The African Network for LGBTI+ Activists and Allies Working on SDGs brings together LGBTI+ activists, civil society organizations (CSOs) and allies from across Africa, drawing on their very diverse and unique mix of resources and broad human rights advocacy experiences to support each other to achieve LGBTI+ inclusion and equality. Through this network, members are invited to brainstorm ideas and concepts, share lessons, and learn from each other across a range of issues and themes related to LGBTI+ inclusion, SDG integration human rights, among others. The network is supported by UNDP’s #WeBelongAfrica Programme through its #WeBelongAfrica Community Hub.
. . .
Welcome to this e-discussion on “Leaving No One Behind: The SDGs and LGBTI+ Inclusion in Africa” (20 June to 19 July 2022)
Mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of goals and targets to advance sustainable development by 2030. A global framework for accountability, the SDGs have a guiding principle that “no one will be left behind” and a commitment to prioritizing the poorest and most marginalized. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 has similar commitments to including and prioritizing the poorest and most marginalized in development efforts. There is widespread evidence that sexual and gender minorities are often among the most socially, politically and economically marginalized populations and thus require specific consideration and targeted inclusion to realize the vision of the SDGs.
The #WeBelongAfrica: Inclusive Governance Initiative (IGI), a regional project implemented by UNDP, seeks to support countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region to become increasingly accountable to, and inclusive of, their entire populations, including sexual and gender minorities. This in turn will contribute to better laws, more responsive public sector services, and social norms that affirm rights and inclusion for all.
In 2020 and 2021, IGI in partnership with CIVICUS, Pan Africa ILGA, and Positive Vibes held a series of webinars on the SDGs and LGBTI+ inclusion in Africa. The objective of the series was to provide a platform for LGBTI+ activists and other development actors to deepen their engagement with the SGDs through an LGBTI+ lens, with a view to supporting an intersectional and inclusive approach to their realization. (Find out more about the webinar series Leaving No one Behind: The SDGs and LGBT Webinar Series)
Objectives
This e-discussion on “Leaving No One Behind: The SDGs and LGBTI+ Inclusion in Africa” aims to increase understandings of the SDG goals, targets, processes and actors to promote LGBTI+ inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa. It also seeks to grow cross-sectoral engagement, collaboration and strategizing around inclusive SDG-actions.
It builds upon conversations held in a series of related webinars organized by UNDP in 2021. The e-discussion format enables us to bring together LGBTI+ activists and allies to engage in more in-depth and prolonged discussion.
We invite you to contribute your perspectives and experiences in one or more of the discussion rooms below, which will remain open until 19 July. Add to ongoing conversations, or start a new one!
Audience
This is a public e-discussion. It is primarily aimed at LGBTI+ activists and allies in sub-Saharan Africa, people working on SDG-related issues, and development partners including UN bodies and other multilateral organizations.
Impact
The e-discussion will enable conversations towards a wholesome achievement of the sustainable development goals and targets that covers everyone despite their real or imputed sexual orientation or gender identity.
Contacts
Any questions about this e-discussion and SparkBlue can be shared with Anthony Oluoch, Policy Specialist - African LGBTI+ Networks, UNDP (anthony.oluoch@undp.org), Senelisiwe Ntshangase, Programme Analyst on Governance and HIV, UNDP (senelisiwe.ntshangase@undp.org), and Ian Mungall, Programme Analyst, HIV and Health Team, UNDP (ian.mungall@undp.org).
💡 This platform has a translation function. Click on "Select your language" in the top right corner of your screen and choose the language of your choice. Also feel free to comment in languages other than English. And if you prefer to make a contribution anonymously, select the checkbox next to the comment box "Comment anonymously".
