ECOWAS ministers at the high-level meeting in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Monday.
By Mark Longyen
Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)have adopted the 2024-2050 Regional Resilience Strategy for West Africa.
The ministers, who took the decision at a high-level ministerial meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Monday, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a brighter and more resilient future for all citizens in the region.
The adoption is a groundbreaking strategy that provides for a unified framework to tackle vulnerabilities, foster sustainable development, and promote long-term stability across the region.
The strategy also targets six critical areas, which include: Good Governance, Peace and Security, Macroeconomic Resilience, Sustainable Livelihoods, Social Protection and Resilience, Gender Sensitivity and Social Inclusion, and Climate Change, as well as Disaster Risk Reduction.
It emphasizes a collaborative approach, combining national and regional initiatives to create an inclusive and sustainable future for West Africa.
Speaking at the event, Ivory Coast’s Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, Jacques Assahoré, lauded the collective achievement.
He highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts to manage risks, address climate change, and implement sustainable resource management and infrastructure development.
Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Chairman of the ministerial meeting, emphasized the urgency of addressing pressing regional challenges.
Represented by Mr Abel Enitan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the minister cited climate change, food insecurity, and the lingering impacts of conflicts and epidemics as critical priorities.
“This strategy reflects our shared vision of a resilient West Africa and underscores the urgency to protect lives, livelihoods, and decades of progress,” he stated.
Periscope International reports that the implementation of the strategy will focus on four pathways.
These include governance, economic stability, social inclusion, and environmental resilience, which will guide the region in addressing shared challenges while strengthening institutional and community capacities.
Also speaking, Prof. Fatou Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, outlined the next steps for implementation.
She said that these included developing an operational coordination plan, mobilizing resources, and adapting continental initiatives for the region’s needs.
Prof Sarr listed such initiatives as the Africa Urban Resilience Programme and the Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action System.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the ECOWAS Commission and Member States in implementing the strategy.
Mr Gaël Olivier, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, described the strategy as ambitious and timely.
He emphasized the integration of climate action into development plans, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and mobilizing climate financing.
Ms Reshmi Theckethil, Sahel Resilience Project Manager at UNDP, announced that, with the support of the Swedish government, UNDP would contribute to developing the implementation plan.
She highlighted UNDP’s commitment to aligning national approaches with the strategy’s goals through its country offices.
“The adoption of the 2024-2050 Regional Resilience Strategy marks a milestone for West Africa, setting the stage for coordinated and concrete actions to tackle vulnerabilities, build regional unity, and create opportunities for future generations,” she said.
Good effort