The high-level forum on climate, peace, and security in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions concluded in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on October 8, 2026. The event, held at the International Conference Center "Moktar Ould Daddah," was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Mauritania's Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Massouda Bent Baham Mohamed Laghfoz. The forum aimed to address the interconnected issues of climate change, peace, and security in the region.
The forum's closing ceremony was presided over by Minister Laghfoz, who emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and its impact on peace and security in the region. The event was also attended by Mali's Minister of Environment, Sanitation, and Sustainable Development, Mariam Doumbia, and the Executive Secretary of the African Great Green Wall Initiative, Mustafa Karba. The participants issued the "Nouakchott Declaration," which highlights the need for enhanced regional cooperation and integrated approaches to address the challenges of climate change, peace, and security.
The Nouakchott Declaration emphasizes that climate change is a threat multiplier that can exacerbate economic, social, and security challenges in the region. The declaration calls for the development of a regional action plan to enhance the nexus between climate, peace, and security, as well as the establishment of a follow-up mechanism to exchange experiences and best practices. The participants also stressed the importance of involving women, youth, and local communities in peacebuilding efforts and promoting sustainable development.
The forum's participants also highlighted the need for innovative and predictable financing to support vulnerable regions and encourage international and regional financial institutions to increase their investments in integrated climate, peace, and security projects. The declaration also emphasizes the importance of integrating climate, peace, and security issues into national policies and development plans.
In her closing remarks, Minister Laghfoz praised the efforts of Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani in addressing environmental and peace and security issues. She also expressed gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its support for the forum. The participants reiterated their commitment to transforming climate, environmental, and security challenges into opportunities for cooperation, building resilience, and achieving common development.
The forum's outcomes were hailed as a significant step towards addressing the complex challenges facing the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions. The participants expressed their commitment to implementing the recommendations outlined in the Nouakchott Declaration and to continuing their collaboration to address the interconnected issues of climate change, peace, and security.
The high-level forum was organized in collaboration with the UNDP, which pledged to continue supporting efforts to enhance the resilience of communities and protect ecosystems in the region. The African Great Green Wall Initiative also expressed its readiness to contribute to the implementation of the forum's recommendations.
Key points
- The forum issued the Nouakchott Declaration, which calls for enhanced regional cooperation and integrated approaches to address climate change, peace, and security challenges in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions.
