TUNISIA, April 24 (MENA) - Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk said the Board of Directors of the Sahara and Sahel Observatory is the main pillar in directing the observatory’s compass towards achieving its strategic goals, enhancing its effective presence on the regional and international arenas and following up on the implementation of specific projects in the fields of combating desertification, sustainable management of resources and adaptation to climate change.

Farouk said "the next stage requires more coordination and integration from all of us, not only to press ahead with initiated efforts, but also to advance the role of the observatory as a true umbrella for collective environmental action in our region."

The minister gave the remarks during his chairmanship Thursday of the activities of the 32nd session of the Board of Directors of the Sahara and Sahel Observatory in the Tunisian capital as well as the first meeting of the Board of Directors of the Observatory with its new formation after the end of the activities of the 7th session of the Observatory's General Assembly that witnessed an all-out review of all targets achieved during period from 2020 to 2025, tougher with the renewal of confidence in Egypt to preside over the Board of Directors of the Observatory for the new period (2025 - 2029).

The minister of agriculture has been re-elected to chair the Board of Directors of the Sahara and Sahel Observatory for the period from 2025 to 2029.

Farouk voiced happiness over being re-elected to head the Observatory, saying it is also a responsibility that we are committed to. He expressed his appreciation to all members for their continued support, and congratulated the new members of the board of directors, wishing them success in their duties.

He also emphasized the importance of activating governance tools, improving performance efficiency, and strengthening partnerships with donors and international bodies.

“Today we begin a new chapter in the observatory’s journey, and we must continue to build on the accomplishments achieved, and work in the spirit of
partnership and responsibility to expand the Observatory’s impact and strengthen its position as a leading regional institution in supporting sustainable development in our arid and semi-arid regions,” said the minister.

Fouad further called on all members to continue their support for the Observatory, whether through regular financial contributions or active participation in the implementation of regional programs and initiatives and working to attract new partners to contribute to diversifying sources of technical and financial support.

He also said the board of directors, with its new formation, will work in the spirit of one team and with mutual trust to achieve common goals, within the framework of a flexible and comprehensive strategic vision aiming at a more sustainable future for our region and our peoples.

Following his re-election, the minister of agriculture held a meeting with the Observatory’s new board of directors. He also held a meeting with the Observatory’s employees in the presence of the Observatory's Secretary-General Nabil bin Khatra. (MENA)

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