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At the NGO Branch under the Global Organization of Sustainable Development Goals office of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in New York, Dr. Judith Mayen Ogbara, Founder of AAE Foundation, addressed development champions on the need for increased support for non-governmental organisations driving progress on the Global Agenda 2030.

In her remarks, Dr. Ogbara emphasized that hardworking NGOs and foundations remain central to sustainable development, even though many continue to face serious funding limitations. She noted that these organisations are often the ones closest to the people and the communities they serve, yet they are not always able to access the kind of grant opportunities needed to expand their work effectively.

According to her, improving grant access would help empower NGOs to scale their impact and deliver stronger results in key areas such as poverty eradication, climate action, education, and equality. She also appealed to the UN and international partners to streamline support systems in a way that allows credible organisations to do more of the work they are already doing on the ground.

Dr. Ogbara further highlighted the importance of inclusive governance, especially the need to increase women’s participation in politics and decision-making spaces. She described women’s leadership as essential to sustainable growth and called for greater pathways that would allow more women to contribute meaningfully to public life and policy direction.

AAE Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the United Nations and other stakeholders in advancing practical solutions for sustainable development.