The overall objective of the 2017 HLPD is to discuss relevant content and approaches, including tools and guidelines for SDGs’ mainstreaming into national development planning processes - with particular regard to policy planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. This also includes discussions on related statistical capacity to produce and to analyse quality data and to develop indicators with a view to better informing decision-making processes.

The key specific objectives of the present meeting are:

1. Provide an opportunity for African Planners and Chief Executives of planning bodies to discuss and identify approaches, tools and guidelines that can be applied by member States to mainstream SDGs into national development planning processes.

2. Offer a forum for participants to share knowledge and experiences in conceptualizing, aligning and measuring SDGs implementation progress with due regard to national development priorities and decision-making processes.

3. Provide a platform for African Planners and Chief Executives of planning bodies to share knowledge on the policy implications of domesticating SDGs to ensure national ownerships of the mainstreaming process, taking into account the uniqueness, peculiarities and specific developmental context of respective member States.