The highly anticipated third regional convening of the Data for Governance Alliance (D4GA) commenced today at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

The opening ceremony, hosted by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance governance, democracy, and human rights across the African continent.

The event has brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including representatives from African Governance Architecture (AGA) organs, Pan-African civil society organisations, and members of the D4GA consortium.

The convening, titled "Enhancing Human Rights in Africa: Building Capacity for Advocacy on Education, Climate Change, and Elections," is part of a series of regional meetings.

It follows a similar gathering held earlier this month in Nairobi, Kenya, and precedes another scheduled for September in Cape Town, South Africa.

Key areas of discussion during the five-day event include:

1. Education: Aligning with the African Union's 2024 theme, "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century," participants are exploring challenges in African education systems and discussing necessary reforms to meet 21st-century labour market demands.
2. Climate Change: Despite Africa's relatively low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent faces significant climate risks. Sessions are utilising recent Afrobarometer data to build capacity for monitoring and addressing climate change impacts.
3. Elections: With 19 African countries, including Ghana, holding elections in 2024, the convening is focusing on ensuring good governance, respect for human rights, and functioning democracies during these critical periods.

The event has attracted a diverse group of attendees, including AGA Platform members, the AGA Secretariat, the AU Youth Envoy, regional CSO partners, project consortium members, local media, and private sector representatives.

The D4GA project, now in its third year, has already made significant strides in data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Its online platform, housing over 13,000 AU documents, has become a valuable resource for researchers and advocates alike.

This year's hybrid format, combining in-person and virtual participation, is designed to ensure broader inclusivity, allowing a wide range of African citizens to contribute their perspectives and experiences.

The convening will continue through August 30, 2024, with various workshops, panel discussions, and strategy sessions planned.

Outcomes from this gathering are expected to shape advocacy efforts and policy recommendations for the coming year, contributing to the broader goals of enhancing governance, democracy, and human rights across Africa.