Abidjan, 22 May 2026 – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Gender Development Centre, in partnership with UN Women and multiple specialized agencies, has officially endorsed an integrated regional initiative focusing on gender equality, climate resilience, and green economy in Abidjan.
The validation meeting, held on 15 and 16 May at the ECOWAS Resident Mission in Côte d’Ivoire, brought together key stakeholders to finalize the programme’s strategic framework and establish a clear implementation roadmap.
Aligning policies with action on climate and gender
The initiative is designed to bolster regional efforts addressing critical priorities for ECOWAS member states, including gender equality, climate adaptation, and sustainable economic transitions. It also aims to provide critical financing support for the ECOWAS Gender and Climate Action Plan, reinforcing commitments to inclusive development across West Africa.
Voices from the forefront
The Director of the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre, Sandra Oulaté Fattoh, emphasized that ecological transition presents both challenges and transformative opportunities for women and girls in the region. She highlighted the need for targeted strategies to ensure these groups fully benefit from green economy shifts.
The UN Women Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, Adjaratou Fatou Ndiaye, described the programme as a pivotal shift from political rhetoric to tangible action in tackling climate and economic disparities. She underscored the urgency of translating regional commitments into measurable outcomes on the ground.
Dr Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, reinforced the importance of an inclusive green transition. He called for policies that guarantee women and youth equitable access to emerging economic opportunities in sustainable sectors.
Next steps for adoption and implementation
The finalized programme document is set for adoption during a working session scheduled from 29 June to 6 July 2026 in Lomé, Togo. This milestone will mark the transition from planning to execution, with regional actors aligning on concrete measures to drive progress.
