“Friends of #IAMSahel, we are in a generational moment and a generational movement. A movement that is telling us that our old and some of our current response systems and instruments in the Sahel may have reached their effectiveness and efficiency limits. The future of the Sahel is a future of people’s agency and human dignity,” he added.

Emerging stories from the region showcase community-driven initiatives and innovative solutions as essential totransformative impact. They highlight a region actively shaping its own development and Sahelians leading it—this is an essential narrative of the Sahel that is missing significantly in the world today. This is a region that is more than the challenges it faces.

“My experience across the region and Africa at large has shown me that we can shape the lives we want regardless of our circumstances or where we come from. I believe this is what grit is all about, and there is grit in many Sahelians striving to make a difference every day,” said Patoranking, UNDP Africa Regional Goodwill Ambassador. “It is critical to tell stories about ourselves in the best light possible because no one will do it for us. Most importantly, we should aim to use our stories to inspire a lasting and positive change that flows down to where it matters the most,” he added.

By spotlighting the Sahel’s vast opportunities, resources, human capital, and vibrant cultures, as seen through the eyes of its people, UNDP is laying the foundation for a renewed Sahelian narrative and much-needed investment throughout the region. 

For more information and media enquiries, contact:

• Dakar: Ugochukwu Kingsley Ahuchaogu, Regional Communications Analyst, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa | ugochukwu.kingsley@undp.org
• Addis Ababa: Ngele Ali, Regional Communications Advisor, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | ngele.ali@undp.org and Laetitia Ouoba, Regional Programme Communications Specialist, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | laetitia.ouoba@undp.org
• New York: Eve Sabbagh, Strategic Communications Specialist, UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa | eve.sabbagh@undp.org

Notes for the Editors:

About the #IAMSahel Campaign

UNDP, through the #IAMSahel campaign, seeks to highlight the stories of progress, hope, and resilience emanating from the region, which is home to 384 million people.

Framed across the core pillars of the UNDP Sahel Offer – Governance, Youth and Renewable Energy – the campaign is designed to be a people-central driven by evidence and data to showcase another side of Sahel to the world and create a sense of collective pride and belonging. It is envisaged that the #IAMSahel campaign will take a life of its own, growing beyond the current scope of creation, where many other untold stories that align with the vision will surface.

Learn more at www.undp.org/africa/waca/i-am-sahel

How to Participate:

• Use the #IAMSahel/#JeSuisSahel hashtag on social media platforms to share your stories (including what makes you proud to be a Sahelian) and raise awareness about the campaign.
• Please encourage others to share stories of how Sahelians are making a difference in their communities.
• Tag @UNDPWACA (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) and engage with the campaign and its content.
• Download Campaign Materials: Access videos, images, and other resources from our campaign Trello board and help amplify the campaign.
• Host a Local Event: Organize events in your community to discuss and promote the campaign’s goals.
• Get your network to participate in the campaign.
• Partner with Us: Contact us to learn how your organisation can get involved.

• Create social media videos (More Details Below)

  Create video statements explaining what the Sahel is/means to you or how you are leading change in the region. Then, call on other Sahelians to participate in the campaign. 

  Highlight many campaign opportunities created throughout the rest of the year for people to get engaged.

  Share posts on social media, including key messages on what the Sahel means to you.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at www.undp.org/africa/waca