27th Session of the OSS Strategic Orientation Committee, Tunis, January 28, 2025

Held on January 28, 2025 in Tunis, the 27th session of the Strategic Orientation Committee (SOC) of the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), brought together its new members to discuss the progress of the Organization's 2030 strategy implementation as well as the strategic challenges ahead of it.

A consultative and voluntary body, the SOC brings together renowned scientists and independent practitioners who are designated for a four-year term. It plays a key role in reflecting on and thinking ahead developments for the regional and international governance of natural resources and the environment.

The Agenda being adopted, Mr. Assane SOUMARE and Ms. Anneke TRUX were respectively appointed President and Vice-President of the SOC.

The new members are expected to bring their knowledge and expertise to contribute to the definition of the OSS policies and visions, thus ensuring informed governance adapted to the sustainable development challenges.

Assessment and achievements: a look-back on the implementation of the 2030 strategy
The first session of the day provided an opportunity to review the progress of the 2030 strategy as well as the actions undertaken for the implementation of the 26th SOC session recommendations.

Development of the Organization: Accomplishments and Areas for Improvement
The discussions of the second session focused on 1) the need to identify mechanisms for mobilizing funding, 2) increasing the visibility and impact of the OSS, and 3) refining future prospects and strengthening the international positioning of the OSS following the 2030 strategy mid-term evaluation.

Documentary books: varied themes and expertise mobilized
The third session unveiled the two thematic books to be developed by the OSS and which will focus respectively on Climate and Global Water in Africa. The SOC members were called upon to use their knowledge and expertise for the development and enrichment of the content of these works.

Discussions and closure
Discussions followed the sessions and allowed all members to exchange their ideas on the strategies and visions to be adopted by the OSS for the Organization to be more operational and efficient. Finally, they restated their commitment to work together to meet future environmental challenges.

New composition of the Strategic Orientation Committee
The new composition of the SOC reflects the diversity of expertise and the shared desire to carry a promising vision for the future of the OSS and the environmental challenges of the continent. 

Here follow the new members:
 

• Mr. Assane SOUMARE, President of the SOC, Professor at the University of Nouakchott, Former Minister of Fisheries
• Honorary presidents:

- Mr. Habib BEN YAHIA, Former President of the SOC, former Secretary General of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA)
- Mr. Luc GNACADJA, Former President of the SOC, former Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, Former Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development of Benin

• Vice-President, Ms. Anneke TRUX, GIZ Program Manager

Members:

• Mr. Elyes HAMZA, Director of the Regional Activity Center for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA), Former Minister of Agriculture of Tunisia
• Mr. Raafat MISAK, Professor Emeritus, Desert Research Center (DRC), Member of the Scientific and Technological Committee.
• Mr. Jean Luc CHOTTE, Research Director at the Institute of Research for Development (IRD) and President of the French Scientific Committee on Desertification (CSFD)
• Ms. Dorothy AMWATA, University Professor in Kenya
• Ms. Anta SECK, Coordinator of the Integrated Water Resources Management Program (PGIRE 2)
• Mr. Callist TINDIMUGAYA, Commissioner for Water Resources Planning and Regulation, Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda
• Mr. Alhamandou DORSOUMA, Acting Director and Division Manager, Climate Change and Green Growth Department, AfDB
• Mr. Jesper WOHLERT, Director, Humana People to People (HPP)