The campaign highlights the real-life stories of resilience and optimism, showcasing the substantial accomplishments and contributions of Sahelians, especially women and young people.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has officially announced the initiation of the #IAMSahel campaign. This innovative and narrative-driven initiative aims to transform global perceptions of the Sahel region, which has often been associated with hardship. Grounded in contemporary realities, the campaign emphasizes the strength, potential, dynamism, and aspirations of the people of the Sahel.
“The Sahel is marked by rich cultural diversity, geopolitical importance, and plentiful resources; however, narratives of conflict, crises, and despair have frequently obscured its true potential. Beneath these adversities lies a reservoir of extraordinary human spirit, community resilience, innovation, and creativity,” stated Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and Regional Director for Africa. “The #IAMSahel campaign is not just a compilation of stories; it represents our renewed dedication to supporting the Sahel as it revitalizes itself through our programmatic focus on Governance, Youth, and Renewable Energy,” she further noted.
The #IAMSahel campaign enhances UNDP’s significant programmatic contributions to the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), which has positively influenced the lives of over 172.2 million individuals since 2021. This includes creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for more than 10 million young people, improving access to justice, electoral processes, livelihoods, and infrastructure for 91.5 million individuals, and increasing renewable energy access for 70.7 million people throughout the region.
The campaign highlights the lived experiences of resilience and hope, showcasing the notable achievements and contributions of Sahelians, particularly women and youth. Its objective is to inspire localized collective action to create development pathways and shape a narrative that encourages investment in homegrown solutions.
“This is a moment for us to get together to inspire change. Where some observers see only crisis and turbulence, I see resilience, creativity, imagination, and determination for change,” said Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel. “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.
Recent regional reports emphasize the importance of community-driven initiatives and innovative solutions for transformative impact. They depict a region actively shaping its own development, led by Sahelians. This essential narrative of the Sahel is often overlooked in global discourse. The region is more than the challenges it confronts.
“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”. 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 highlighting the Sahel's substantial potential, assets, human resources, and diverse cultures, as perceived by its inhabitants, UNDP is establishing the groundwork for a revised Sahelian narrative and much-needed investment across the region.