The SDG Village served as a focal point for high-level discussions on sustainable development, addressing a wide array of topics critical to attaining the SDGs. These included collaborative democracy for sustainable development, county engagements on SDGs, financing strategies with a gender perspective, and the nexus between human rights and SDG realisation. Additionally, the role of various stakeholders, such as parliamentarians, innovation startups, and media, in combating climate change and supporting climate innovation was explored. Discussions also revolved around accelerating gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, assessing progress on specific SDGs, and identifying policy and legal barriers to their achievement. Political parties’ involvement in localising SDGs was another significant area of focus.

• Host Organisation - SDG Kenya Forum, Kenya Parliamentary Caucus on SDGs and Business, & 2030 Beyond

• Organisations involved - State Department for Economic Planning, County Government of Makueni, Danish Youth Sounding Board, Kenya Parliamentary Caucus on SDGs and Business

Official Launch

The official launch of the SDGs Village commenced with a panel discussion on Voluntary National Reporting (VNR) processes, spanning global, national, and local levels. The session began with an overview of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), outlining their principles, the Decade of Action, and the VNR process. The SDGs, comprising 17 global objectives set by the United Nations, aim to address social, economic, and environmental challenges worldwide by 2030. These goals are guided by principles such as inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and partnership. The Decade of Action, spanning from 2020 to 2030, urges intensified efforts towards SDG achievement.

The VNR process involves countries voluntarily submitting progress reports on SDG implementation, facilitating peer learning, accountability, and transparency. The panel highlighted Kenya’s progress and challenges in SDG implementation, noting the impact of COVID-19 and the need for localised engagement. The panel discussed parliament’s role in facilitating non-state actor access and underscored the importance of VNR for self-appraisal and policy integration. Concerns were raised regarding gaps in youth inclusion and data management, with emphasis on the need for improved stakeholder engagement and capacity-building initiatives. The session concluded with a call for enhanced synergy, community dialogue, and continuous sensitisation to effectively localise SDGs and drive progress across various sectors in Kenya.

Collaborative Democracy for Sustainable Development

The session on Collaborative Democracy for Sustainable Development began with an overview of the Global Compact Network, a platform facilitating the implementation of the United Nations Global Compact initiative, which encourages sustainable and socially responsible practices among businesses and organizations. Tracing the historical connection between sustainability and democracy, the discussion highlighted the need to combat corruption and tribalism in Kenya for peaceful elections and sustainable development. Agriculture emerged as a crucial sector, with democratic principles essential for fostering innovation and collaboration in agricultural initiatives.

Governmental structures promoting sustainability, such as SDG 17 on partnerships, were explored, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). The panel stressed inclusivity and accountability as vital for leveraging democracy for sustainable development, advocating for grassroots engagement to overcome challenges like negative ethnicity and voter apathy. The session concluded by reaffirming the correlation between sustainability and democracy, calling for efforts to combat corruption, promote inclusivity, and strengthen partnerships to achieve Kenya’s socio-economic goals.

County Engagements on SDGs

The session on County Engagements on SDGs focussed into the efforts of Kenyan county governments in aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the challenges they face in implementation. Several counties have developed action plans for SDG implementation, while initiatives like the ‘Leave No One Behind’ National Dialogues aim to involve citizens in decisionmaking.

However, challenges such as conflicts between rapid and sustainable development, low public awareness, and youth involvement hinder progress. Recommendations included civic education programs, collaboration between departments, support for volunteerism, and financial mechanisms for youth-led initiatives. The session concluded with a call for collaborative efforts to address these challenges, stressing the importance of dialogue, public awareness, and youth engagement in achieving SDGs at the county level.

Financing SDGs: Navigating the Nexus: Debt Sustainability and Accelerating SDG achievement

The session delved into the intricate relationship between debt sustainability and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kenya. Acknowledging Kenya’s significant debt burden and the potential adverse effects on its economy and SDG progress, participants explored strategies to manage debt sustainability while accelerating SDG achievement.

Key discussions revolved around the challenges posed by inadequate revenue collection, the impact of debt servicing on essential services, and the urgency of achieving SDGs within the remaining six years. The panel emphasised the importance of transparent governance, robust financial management, and innovative financing mechanisms such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and debt-for-nature swaps to propel SDG achievement amidst the complexities of debt sustainability. Overall, the session underscored the need for collaborative efforts and continual endeavours to address structural barriers and promoteenduring sustainable development across Kenya.

The role of parliamentarians, innovation startups and media in combating Climate Change — Policy Pathways for Climate Innovation: The role of policy in supporting climate innovation.

The session explored the critical role of parliamentarians, innovation startups, and media in combatting climate change and outlined policy pathways for climate innovation in Kenya. The panel discussed the Climate Change Action Bill, aiming to bolster Kenya’s response to climate change through amendments focusing on carbon trading, emission reduction targets, and stakeholder engagement.

