In a spirit of listening and dialogue, over 150 representatives of more than 30 countries and international organizations met in Berlin on July 16th, 2024, for the Alliance’s 5th General Assembly. The meeting was also attended by Sahelian Authorities.
The 5th General Assembly was chaired by German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze. During the General Assembly, Sahel Alliance members reiterated their collective commitment to addressing the region’s development priorities. Despite the complexity of the situation in the region, members expressed their willingness to remain engaged and committed for the long-term to the people of the Sahel countries, with a particular emphasis on youth.
Message from Minister Schulze on her reappointment for a second year as President of the Sahel Alliance
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.
The 5th General Assembly was an opportunity to announce the launch of new initiatives to improve the living conditions of people in the Sahel: A new partnership between the World Bank and Germany has been created to mobilize resources for the regional joint initiative RELANCE in support of education and skills development. Sahel Alliance members also welcomed the establishment of the Sahel and West African Coastal Countries Umbrella Trust Fund, which will serve as a new financing vehicle to support joint initiatives and coordinated approaches. Further endeavours are underway to pursue other joint initiatives, in particular on shock resilience.
A General Assembly followed by an event with civil society and local autorities from the Sahel
Following the General Assembly, an exchange meeting was 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 than 40 civil society and local autorities from the Sahel participated to the meeting attended by over 150 people.
Through dynamic and inclusive working sessions, the event aimed at ensuring a shared understanding of CSO’s perspectives and expectations regarding challenges and evolutions undergoing in Sahelian societies. Round tables focused on key challenges and aligned with the Sahel Alliance strategic priorities as set by the General Assembly in July 2023.
- Social cohesion in the Sahel: what is the state of social contract from Sahelian citizens’ perspectives?
- Economic prospects and educational opportunities: how do young people envision their future in Sahelian societies?
- Solving and preventing conflict in fragile areas: how can the provision of basic services support resilience-building and social cohesion?
- Smallholder agriculture in the climate crisis: What is the role of civil societies and local communities in adapting farming to climate change-induced changes?
Development cooperation can only be successful if the voices and needs of the local population are included at every stage of the project planning, decision-making and implementation. Exchanges will continue over the coming months.
Press conference
Photo gallery of the General Assembly
More information on the priorities of the Sahel Alliance