Abidjan, 22 May 2026 – The ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), in partnership with UN Women and multiple ECOWAS agencies, has finalized a groundbreaking regional initiative addressing gender equality, climate change, and the green economy. The announcement follows a two-day validation workshop held in Abidjan on 15 and 16 May 2026.
During the meeting at the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Côte d’Ivoire, delegates from 15 member states worked to finalize the program’s strategic framework and establish a clear implementation roadmap. The initiative aims to bolster regional efforts in tackling pressing issues such as gender disparities, climate resilience, and sustainable economic transition, while aligning with ECOWAS’s Gender and Climate Action Plan funding priorities.
Empowering women and youth through sustainable development
The program’s core mission is to create inclusive pathways for women and young girls across West Africa, ensuring their active participation in the green economy transition. Sandra Oulaté Fattoh, Director of the CCDG, emphasized that ecological transformation presents both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for female empowerment in the region.
Adjaratou Fatou Ndiaye, UN Women’s Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, hailed the initiative as a pivotal shift from policy declarations to tangible action against climate and economic challenges facing West African communities.
Dr Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, underscored the critical need for an inclusive green transition that provides real economic opportunities for women and youth. He stressed that sustainable development cannot be achieved without their full engagement and leadership.
Next steps toward regional adoption
The finalized program document is scheduled for adoption during a working session in Lomé, Togo, from 29 June to 6 July 2026. This milestone meeting will bring together policymakers, technical experts, and development partners to formalize the initiative and outline concrete implementation strategies across member states.
