Solutions for land, soils and food in Africa presented at Heliopolis University in Cairo

25 April, 2018 – Cairo, Egypt – UNCCD Executive Secretary Ms. Monique Barbut attended the conference organized by SEKEM Initiative, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development and the World Future Council. The goal of the event was not only to raise awareness on exemplary policies for land, soils and food in Africa, but also to create synergies between policymakers of international organizations, as well as national stakeholders – ministries, members of parliament, civil society, academia and media. 

The conference welcomed high-level participants and experts on land and soil issues from across the globe. Addressing the gathering, Ms. Barbut emphasized that the path to tackling desertification and accompanying challenges, such as forced migration, lies in a clear vision combined with a concrete plan for action. UNCCD supports countries in fighting land degradation by promoting good land stewardship, based on sound policy and science. UNCCD flagship initiatives, among them Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Programme and the 3S (Stability. Sustainability. Security) Initiative, are actively implemented in Africa. 

Photo (left to right): Hans Herren, President, Millennium Institute and President, Biovision Foundation; Abdelkarim Sma, Egypt Country Director, International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD; Dr. Auma Obama, Councillor, World Future Council and Director of the Sauti Kuu Foundation; Monique Barbut, UN Under Secretary General, UNCCD Executive Secretary; Alexandra Wandel, Director of the World Future Council; Lothar H. Fickert, Professor, Graz University of Technology; Prof. Hani Sewilam, Academic Director, Hydrology Department, RWTH Aachen University.

Read more:

• Conference declaration