Considering the region’s dependence on groundwater and climate change increasing both precipitation and drought, regional collaboration, including the sharing of water management best practices and technical assistance, is needed to build resiliency.

Despite rising levels of official development assistance to the Sahel, rates of food insecurity, levels of conflict, and instances of forced displacement are increasing in the region. With a population expected to double by 2050 and temperatures rising 1.5 times faster than the global average, a dramatic increase in climate finance is essential to prevent further escalation of the humanitarian crisis in the Sahel.

To increase low-carbon pathways in the Sahel, the UN and national partners need to establish the necessary conditions and capacities for climate financing.

The Global North developed using carbon-intensive modes of production and has, since the 1990s, started to decouple their growth from carbon emissions. However, given the current trajectories of our Earth System, the Global South—including the Sahel region—needs to fast-track to low-carbon development if we are to achieve a safe operating space for humanity.

In a world deeply affected by conflict, the reintegration of child soldiers represents a critical yet significantly underfunded effort, facing a 75% gap in necessary resources. Despite increased financial efforts since 2016, the support remains insufficient to address the escalating needs in the Sahel. The root causes of child recruitment, exacerbated by climate change, necessitate innovative financing solutions to pave the way for sustainable peace and development.