Due to ongoing complex challenges, deepening political transitions, and urgent calls for governance systems that deliver for its citizens, more than 200 political leaders, policymakers, representatives from civil society, youth and women organisations, and development partners will gather in Banjul for the maiden Sahel Governance Forum.
Under the theme “The Future of Governance: (Re)building Social Cohesion and Public Trust”, the forum will be held from July 30 – 31, 2025.
Convened by the Government of the Republic of The Gambia, in collaboration with the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), International IDEA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the forum arrives at a critical moment for the region.
The Forum represents a collaborative push to ensure governance reform is prioritised and is expected to culminate in the adoption of a joint governance action plan, capturing key recommendations, and outlining mechanisms for follow-up at national, regional, and international levels.
Despite its tremendous wealth in human, cultural, and natural resources, including homegrown governance models, the Sahel continues to face persistent insecurity, unconstitutional transitions, climate shocks, and growing social fragmentation.
“This Forum is a vital step toward redefining governance in the region. The Gambia is proud to host this important forum and ensure the benefits of lasting peace and inclusive growth are within reach for all Sahelians,” said His Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia.
The Sahel boasts vast human and natural capital, being home to more than 350 million people, including one of the youngest and most dynamic populations in the world. Yet its potential remains largely untapped, held back by weakened institutions, political instability and violent extremism that have deepened mistrust and sparked growing calls from Sahelians for more inclusive, transparent and responsive governance.
Amidst these challenges, the people of the Sahel have demonstrated resilience and the ability to develop new democratic governance pathways, claiming the agency of the people and the sovereignty of the State in managing public and development processes.
From the public to the private sector and civil society, the Sahel has benefited from a rapid growth of community, youth, and women-led initiatives that are changing the discourse on peace and security.
“This Forum could not come at a more urgent time,” said His Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. “Across the Sahel, people are demanding governance that is not only effective, but also equitable and inclusive. This Forum is about listening, action, and reimagining governance so it truly delivers for all,” he added.
Recognising that sustainable peace and development in the Sahel cannot be achieved without legitimate, transparent and participatory governance, the Forum aims to shift from reactive crisis response to preventive actions and long-term investment in state legitimacy, civic leadership and inclusive governance for sustainable peace and prosperity in the Sahel.
A key milestone will be the official launch of the flagship report, “The Future of Governance in the Sahel”, developed by UNDP, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the Office of the Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel (OSCDS). The report draws on consultations and research conducted across the 10 countries under the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), and presents a bold, citizen-informed roadmap to rebuild trust, strengthen justice systems, enhance economic governance, and elevate citizen participation.
“Inspired by the call for the UN to deliver as one, the conceptualisation of the report was informed and guided by decades of working together to advance sustainable development in the Sahel,” said Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa. “The report is the result of extensive consultations, engagements and analysis by leading experts who researched, questioned and analysed emerging trends, challenges, opportunities and lessons learnt on governance in the Sahel. It is a timely and useful contribution to ignite and deepen reflections, consolidate knowledge and explore policy options on rebuilding social cohesion and public trust in the Sahel,” she added.
Over two days, the forum will feature open and forward-looking conversations consisting of high-level dialogues with current and former Heads of State, intergenerational panels and thematic discussions with civil society, industry leaders and technical experts.
The discussions will explore critical policy actions around eight key governance priorities, such as Strengthening citizen trust through accountable and responsive institutions; Transforming leadership and governance during political transitions; Harnessing natural resource governance for prosperity in the Sahel; Promoting women and youth leadership for inclusive governance; Advancing justice, the rule of law, and community security; Fostering regionalism, cross-border cooperation, and economic governance; Harnessing technology and demographics for future-smart governance; and Reimagining the social contract for peace, prosperity, and resilience.