31st Session of the OSS Executive Board, April 22, 2025, Tunis, Tunisia

The Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) concluded the 31^st session of its Executive Board on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Tunis. This strategic meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Arab Republic of Egypt and brought together high-level representatives from member countries and Organizations. This event took place under perfect conditions thanks to the excellent organization coordinated by Tunisia.

Detailed presentations, rich discussions, and constructive debates provided an opportunity to review the results and achievements of the OSS in 2024, and to identify the main guidelines for the years to come.

The official opening and launch of the 31st session was provided by Mr. Nabil Ben Khatra, Executive Secretary of the OSS, H.E. Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of Egypt and President of the OSS, and H.E. Mr. Habib Abid, Ministry of Environment of Tunisia, Host country.

In his opening remarks, the OSS Executive Secretary highlighted the achievements and progress made over the past year. Particular emphasis was placed on the operationalization of regional land degradation monitoring tools, the deployment of early warning systems, the development of climate adaptation projects, the reinforcement of ecosystem accounting, the sustainable management of water resources, and new memberships in the OSS.

During the day, the Board reviewed and adopted the 2024 activity report and financial statements, the 2025 work program and budget, the report of the Strategic Orientation Committee, as well as the recommendations on the resources mobilization and Member States contributions.

The closing of this session also marked the end of a four-year term for the Executive Board, which was appreciated for its endeavor, tangible outcomes, and the dynamic transformation underway within the OSS. The Executive Secretary thanked the Board members for their support, trust, and unfailing commitment to regional priorities. This 31st session concluded with a clear vision: to continue the collective effort, strengthen governance, and strive for increasingly consistent, visible, and useful action for member States. 

See you Wednesday, April 23, 2024, for the 7^th session of the OSS General Assembly.