The OSS strategic role in dryland resilience in Africa is more evident than ever

Abu Dhabi, 9 to 15 October 2025

Confronted with worsening droughts and accelerating land degradation, Africa is mobilizing to turn its vulnerabilities into drivers of sustainable action. The Sahara and Sahel Observatory stands out as a key actor in strengthening climate resilience and environmental governance across the continent.

During his address, Mr. Nabil Ben Khatra, OSS Executive Secretary, presented the Organization’s strategic vision and practical solutions for preserving agricultural systems, restoring degraded land, and enhancing regional cooperation. He stressed that African agriculture must evolve from being a victim of climate change to becoming a force for resilience, an ambition that calls for an integrated approach linking land, water, and climate policies, underpinned by reliable data and sustainable financing mechanisms.

For nearly three decades, the OSS has built a reputation as a center of excellence in environmental information governance, transforming scientific knowledge into a strategic instrument to anticipate pressures on natural resources, guide public policy, and promote regional stability.

Accredited by both the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Adaptation Fund (AF), the OSS plays a central role in mobilizing large-scale climate finance, improving access to resources, and supporting the implementation of sustainable, locally grounded solutions.

By fostering collective leadership and regional collaboration, the OSS continues to position itself as a strategic hub for resilience and sustainable development in Africa, transforming knowledge, partnership, and climate finance into tangible action for a prosperous, equitable, and resilient future for the continent.