The Kigali Global Dialogue brought together policymakers, academics, civil society, and the private sector from around the world to deliberate and devise solutions to critical sustainable development challenges facing the global community today.
The three-day conference was co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, ORF America, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Rwanda. The inaugural edition of the dialogue saw the participation of more than 350 people from 50 countries.
The last three years have witnessed geopolitical, social, ecological, and economic upheaval amplified by the exogenous shock of the pandemic. As the decade of action progresses, it is critical to share experiences and solutions and forge new partnerships. Many of our development and economic orthodoxies – especially those propagated by high-income countries – have failed to deliver sustainable and equitable development for most of the world. New development institutions, financial arrangements, and paradigms are urgently needed and are already emerging.
It is clear that African nations will create and lead new models for development and growth over the coming decades. The success of these experiences will serve as templates for other parts of the world as they navigate development pathways more responsive to climate constraints and social, environmental, and economic imperatives.