On 23-24 May 2016, more than 9,000 representatives from Member States of the United Nations, local and international NGOs, the private sector, affected communities and other stakeholders congregated in Istanbul for the WHS, demonstrating an overwhelming support for the Agenda for Humanity. The diversity of voices heard at the Summit, and their convergence around strategic issues and ideas, was a first for the humanitarian sector. More than 1,500 pledges and commitments were made on how to better address the unprecedented levels of suffering and vulnerability of people caught up in natural disasters and conflicts; to empower them as agents of their own recovery; and to summon greater political will to prevent and end the wars which are causing so much distress.
West and Central Africa at the Summit
The West and Central Africa region was represented at the highest level. Presidents from the Central African Republic, Mali, Mauritania and Niger attended the Summit, as well as high level mission from most other countries of the region. The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were also present and particularly engaged in the new Regional Organisations for Humanitarian Action Network (ROHAN).
In collaboration with Governments, United Nations, INGOs and Civil society organisations, the region held two side events featuring panel discussions and representatives from affected communities on the crisis in the Lake Chad Basin, and on Mali and radicalization and stability in the Sahel.
The way forward
Whereas many initiatives were launched at the summit, a couple stood out in significance. The launch of the “Grand Bargain” was ground breaking and aimed at ensuring efficiency and transparency by investing in front-line humanitarian action over the next five years. Donors also committed to new funding initiatives to protect women and girls from gender-based violence; to ensure that millions of children in crisis can continue their education; address one of the most urgent priorities of refugees and displaced people around the world; and bridge the gap between humanitarian and development work by creating a new way of working together to reduce needs, manage risks and reach common goals to end the need.
Translating commitments into action
The United Nations has committed to build on the momentum generated, to work in partnership with world leaders and all stakeholders to support the most vulnerable people in the world. All commitments made at the Summit are being aligned and reflected in a Commitment to Action Platform. This platform will be publicly accessible to allow for self-accountability on commitments made. In September 2016, the UNSG will report to the General Assembly on the key outcomes of the WHS and propose ways in which to take the commitments forward.
Shared responsibility
In West and Central Africa, leaders are called upon to prioritize political leadership to address the causes of crises - through preventing conflicts, protecting rights, tackling climate change, and resourcing efforts to reduce the risk of disasters and increase community resilience – for the well-being of tens of millions of people who struggle to survive. With a population doubling every three decades, the number of people in need of assistance, or on the move in search of a safer and better future, will grow unless joint action is taken to provide them with means to live in a dignified manner. In fact, all intervening actors share in this responsibility and must act now to build on the global momentum and political determination generated at the WHS in order to deliver to the most affected populations and work on reducing fragility.
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