The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) and the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) are two of the most important annual regional gatherings organized by the UN to accelerate SDGs implementation through shared learning, peer review, and intergovernmental engagement. In 2025, Good Neighbors actively participated in both forums, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable development and gaining critical insights into emerging regional and global priorities.
The forums emphasized SDGs under review in 2025: Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) was held at the UNESCAP headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, from February 25 to 28, 2025, bringing together regional stakeholders to assess progress and shape strategies under the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind in Asia and the Pacific.”
GN India, GN Thailand, and GN Taiwan represented Good Neighbors at this forum. Participants engaged in intergovernmental discussions, major group stakeholder dialogues, and thematic roundtables.
In addition to participating in the session, Good Neighbors also operated an exhibition booth at the venue, spotlighting our regional initiatives supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), with a particular focus on maternal child health, sexual and reproductive health right, and GBV prevention & response. The booth featured programs such as the comprehensive sexual education project and the maternal health education class, attracting interest from government delegates, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
The Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) took place in Kampala, Uganda, from April 9 to 11, 2025, co-hosted by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the government of Uganda. This year’s theme focused on “Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.”
Good Neighbors was represented by GN Kenya and GN Uganda, who actively engaged in official sessions, side events, and networking activities.
Good Neighbors highlighted ongoing contributions to job creation, gender empowerment, and youth skills development. Participation in ARFSD allowed our team to connect with other NGOs, UN entities, and government officials working toward common development objectives.
Participation in these two regional forums provided Good Neighbors with a timely opportunity to:
Looking ahead, we will continue to refine our approaches, amplify local solutions, and prepare for deeper engagement in upcoming global forums, including the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July and the SDG Summit in September.
Together, we strengthen global solidarity through local action.
Good Neighbors is an international humanitarian and development organization founded in 1991, working in over 50 countries to make the world a place without hunger and where people live in harmony. Engaging with over 200 communities globally, we empower people and transform communities through social and economic development initiatives. Good Neighbors has General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 1996.
For further information, please contact Good Neighbors Global Partnership Center.
Good Neighbors is a global NGO dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities in over 50 countries.
Good Neighbors has held a General Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1996.
