Visit of Fatoumata Diawara to the UNCCD secretariat

The Mali singer and actress, Fatoumata Diawara visited the UNCCD Executive Secretary Monique Barbut at the UNCCD headquarters on 22 March. Fatoumata came to Bonn, Germany, to perform at the opening of the “Over the Border Music Diversity Festival”.

Fatoumata is also known as a strong advocator for gender and environment issues. Her powerful performance at the Festival opening transmitted the reality of life in Africa, highlighting problems that vulnerable people and communities face in the continent. Her lyrics about war and conflict, the role of women and youth remind the audience of the importance of tackling the root causes of such problems, many of them stemmed from desertification and land degradation. 

During her visit to the UNCCD secretariat, she discussed with the Executive Secretary some ongoing activities to combat desertification and land degradation, such as the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel Initiative. They also talked about the role that artists can play as messengers of the people who do not have means to appeal their hardships. 

UNCCD is supporting the “Over the Border Music Diversity Festival”. The festival will end on 2 April.