By Onyekachi Eze

The Special Adviser to the Imo State governor on Youth Affairs, Hon. Eric Uwakwe and the Head of Operations, Hon. Chukwuegu Chidozie were participants at the just concluded 12th Session of the United Nations Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The duo joined policymakers, development experts, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders from across the African continent at the event held from 28th to 30th April 2026.

Asides from mingling and interacting with key stakeholders to review progress, share best practices, and accelerate action towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agendas 2030 and 2063 of the African Union, respectively, both Uwakwe and Chidozie were said to have represented Nigeria and Imo State, effectively.

The two progressive minded Imo State indigenes in delight expressed gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for the opportunity granted them to share in the life transforming program in far away Ethiopia.

For Uwakwe and Chidozie, without Uzodimma’s support, love, and push for the overall interest of Imo State youths’ they may not have participated.

However, they disclosed that he has positioned Imo youths positively in the global map.

“Imo State government’s commitment to youth inclusion in sustainable development discourse and policy formulation can not be overemphasized,” said Eric Uwakwe.

According to Chidozie, “As Head of Operations in the office of the governor on Youth Affairs, I can confidently say that governor Hope Uzodimma has been instrumental in driving youth-focused initiatives aimed at empowerment, skills development, and civic engagement within the State”.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Hon. Chidozie emphasized the critical role of young people in shaping Africa’s future. “Youth are not just beneficiaries of development; they are active partners and drivers of sustainable change. Platforms like ARFSD provide us with the opportunity to amplify youth voices and align local initiatives with global development priorities,” he said.

The youthful entrepreneur disclosed that the ARFSD 12th Session concentrated the topics on key thematic areas, including poverty eradication, education, gender equality, climate action, and partnerships for sustainable development.

According to him, discussions are expected to yield actionable recommendations that will feed into global SDG reviews, which in turn would favour Imo State residents.

Hon Chidozie, in his words, said, “I am truly honored to have participated in the ARFSD-12 in Ethiopia. Beyond the high-level dialogues, I had the privilege of meeting with top United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) dignitaries to discuss the strategic implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.
​As Head of Operations for Youth Affairs, my focus remains clear: turning these global goals into local realities. I am particularly committed to SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation). We are working closely with water sector bodies to scale the WASH program, ensuring that clean, accessible water reaches our most remote localities. Let’s move from commitment to concrete results. “

The participation of Uwakwe and Chidozie at the Forum could be said to reflect a growing recognition of subnational actors in international development processes. Their engagement is also seen as an opportunity to attract partnerships and innovative ideas that can be adapted to benefit youths in Imo State.

The Forum was organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and various entities of the United Nations system.

Notable personality present at the event include the current Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Claver Gatete.

Others are: H.E Justin Kasule, the minister for General duties in Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Carina Lindberg, Policy Analyst, OECD, Sara Hamouda, Director for SDGs and Agenda 2063 at the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), Nada Yacoub, Senior Director at the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), Egypt.

Also spotted include: Samkelo Janda, Executive Mayor of the Mbhashe Local Municipality, South Africa, Hanan Morsy: Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Maria Allam, who represented UNESCO (specifically involved in communications and information policy).

H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia, H.E. Fabrice David, Minister of Blue Economy, Mauritius (Incoming Chairman), H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture and Blue Economy, AUC, Mr. Matthias Naab Director, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, Mr. Abdoulaye Coulibaly, Director of Governance and Economic Reforms, AfD, Ms. Kumbuso Phiri President, Youth WASH Ambassadors, Zambia, were part of the guests at the forum.