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Source: United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) | Nov 09, 2025

Annual Meeting of the Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in West Africa and the Sahel (WGWYPS-WAS)

The gathering brought together around 70 participants from 16 countries across West Africa and the Sahel, including government officials, representatives of civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups

The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and UN Women, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) - EPSG , the European Union (EU), GIZ GmbH, Expertise France (EF)-FIAP, Partners West Africa – Senegal, and the United Nations Country Team in Cabo…

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- At the launch of Liberia’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Barrie Freeman reaffirmed the UN’s resolve to support the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda
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Source: United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) | Aug 30, 2025

At the launch of Liberia’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Barrie Freeman reaffirmed the United Nation’s (UN) resolve to support the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda

The launch ceremony which took place at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town on Friday 29 August, brought together government officials, youth organizations, civil society actors, and international partners in a call to action

As part of UNOWAS continued engagement, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Ms. Barrie Freeman, concluded today a two-day visit to Liberia to support the launching of the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security (PAN/JPS). Anchored in United Nations Security Council Resolution…

Source: United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) | Aug 29, 2025

Young people in West Africa and the Sahel advocate for decent work and equitable access to education in emergencies

Over three days, participants from 17 countries in the region debated challenges and solutions related to employment, vocational training, education in crisis contexts, migration and the meaningful participation of young people in public policies

The fourth edition of the Annual West Africa and Sahel Youth Forum was held in Dakar, from 26 to 28 August 2025, under the theme: "Employment and education in emergencies for young women and men: building a peaceful and safe West Africa and Sahel". Organized by the United Nations Office…

Source: United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) | Jun 25, 2025

Special Representative Simão concludes visit to Burkina Faso, expresses solidarity and renews United Nations Support

The discussions covered various topics related to the national and regional situation, particularly the security situation in the sub-region and the need to coordinate efforts to effectively combat terrorism, which is using more sophisticated weapons and children

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded yesterday a four-day visit to Burkina Faso. Following his visit to Niger, this trip was also part of UNOWAS ongoing commitment to support the people of…

Source: United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) | Jun 06, 2025

Special Representative Simão Concludes Visit to Guinea, Reaffirms United Nations Commitment to Supporting a Peaceful and Inclusive Transition

The purpose of this visit was to continue discussions with the transitional authorities to provide effective support for their efforts toward a return to constitutional order

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded yesterday a three-day visit to Conakry, Guinea. The purpose of this visit was to continue discussions with the transitional authorities to provide effective support for…

Source: United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) | May 08, 2025

In Banjul, Special Representative Simão reaffirms United Nations’s support to The Gambia to consolidate peace and democracy

The mission was part of the Special Representative’s continued engagements in the region and aimed to reaffirm UNOWAS support to The Gambia’s efforts to consolidate peace and democracy

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded yesterday, a three-day visit to The Gambia. The mission was part of the Special Representative’s continued engagements in the region and aimed to reaffirm UNOWAS support…

Source: United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) | Apr 21, 2025

Special Representative Leonardo Santos Simão concludes his visit to Côte d'Ivoire, calls on all Ivorians to act together

The objective of the visit was to strengthen the partnership and reaffirm the United Nations's support to Côte d'Ivoire in its efforts to consolidate peace, democracy and development

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded yesterday a two-day working visit to Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The objective of the visit was to strengthen the partnership and reaffirm the United Nations's support to Côte…

Source: United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) | Apr 17, 2025

Special Representative, Leonardo Santos Simão, concludes a two-day working visit to Ghana, reaffirmed United Nations’s support

The Special Representative commended Ghana's leadership role in regional affairs, and reiterated UNOWAS engagement to continue working closely with the authorities and people of Ghana to promote peace, security, and development

As part of his continued engagement, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel(UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, yesterday concluded a two-day working visit to Accra, Ghana. During his visit, the Special Representative was received in audience by the President…

Source: United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) | Mar 28, 2025

West and Central Africa: United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and United Nations Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) pool their efforts to strengthen peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders and ensure the sustainable management of transhumance

Participants also addressed key issues such as competition for access to natural resources (land, water, pasture), seasonal livestock migrations, and rural land management policies, which shape not only these interactions, but also regional governance

The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and for Central Africa (UNOCA) organized a workshop on strengthening peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders and the proper management of transhumance from 26 to 27 February 2025 in Dakar. More than thirty participants from several countries in these…

Source: United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) | Feb 20, 2025

Special Representative Simão praises Mauritania's key role in regional stability

The Special Representative reiterated the commitment of the United Nations and UNOWAS to support Mauritania in its progess towards sustainable development and the consolidation of democracy

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, today concluded a visit to Mauritania. This visit is part of UNOWAS' continued commitment to support efforts to consolidate peace, stability and development in the sub-region, especially…

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