Prof John Victor Mensah from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana recently presented a public lecture at the North-West University’s Mahikeng Campus. He discussed the interconnectedness of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2063, and the necessity of research, particularly at postgraduate level.

The lecture shed light on the divergent yet complementary objectives of the SDGs and Agenda 2063, underscoring the importance of national plans and local actions in achieving sustainable development.

“Efforts to align research with these frameworks are crucial for advancing inclusive and prosperous global and continental aspirations,” said Prof Mensah.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN members in 2015, created 17 world SDGs. These SDGs highlight the connections between the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainable development.

Agenda 2063, adopted by African Heads of State and Government, encapsulates the continent's vision for integrated, prosperous and peaceful development over the next five decades. Rooted in principles of Pan-Africanism and self-determination, Agenda 2063 aims to transform Africa into a global powerhouse through strategic initiatives across various sectors.

Prof Mensah spoke about the evolution from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to SDGs, stressing their significance in combating poverty and protecting the environment.

While acknowledging the progress made, he highlighted persistent challenges, particularly in Africa, where extreme poverty rates remain high. He emphasized the need for rigorous research to address these challenges, especially at the postgraduate level. Academic research, he argued, holds the key to unlocking innovative solutions, raising awareness and informing evidence-based policies to drive sustainable development.

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of integrating SDGs and Agenda 2063 into national plans and local actions. He outlined key steps for alignment, including policy integration, institutional capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and innovative financing mechanisms. Such integration, he argued, would foster coherence and effectiveness in development strategies, ultimately advancing regional and global progress.

"Academic research holds the key to unlocking innovative solutions," Prof Mensah said, emphasising its role in informing evidence-based policies for sustainable development.

Integration of SDGs and Agenda 2063 into national plans and local actions, Prof Mensah argued, is vital for coherent development strategies. He outlined steps for alignment, including policy integration and stakeholder engagement, to foster effectiveness.

He further emphasised the importance of research alignment with SDGs and Agenda 2063. "By integrating these frameworks into research, scholars can ensure relevance and impact.

“Researchers should consider how their work aligns with the goals, targets and principles outlined in the SDGs and Agenda 2063. By integrating the SDGs and Agenda 2063 into their research, MSc and PhD scholars can ensure that their work is relevant, impactful and aligned with global and continental efforts to address pressing challenges and promote sustainable development,” said Prof Mensah

Prof John Victor Mensah