At the 11th Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD11), faith communities made their voices heard loud and clear development is not just about infrastructure or economics, it is a moral imperative grounded in justice, compassion, and dignity.
On 8th April 2025, Faith to Action Network members joined faith leaders and stakeholders from across the continent for the Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) Pre-Event in Kampala, Uganda. This critical gathering set the tone for the ARFSD11 deliberations, showcasing how faith institutions are not only spiritual anchors but transformative agents of social and economic progress aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Faith Institutions as Moral and Development Catalysts
From the outset, the pre-event emphasized the ethical and spiritual foundations that underpin Africa’s rich faith traditions. Faith-based organizations highlighted how values such as mercy, justice, humility, and integrity are essential in building just, peaceful, and resilient societies.
These values directly align with core SDG priorities, poverty eradication, climate action, gender equality, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance. Faith leaders called on their communities to move beyond spiritual teachings and actively participate in transforming social structures, tackling systemic issues such as corruption, discrimination, and economic inequality.
Unity Beyond Doctrine: Collaborating for Change
One of the event’s strongest messages was the need for interfaith collaboration. Despite doctrinal differences, faith communities agreed to rise above institutional silos to forge a united front against poverty, inequality, and injustice.
“We must look beyond sectarian lines to build collective impact,” echoed leaders at the forum. “Africa has the wealth, the people, and the vision, it’s time we mobilize together to write our own future.”
This spirit of unity was tied closely to the commitment to eliminate duplication of efforts, mobilize shared resources, and amplify grassroots initiatives that are already yielding results.
Key Commitments from Faith-Based Organizations
Faith to Action Network and its partners in Africa committed to advancing the SDGs through:
- Accountability and Ethical Leadership
Faith communities pledged to model transparency and responsible leadership, holding themselves and their societies accountable for ethical governance and resource use. - Advocacy and Inclusion
FBOs will continue to amplify the voices of marginalized communities particularly youth, women, and children ensuring inclusive development shaped by those most affected. - Access to Services and Sustainable Livelihoods
Leveraging their vast community networks, faith institutions will promote education, health care, agricultural resilience, and job creation across Africa. - Peacebuilding and Good Governance
Drawing on centuries of moral authority and community trust, religious leaders reaffirmed their role in mediating conflict, building peace, and promoting justice guided by the African philosophy of Ubuntu.
Key Messages from the Kampala Pre Event
- Faith as a Moral Compass: The SDGs must be seen as a moral journey. Faith traditions offer not only motivation but also the framework for leading with compassion and justice.
- United for Africa: Faith institutions pledged to support the transformation of Africa from a narrative of dependency to one of dignity, ownership, and leadership.
- Governance and Peace: Religious leaders committed to strengthening peace efforts and advocating against corruption using their trusted voices and networks to foster equity and healing across communities.
A Call to Action
The Kampala Declaration emerging from this powerful convening calls upon faith communities to play a transformative role in achieving the SDGs and Africa’s Agenda 2063. With renewed energy and unity, faith leaders are ready to build a future rooted in dignity, peace, and shared prosperity.
Faith to Action Network remains at the forefront of this movement, mobilizing its interfaith membership to influence policy, support community action, and ensure that faith remains a guiding light in Africa’s development journey.
Together, we are transforming faith into action for people, for planet, for future generations.
