Against a backdrop of complex challenges, deepening political transitions, and urgent calls for governance systems that deliver for its citizens, more than 200 political leaders, policymakers, civil society representatives and development partners will gather in Banjul for the first-ever Sahel Governance Forum, under the theme \u201cThe Future of Governance: (Re)building Social Cohesion and Public Trust\u201d, from 30 \u2013 31 July 2025.<\/p>\n
Convened by the Government of the Republic of The Gambia, in collaboration with the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the forum arrives at a critical moment for the region. Heightened insecurity, transitions, and rising social fragmentation have deepened mistrust and sparked growing calls from Sahelians for more inclusive, transparent and responsive governance.
\n\u201cThis Forum is a vital step toward redefining governance in the region,\u201d said His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia. \u201cThe Gambia is proud to host this important forum and ensure the benefits of sustainable peace and development are within reach for all Sahelians,\u201d he added.
\nHome to more than 350 million people, including one of the youngest and most dynamic populations in the world, the Sahel holds vast human and natural capital. Yet its potential remains largely untapped, held back by weakened institutions, repeated unconstitutional changes of government, violent extremism and the erosion of the social contract.
\n\u201cThis Forum could not come at a more urgent time,\u201d said His Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. \u201cAcross the Sahel, people are demanding governance that is not only effective, but also equitable and inclusive. This Forum is about listening, action, and reimagining governance so it truly delivers for all,\u201d he added.
\nRecognizing that sustainable peace and development in the Sahel cannot be achieved without legitimate, transparent and participatory governance, the Forum aims to shift from reactive crisis response to long-term investment in state legitimacy, civic leadership and inclusive governance.
\nA key milestone will be the official launch of the flagship report, \u201cThe Future of Governance in the Sahel\u201d, developed by UNDP, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the Office of the Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel. Based on wide-ranging consultations across the 10 countries under the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), the report presents a bold, citizen-informed roadmap to rebuild trust, strengthen justice systems, enhance economic governance, and elevate citizen participation.
\n\u201cThe Sahel is at a crossroads,\u201d said Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa. \u201cWe must use this forum as an opportunity to build a new governance compact that restores public trust, puts people at the centre and ensures institutions serve all, not just a few,\u201d she added.
\nOver two days, the forum will feature open and forward-looking conversations consisting of high-level dialogues with current and former Heads of State, intergenerational panels and thematic discussions with civil society, industry leaders and technical experts. Participants will explore critical themes including:
\nStrengthening citizen trust through accountable and responsive institutions
\nTransforming leadership and governance during political transitions
\nPromoting women and youth leadership for inclusive governance
\nAdvancing justice, the rule of law, and community security
\nFostering regionalism, cross-border cooperation, and economic governance
\nHarnessing technology and demographics for future-smart governance
\nReimagining the social contract for peace, prosperity, and resilience
\nThe Forum represents a collaborative push to ensure governance reform is prioritized and is expected to culminate in the adoption of a joint governance action plan, which will capture key recommendations and outline mechanisms for follow-up by national, regional, and international stakeholders.<\/p>\n
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