The North-West Governors' Forum is set to present its regional peace, security and development agenda to global investors, development partners and private sector leaders at a high-level side event on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA. The event, scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026, aims to showcase the region's transition from responding to shared challenges to pursuing coordinated solutions. This transition is focused on strengthening peace, resilience and sustainable economic growth across the seven states of the North-West.
The side event, themed "From Fragility to Opportunity: Locally Led Pathways to Peace, Resilience and Investment in Fragile Contexts," will feature the North-West Peace, Security and Development Framework 2026-2030. This framework provides a common platform for addressing the region's interconnected security, economic and development challenges. It represents a concerted effort by the seven states to build a coordinated regional response to insecurity, economic vulnerability, limited infrastructure and human capital deficits. The framework also aims to create an enabling environment for investment and sustainable development.
The development of the framework has been supported by the United Nations system, particularly the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, has been engaged at a high level in the process. The region is seeking stronger institutional coordination in tackling its challenges. By presenting this framework, the North-West aims to shift attention beyond its difficulties by highlighting its economic potential and investment opportunities.
The North-West is expected to showcase investment opportunities in various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, energy, technology, mining and human capital development. The forum will also seek stronger partnerships, financing and private sector investment to support the implementation of the 2026-2030 framework. Emphasis will be placed on locally-led approaches capable of strengthening resilience and creating sustainable opportunities for communities across the region.
The coordinated presentation is expected to reinforce the North-West Governors' Forum as a platform for regional cooperation. This will enable the seven states to articulate shared priorities and engage international stakeholders with a common development proposition. The engagement marks a transition from regional consensus-building to international advocacy. The North-West seeks to attract technical, financial and investment partnerships required to translate its peace and development framework into concrete programmes and projects.
With the regional message, "Seven States. One Ambition," the North-West Governors' Forum is expected to use the UNGA platform to position the region as a destination for partnerships and investment. The forum aims to advance a collective approach to peace, resilience and long-term development. This approach will help the region to leverage its strengths and address its challenges effectively.
The North-West Governors' Forum's engagement at the UNGA side event is a significant step towards promoting peace, resilience and sustainable development in the region. By showcasing its framework and investment opportunities, the region aims to attract international support and partnerships. This will help to create a more stable and prosperous future for the communities across the North-West.
Key points
- North-West Governors' Forum to present regional peace, security and development agenda to global investors at UNGA side event
- The North-West Peace, Security and Development Framework 2026-2030 aims to address the region's interconnected security, economic and development challenges
- The region seeks to attract technical, financial and investment partnerships to translate its peace and development framework into concrete programmes and projects
