enhancing inclusion by representing the voiceless, marginalized and vulnerable populations; engaging in capacity building activities; and strengthening participation in and ownership of development processes by diverse communities," Mr. Akol assed.

In its resolution 70/1, entitled "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", the UN General Assembly recognized the need for major groups and other relevant stakeholders to be involved in the implementation of the agenda, including the follow-up and review processes.

In that regard, Governments, the private sector, civil society, the UN system and other actors were called upon in the context of an enhanced Global Partnership to deliver on the ambitious goals and targets, which are at the core of the agenda.

"The effective implementation of the two agendas requires various actors to work together and strengthen their collaborative and integrated approaches with major groups and other stakeholders hence the workshop," Mr. Akol added.

The workshop will be attended by representatives of major groups and stakeholders from educational and academic entities; persons with disabilities; volunteer groups; and those active in areas related to sustainable development.

Women, children and youth, indigenous peoples, non-governmental organizations, local authorities, workers and trade unions, business and industry, scientific and technological community and farmers are part of the major groups.