ASDA 2024: Advancing climate resilience and sustainable development in Africa through multistakeholder learning

The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) is pleased to announce the inaugural Africa Sustainable Development Academy (ASDA), a pioneering virtual learning event designed to support African changemakers by providing updated tools, insights, and the latest developments to further enhance their existing knowledge and skills to address the continent’s most pressing challenges. Running from 26 to 29 November 2024, ASDA will bring together more than 60 leaders, decision-makers, and policy analysts from across 20 African countries to explore critical themes such as climate-related security risks, displacement, climate finance, technology transfer, renewable energy, just transition, and green jobs.

In the face of escalating climate change impacts, economic instability, and ongoing conflicts, Africa’s path to sustainable development is more complex than ever. ASDA 2024 aims to provide a robust learning platform to navigate these challenges by integrating global frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 into national and regional efforts.

“The Summit for the Future and the Pact for the Future have highlighted Africa’s critical role in addressing global inequalities, particularly those reflected in global development and financing systems,” says Jean-Paul Adam is the Director for Policy, Monitoring and Advocacy in the Office of the Special Advisor on Africa to the United Nations Secretary General. “By prioritizing Africa, we can work towards a more equitable international financing and development architecture.”   

With this academy, the Staff College aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change and create ripple effects that enhance partnerships and collaboration across communities and sectors. The year ASDA’s key focus areas will be:

• Climate-related risks and displacement: Analyzing how climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities and stressors, leading to conflict and displacement, and identifying strategies to mitigate and address these risks.
• Climate finance and technology transfer: Identifying innovative financing mechanisms and technology transfer models tailored for Africa.
• Renewable energy, just transition, and green jobs: Exploring opportunities for sustainable energy development, equitable access, and fostering economic growth through green jobs that support a just transition.

Thanks to the generous support of the Italian government, the tuition fee will be waived for nominated participants. They will benefit from a dynamic mix of interactive sessions, expert-led discussions, and peer-to-peer networking events, all delivered through an innovative virtual platform. The programme will also feature virtual site visits and special side events sessions.

“Africa has an immense potential and opportunity for transformative growth and sustainable development. The UNSSC’s Africa Sustainable Development Academy is designed to help harness that potential by providing its leaders and changemakers with practical tools, innovative approaches, and a strong peer learning network,” says Silke Weinlich, Deputy Director of the Learning and Knowledge Services of UNSSC.

The UNSSC Africa Sustainable Development Academy embodies the ambition to create a dynamic learning space where African changemakers can come together to exchange knowledge, collaborate, and forge meaningful partnerships. By leveraging the wealth of skills and expertise within the region, the academy provides a safe and empowering environment for participants to learn from one another, explore innovative solutions, and build the foundations for a more sustainable and inclusive future for Africa.

Photo Credit: UN Photo/Riccardo Gangale