WASCAL Scientific Advisory Committee convenes in Ouagadougou to Shape 2026–2030 Vision
Date: 2026-02-23
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the West African Science Service Centre
on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) has held a strategic meeting at
the institution’s Competence Centre in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, as part of
efforts to strengthen WASCAL’s role as a regional hub for research, capacity
building, innovation, and climate and environmental services in West Africa.
The
meeting brought together members of the SAC to provide high-level scientific
and strategic guidance aimed at advancing WASCAL’s institutional priorities and
long-term development objectives. Discussions centered on aligning the
institution’s programs and initiatives with its 2026–2030 vision, with emphasis
placed on reinforcing research excellence, enhancing regional collaboration,
and expanding the impact of climate and environmental services across member
states.
According
to WASCAL, the engagement forms part of broader efforts to consolidate the
institution’s position as a leading center for climate science, policy support,
and knowledge-driven solutions to environmental challenges facing the West
African region.
Officials
noted that the Scientific Advisory Committee plays a critical role in shaping
WASCAL’s scientific direction, ensuring that its activities remain responsive
to emerging climate risks, regional development needs, and global
sustainability priorities.
The
outcomes of the meeting are expected to inform the institution’s strategic
planning processes and guide the implementation of programs designed to
strengthen climate resilience, foster innovation, and build human capital
across West Africa.
