On the 17th of July, the UNCCD will host a Ministerial Side Event as part of the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The event will focus on the initiative on Sustainability, Stability and Security (3S) in Africa. This year’s HLPF will look at Sustainable Goal 15 (Life on Land) among other things and the progress made on implementation thus far. The commitment of African countries to develop early warning systems and bolster the capacity to adapt is evident as they reaffirmed it in the “Ouagadougou Call for Action on Land-Based jobs in Africa” in June 2017.
Speakers include Monique Barbut, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, H.E Mr. Zhang Jianlong, President of COP13, Daniel Calleja Crespo, DG for Environment, European Commission alongside other experts. On behalf of the Netherlands the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Yoka Brandt and the Special Envoy for International Water Affairs, Mr. Henk Ovink will participate. The event is sponsored by the Permanent Missions of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal to the UN.
Around 80% of the population in the continent of Africa are employed in the agrarian sector. The level of dependence creates a dilemma considering that a major chunk of Africa’s cropland is affected by land degradation. PSI published a report on how landscape restoration in Africa could serve as an enduring strategy that would help expedite the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
The 3S initiative aims at forging stability in at risk areas by means of creating green jobs and preventing forced displacement. The initiative aspires to bring this about by promoting extensive investment and sustainable land management in these regions. Often unemployment could be an impetus for violence and conflict, especially in vulnerable African countries. Inequity in terms of resources could potentially result in a breeding ground for instability and radicalization. Forced migration, food security and biodiversity are inextricably linked to one another. The event provides a shared platform for African leaders to articulate national approaches and development partners to contribute.
Click here to visit the official webpage of HLPF 2018.