Africa
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UNDP RSCA at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly

Advancing priorities for the continent

September 21, 2026
Event Details

September 24, 2026 -
September 26, 2026

Regional priorities and partnerships at UNGA 81 in New York

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly opened in New York on 8 September 2026 under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.” Its High-Level Week brings Heads of State and Government and other high-level representatives together for the General Debate and a series of high-level meetings addressing major issues on the international agenda.

Against this backdrop, the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) is convening and contributing to a series of engagements with African institutions and partners during UNGA 81. These engagements connect ongoing regional initiatives and African policy priorities with discussions taking place in New York.

  • 24 September 2026 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
    Solana Skyline, 6th Floor, 141 E. Houston St., New York

The Africa We Build: DPI as the Engine of Agenda 2063’s Digital Economy

This high-level dialogue, convened by UNDP and the African Union with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation and the Africa Accelerator for Digital Public Infrastructure (AA4DPI), will explore how Africa can accelerate country-owned, interoperable digital public infrastructure aligned with Agenda 2063.

Discussions will focus on the 5C Acceleration Model: Commitment, Capacity, Capital, Connectivity and Collaboration, as well as the role of DPI in enabling AI, public services and development outcomes at scale.

Registration: DPI as the Engine of Agenda 2063’s Digital Economy 

  • 25 September 2026 | 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
    UNDP Headquarters, New York

4th AFSIT Steering Committee Meeting: From Challenges to Pathways of Prosperity

The fourth Steering Committee Meeting of the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) will review progress, consider emerging priorities and discuss the Facility’s strategic direction in supporting inclusive political transitions across Africa.

Established in 2023 as a joint initiative of the African Union Commission and UNDP, AFSIT provides targeted, catalytic support to countries navigating complex political transitions, with a focus on strengthening governance, inclusive social contracts, stability and resilience.

  • 26 September 2026 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
    320 Park Avenue, 35th Floor, New York

AWLN Global Women Leadership Forum 2026: Reimagining Global Governance, Championing Women’s Leadership for Lasting Impact

Jointly organized by the African Union, the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) and UNDP through the Africa Facility to Support Women’s Political Leadership, the Forum will convene political leaders, policymakers, development partners, the private sector and civil society to advance African women’s leadership and participation in decision-making.

Discussions will focus on inclusive governance, women’s political leadership, strategic partnerships and financing, intergenerational leadership and Africa’s broader transformation agenda.

Registration: AWLN Global Women Leadership Forum 2026