Message officiel
Champion FREAO
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMPION OF THE 1ST WEST AFRICA REGIONAL WATER FORUM (WARF) To the Citizens of West Africa, Water is life. It is the river that feeds our farms, the well that sustains our villages, the force that powers our cities, and the thread that binds our nations together. Yet across West Africa, access clean drinkable water is a challenge. Too of our children fall ill from what should be a basic right, and too many of our rivers and aquifers are under growing strain from climate change, population growth, and competing demands.
This is why, from 25–26 September 2026, the government of Côte d’Ivoire will host the first Edition of the West Africa Regional Water Forum (WARF) in Abidjan — a historic gathering of governments, experts, communities, and partners from across our region, united by one urgent purpose: to confront our water challenges honestly and chart a bold, shared path forward.
At this Forum, we will: Take stock of the water challenges facing our region and the communities living with them every day Chart concrete strategies to accelerate progress toward SDG 6 — water and sanitation for all Advance the implementation of the Africa Water Vision 2063, our continent's own blueprint for water security and shared prosperity Position West Africa's voice and priorities ahead of the UN 2027 Water Summit, ensuring our region helps shape the global water agenda rather than simply receiving it But a Forum is only as powerful as the people who show up for it. This is not a gathering for officials alone — it is a gathering for West Africa. For the farmer whose harvest depends on rain. For the mother who walks for water before dawn. For the student, the engineer, the fisherman, the trader, the elder, and the youth who will inherit what we decide today. Let's harness the power of water to transform West Africa. I therefore call on the citizens of our region — from Dakar to Abuja, from Bamako to Freetown, from Banjul to Abidjan itself — to attend this Forum in great numbers. Come to listen, to speak, to challenge, and to build. Come because your voice belongs in this conversation. Come because the future of our water — and with it, the future of our region — is a future we must shape together. I look forward to welcoming you in Abidjan. Hon. Bai Mass TAAL
