This Vision Paper proposes a transformative approach to tackle conflict, poverty, and displacement in the Sahel by shifting from reactive measures to proactive, systematic risk management and redefined collaboration. It emphasises recognising the Sahel's potential and treating its people as partners rather than aid recipients. Advocating for inclusive development practices, the paper urges the UN and its partners to focus on neglected demographics and adopt low-carbon, long-term strategies. It aims to position the Sahel as a model for climate adaptation and mitigation, leveraging its demographic dividend to address poverty and inequality effectively.
Dealing with root causes of conflict, poverty and displacement through transformative change in the Sahel. In times of uncertainty, we must transition from merely predicting the future to actively shaping it based on collective priorities and robust learning mechanisms. To effectively confront risks, we need to move from reactive responses to proactive, systematic risk management ingrained in our collaborative efforts. This entails enhancing our understanding of risks and resilience collectively. To address conflict and displacement in the region, the UN and its partners must (a) tackle root causes more effectively and (b) revamp collaboration across all levels.
This Vision Paper aims to shift the narrative from a problem-focused lens to one highlighting the Sahel's strengths and potential, positioning its people as partners rather than just recipients of aid. It seeks to ignite discussions within the UN and among partners to reshape the Sahel's narrative and vision to one that leverages the agency of Sahelian peoples.
Taking inclusive approaches to development analysis, financing and partnerships. The vision paper urges the UN and its partners to address conflict and displacement root causes in the Sahel by prioritising neglected demographics and reconfiguring collaboration. It advocates for a shift towards recognizing the region's strengths and potential, emphasising a collective approach to steer development towards long-term goals with a low-carbon focus. The paper outlines five parameters for inclusive development and stresses adaptive management to navigate the region's transition. It concludes with recommendations to overcome institutional challenges and promote proactive strategies within the UN system. The vision aims to leverage the Sahel's demographic dividend to model low-carbon pathways, addressing poverty and inequality while positioning the region as a climate adaptation and mitigation model for LMICs and MICs.
The Sahel was Never Part of the Problem of climate change but could be part of the solution. The Vision Paper presents a collective approach to help gradually shift the development trajectory of the region so that it can get on track to achieving 2030, and 2063 goals by adopting a low carbon pathway.
Key Take-aways
The vision paper outlines five key messages aimed at reshaping development strategies in the Sahel region:
Shared De-risking and Resilience Approach. Emphasises a collective understanding of risks and opportunities to address root causes of poverty and inequality, broadening the geographic scope to include littoral countries and integrating both response and prevention strategies.
Catalytic Transition Tracks. Identifies governance/agency, socio-economic, and energy transition tracks to lift the region out of poverty and conflict traps, emphasising an agency-focused, economically diversified, and low carbon development path.
Diversified Financing Instruments. Advocates for leveraging various financing sources, including humanitarian, development, private sector, and climate financing, to ensure long-term, flexible, and predictable funding while fostering stronger partnerships across sectors.
Adaptive Management and Collective Learning. Highlights the need for adaptive management and collective learning to navigate known, emerging, and unknown risks in a constantly transitioning environment, such as the Sahel.
UNISS and Partner Project Bank Initiative. Encourages strategic leveraging of UN's comparative advantage to diversify partnerships and financing instruments across the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (HDP Nexus), promoting a coherent and impactful approach to addressing root causes of poverty and conflict while mitigating climate change.
