Inauguration of the New Headquarters of the Sahara and Sahel Observatory, September 11, 2023

The Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) officially inaugurated its new headquarters in the presence of Mrs. Leila CHIKHAOUI MAHDAOUI, Minister of the Environment of Tunisia, as well as Mr. Mounir BEN RJIBA, Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad. Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Missions, officially accredited in Tunisia, as well as institutional, technical and financial partners took part in the celebration which took place on Monday September 11, 2023.

The opening ceremony was marked by high-level speeches.

Mrs. Leila CHIKHAOUI MAHDAOUI, insisted on the immediate need for concrete field action to face the increasing environmental challenges.

Mr. Mounir BEN RJIBA, underlined the OSS strategic positioning for the future of the region.

Mr. Nabil BEN KHATRA, OSS Executive Secretary, expressed his gratefulness to Tunisia, host country, stressing that the Organization is above all serving all its member countries and the African continent, with determination and commitment.

The session was marked by a lecture of Mr. Luc Gnacadja, Chairman of the OSS Strategic Orientation Committee and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). He shared a proactive vision on climate change in Africa and ways to promote the ambition for adaptation and resilience at all levels.

The friendly celebration made it possible for the guests to visit the new OSS premises and to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony by the Tunisian Minister.

The OSS Executive Secretary took all guests on a sightseeing tour with the Organization Department Coordinators and Project Managers. It was a privileged opportunity to introduce the OSS and explain its accomplishments.

The day of September 11, 2023 truly was an important milestone in the history of the Sahara and Sahel Observatory, thus expressing its renewed commitment to serving the best interests of the African continent.