The panellists highlighted the role of innovation startups in driving sustainable practices and developing eco-friendly technologies, supported by initiatives like the Kenya Climate Innovation Center. Discussions also cover incentivising climate action, integrating gender equality, and promoting inclusive research practices. The panel underscored the importance of youth engagement and volunteerism in climate action, advocating for their inclusion in policy formulation and implementation. The session emphasized the multifaceted nature of climate action and the need for collaborative partnerships and youth empowerment to advance climate resilience and sustainability in Kenya.

What are the respective roles and responsibilities of politicians and Journalists to ensure informed news audiences and engaged citizens?

The session focussed on the distinct yet interconnected roles and responsibilities of politicians and journalists in cultivating informed news audiences and engaged citizens, with a particular emphasis on addressing the pressing issue of climate change. Participants engaged in robust discussions, underscoring the imperative for urgent climate action and the pivotal role of proactive leadership in this endeavour. From the journalist’s perspective, there was a recognition of the challenge posed by communicating complex scientific concepts such as climate change in a manner that is accessible and engaging for the general public.

The need for greater reporting on climate-related issues was emphasized, alongside the importance of simplifying information without sacrificing accuracy or depth. Moreover, there was a shared acknowledgment of the tendency for political discourse to become confrontational and divisive, a trend that risks alienating the public from engaging in civic matters. Suggestions for improvement included packaging stories with actionable solutions alongside identifying problems, as well as fostering a more constructive and inclusive approach to journalism that makes climate change conversations both enjoyable and accessible.

On the political front, there was an emphasis on the need for politicians to strike a balance between garnering attention through controversy and maintaining transparency and integrity in their actions. The session underscored the critical need for transparent communication, proactive leadership, and inclusive storytelling in bridging the gap between policymakers, the media, and the public, thereby fostering a more informed and engaged society capable of addressing the complex challenges of our time.

Accelerating achievement of Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE): Addressing poverty, strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.

The session commemorated International Women’s Day with a focus on advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment (WEE), addressing poverty, bolstering institutions, and financing initiatives through a gender lens. Participants engaged in discussions exploring innovative strategies to accelerate progress in this domain. While sharing insights and success stories, panellists underscored the importance of tailored empowerment initiatives and collaborative efforts across sectors.

They highlighted the critical role of academic institutions like The University of Nairobi (UoN) and organisations like POLYCAM and Vintage Dream in providing training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to uplift women. Initiatives by UNESCO and programs such as the Africa Leadership Programme and Canada’s Wezesha Kike Program were lauded for their transformative impact. Despite strides made, challenges persist, including awareness gaps, cultural barriers, and limited access to finance and education.

Participants stressed the need for comprehensive solutions, male engagement, and dismantling cultural norms to achieve lasting change. Emphasising inclusive narratives and justice-driven approaches, they called for concerted efforts across academia, government, and civil society to create a more equitable society. The session concluded with a resounding call for collective action to overcome systemic barriers and advance towards a future of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Nexus between Human Rights and SDGs Realisation

The session investigated the intricate relationship between Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and human rights, underscoring the need for rights-based approaches in achieving sustainable development. Key challenges such as gender equality, climate change, accountability, and the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) were highlighted, illustrating the interconnectedness of SDGs with human rights principles. Advocacy and public participation were identified as crucial tools for influencing policy and fostering success in SDG implementation.

However, discussions also addressed obstacles hindering progress, including narrow nationalism, resource deficits, corruption, and overconsumption in developed countries. Addressing the inclusion of marginalised groups, legal provisions, and interagency collaboration were deemed essential. Policy development, greenwashing, and gender equality were also discussed, with emphasis placed on policy reviews, multilateral approaches, and collective action.

The session underscored the importance of integrating human rights into SDG implementation, enhancing accountability mechanisms, and promoting inclusivity for sustainable development and gender equity. Transparent governance, public participation, and multilateral cooperation were identified as critical elements in overcoming challenges and advancing towards the realisation of SDGs and human rights in Kenya and beyond.

The panel offered insightful perspectives on ongoing efforts and persistent challenges. While women’s integration into the political space was a central focus, broader discussions encompassed various aspects of gender equality. The panel engaged in a comprehensive discussion on various aspects related to enhancing women’s political participation and combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

They emphasized the pivotal role of affirmative action in this regard, recognizing both the progress made and the persistent challenges stemming from societal norms and violence against women. Strategies for achieving affirmative action targets outlined in the Constitution of Kenya (COK) were explored, with insights drawn from successful models in other jurisdictions.

Additionally, the panel highlighted the importance of gender-inclusive political baselines within parties and the need for incremental strides toward gender equality in political spheres. Legal repercussions for perpetrators of GBV against women were deemed necessary, alongside addressing concerns of tokenism in political party nominations and advocating for merit-based selection criteria.

