Historic regional agreement to boost gender equality and climate resilience
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — A groundbreaking regional initiative has just taken shape in West Africa, as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Gender Development Centre (GDC), in partnership with UN Women and multiple ECOWAS agencies, officially endorsed an integrated program focused on gender equality, climate action, and the green economy. The announcement follows a high-level meeting held on May 15-16 at the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Côte d’Ivoire.
Transforming policy into action
The two-day workshop was dedicated to finalizing the strategic framework of the program and establishing a clear implementation roadmap. This initiative is designed to address critical regional priorities, including gender mainstreaming, climate resilience, and ecological transition, while providing financial backing for the ECOWAS Gender and Climate Action Plan.
The program’s vision aligns with the urgent need to bridge the gap between policy commitments and tangible outcomes, particularly in empowering women and youth in the face of climate challenges.
Voices of leadership
Sandra Oulaté Fattoh, Director of the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre, emphasized that the green transition presents both challenges and opportunities for women and girls across West Africa. She highlighted the program’s potential to foster economic inclusion and environmental sustainability in the region.
Adjaratou Fatou Ndiaye, UN Women’s Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, described the initiative as a pivotal shift from political rhetoric to concrete action. She underscored that this program will enable West African nations to tackle climate and economic disparities through targeted, gender-responsive strategies.
Dr. Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, reinforced the importance of an inclusive green transition. He stressed that such an approach must create real economic opportunities for women and young people, ensuring no one is left behind in the region’s sustainable development journey.
A roadmap for implementation
The finalized program document is set to be officially adopted during a working session scheduled for June 29 to July 6, 2026, in Lomé, Togo. This milestone will mark the transition from planning to execution, setting the stage for transformative change across the region.