At the invitation of the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, H.E. Svenja Schulze, representatives of the members of the Sahel Alliance and their partners are meeting in Berlin on 16 July 2024 to hold the fifth General Assembly of the Sahel Alliance. This assembly reflects the desire for a shared commitment to jointly address the region’s development priorities, linked to the interrelated challenges of conflict, governance, climate change and desertification.
Around 150 participants from over 30 countries and international organisations are expected to attend, including Mauritania’s Minister of the Economy, Abdessalam Ould Mohamed Saleh, and the World Bank’s Vice-President for West and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana.
The Sahel Alliance’s commitment is focused on improving the situation of the Sahel’s populations. The initiatives focus on three Sahelian priorities:
- Create employment and income opportunities for young people through education, training, skills development and entrepreneurship
- Strengthen resilience to shocks, in particular through social protection, ecosystem restoration and food security
- Promote regional development and access to basic services
Over the last five years, the support of the members of the Sahel Alliance helped to tackle the challenges faced by the people of the Sahel, despite the difficult context. For instance:
- 22.5 million people received food aid and means of subsistence through social protection measures implemented by members of the Sahel Alliance.
- Over 8 million people gained better access to drinking water.
- Over 5 million children were vaccinated.
- In addition, 1.5 million people received vocational training or advanced training.
Following the General Assembly, an exchange meeting will be organised with civil society organisations and local governments from Sahel countries. The members of the Sahel Alliance recognise the vital role played by civil society organisations (CSOs) and local players in promoting peace, development and social cohesion in the Sahel region.
More information on the priorities of the Sahel Alliance