The Regional Director for West and Central Africa of UNFPA recently welcomed the newly appointed Regional Directors of UNICEF, Giles Fagninou, and UNOWAS, Khassim Diagne, demonstrating solidarity and commitment to shared objectives. These visits emphasized the importance of collaboration among UN agencies and highlighted the significant outcomes achievable through joint efforts. 

Discussions focused on joint initiatives concerning women, youth, peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel region. "Our collaboration with UNOWAS on youth, peace and security has been transformative," said Dr Sennen Hounton, regional director UNFPA WCARO. "Together, we have empowered young people to play an active role in peacebuilding processes, contributing to stability and prosperity in the region,” he said.

Notably, UNFPA and UNOWAS collaborated on launching the regional UN coordination mechanism on Youth, Peace and Security, aiming to map the region's efforts, amplify impact, and share best practices.

“By working together, we can address the root causes of conflict and promote sustainable peace. UNFPA’s partnership with UNOWAS is crucial for advancing the peace and security agenda in West Africa and the Sahel”,  added Dr Hounton. 

Khassim Diagne, regional director, United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) added,  "I salute the excellent collaboration between our two institutions, and I am pleased to have heard the Regional Director confirm UNFPA's full availability to continue this collaboration for the well-being of the populations we serve in the sub-region". 

Promoting the health and well-being of women and children across the region

Similarly UNFPA and UNICEF’s partnership has been instrumental in advancing both agencies’ shared goals of promoting the health and well-being of women and children across the region.

“Our joint efforts have resulted in tangible benefits for communities, demonstrating the power of collaboration in achieving positive impact,” said Dr Hountoun, regional director UNFPA WCARO.

Echoing the sentiment,  Giles Fagninou, UNICEF Regional Director added,  “Mother and child are linked by the umbilical cord, which is why the mandates of UNICEF and UNFPA are linked. We have a duty and an obligation to work together to achieve greater results, and the child and the mother are one and the same."

The UNICEF Regional Director also highlighted the importance of the Humanitarian Leadership Programme by UNFPA in 2023, aimed at enhancing the capacity and leadership of UNFPA Representatives in humanitarian preparedness and readiness. "UNFPA's commitment to building leadership capacity in humanitarian contexts is commendable and aligns with UNICEF's efforts to strengthen emergency response," he said. 

Additionally, UNFPA has further  joint initiatives with other UN agencies such as Stabilization 2.0 with UNDP and the Prevention Facility with UNDP and UNHCR. Perspectives are being explored on how to extend this initiative to other agencies. 

Through strengthened inter-agency collaboration, the United Nations continues to enhance its impact and effectiveness in promoting peace, development, and human rights worldwide.