Moreover, empowering women to actively contribute to party agendas and fostering early behavioural changes through grassroots sensitization were identified as crucial components in advancing gender equity and political participation. The session provided a platform for robust dialogue, highlighting the complexities in achieving gender equity and combating GBV. Stakeholder collaboration, grassroots empowerment, and legislative action were identified as crucial for progress.

Addressing Policy and Legal Barriers to Achieving SDG 5

The panel discussion on advancing gender parity in politics provided a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and highlighted key strategies and challenges in achieving equality and inclusion. The policy and legal landscape of gender equality in Kenya are characterised by a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting gender equity and inclusivity. The country has implemented various legal and policy interventions to address gender disparities and inequalities, including constitutional provisions, a robust legislative framework, the establishment of the National Gender and Equality Commission, and gender-responsive policies.

The panel emphasised the importance of implementing gender-sensitive laws and policies, advocating for the enforcement of Article 177 and the 2/3 gender rule, addressing social norms and cultural barriers, and regulating political spending. Practical strategies such as legislative advocacy, mentorship programs, and youth engagement were discussed as pivotal in amplifying the message of SDG5.

However, formidable challenges such as political financing disparities, entrenched cultural norms, patriarchal structures within political institutions, and inadequate resources allocated towards women’s empowerment initiatives hinder progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. The panel discussion underscored the urgent need for comprehensive and targeted interventions to dismantle systemic barriers and foster an inclusive political landscape conducive to the advancement of gender equality in Kenya.

Political parties and SDGs Mashinani

In this session, panellists explored the alignment of political parties with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), shedding light on the critical intersection of political engagement, grassroots involvement, and SDG implementation. The discussion emphasised the importance of partnerships and grassroots engagement in driving progress towards the SDGs, underscoring the pivotal role of political parties in shaping policies and initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.

Participants delved into the pivotal role of partnerships in propelling SDGs and fostering political engagement, stressing the significance of inclusive political processes and grassroots collaboration. During the session, panellists emphasised the criticality of visionary leadership dedicated to serving the public interest, alongside the vital role of voters in selecting responsible and accountable leaders. Moreover, community-based organisations were highlighted as indispensable stakeholders in driving the development agenda forward, advocating for substantive representation and transparent governance structures to ensure effective and inclusive decision-making processes.

The panellists also delved into the pivotal role of education in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering civic awareness, with an emphasis on the necessity for curriculum reforms and initiatives to promote digital literacy. Despite challenges and debates, the session provided valuable insights into the crucial nexus between political parties, grassroots involvement, and sustainable development, highlighting the imperative of heightened awareness, inclusivity, and accountability for meaningful progress towards SDG attainment in Kenya and beyond.

Key Take-aways and Recommendations from the SDG Village

1. Political Leadership and Accountability:

• Leaders should prioritise sustainable development and ensure accountability in their actions.

• Political parties must integrate SDGs into their agendas and structures, reaffirming their commitment to sustainable development.

• Advocacy groups should push for inclusive policies and the effective enforcement of gender-sensitive laws to promote gender equality and inclusion.

2. Grassroots Engagement and Inclusivity:

• Organizations and policymakers need to develop targeted programs to address historical injustices and inclusivity gaps, focusing on marginalised groups, especially women in rural areas.

• Decision-making bodies should ensure greater representation of marginalized groups, fostering inclusivity in governance processes.

• Civil society organizations should advocate for policies that promote the participation of marginalized groups in decision-making processes.

3. Financial Sustainability and Debt Management:

• Government authorities should explore innovative financing mechanisms to support SDG achievement, such as Public-Private Partnerships and green bonds.

• Authorities must prioritize transparency and accountability in debt management, regularly updating the public on debt servicing and utilization.

• Policymakers need to strike a balance between debt servicing and meeting essential service needs, ensuring financial sustainability while delivering vital services to citizens.

4. Climate Action and Environmental Stewardship:

• Educational institutions and civil society organizations should implement educational and empowerment programs to promote climate action and environmental stewardship at the grassroots level.

• Governments and relevant institutions should prioritize support for climate-smart entrepreneurship and innovation, providing resources and opportunities for ventures addressing climate adaptation and mitigation.

• Citizens should engage with political leaders on climate action initiatives and find ways to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.

5. Human Rights and Intersectionality:

• Governments should integrate human rights into SDGs to enhance implementation and accountability, addressing the diverse needs of communities.

• Stakeholders, including policymakers and civil society organizations, need to prioritize the inclusion and representation of marginalized groups in decisionmaking processes and resource allocation.

• Advocacy groups should push for policies that challenge traditional beliefs and systemic biases, promoting gender equality and addressing structural injustices.

6. Partnerships and Collaboration:

• Stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and development partners, should collaborate to advance SDGs, pooling resources and expertise to achieve collective goals.

• Political leaders should facilitate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to address development challenges effectively.

• Continuous dialogue, collaboration, and innovation are necessary for meaningful progress