Abidjan, 25 September 2026
On the occasion of the 1st edition of the West Africa Regional Water Forum (FREAO), held from 24 to 25 September 2026 in Abidjan, Global Water Partnership West Africa (GWP-WA) received the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Trophy. The distinction was presented on 25 September by the Minister of Water and Forests of Côte d’Ivoire, and was received by the Executive Secretary on behalf of the institution.
Recognition of GWP-WA’s regional commitment
The trophy recognises GWP-WA’s outstanding contribution to the development of IWRM in West Africa. It honours years of work in favour of the concerted, equitable and sustainable management of water, bringing together States, communities, civil society, the private sector, and technical and financial partners.
For the Executive Secretary, this recognition is above all collective. He shares it with:
- Mr. Abdoulaye SENE, Chair of GWP-WA;
- My predecessors at the Executive Secretariat, Dame Mogbante and Armand HOUANE;
- The dedicated staff of the Secretariat;
- All former Chairs of GWP-WA, from Athanase COMPAORÉ to Abdoulaye SENE;
- The GWP global headquarters;
- All technical and financial partners of GWP-WA.
FREAO: a new milestone for water in West Africa
For its first edition, FREAO brought together water stakeholders from across the region in Abidjan to discuss governance, cooperation and climate resilience. The forum takes place in a region where pressure on water resources, erratic rainfall and the management of shared basins call for coordinated action.
An encouragement for the future
“This distinction encourages us to pursue our commitment to IWRM and climate resilience in West Africa,” the Executive Secretary stated. GWP-WA intends to strengthen its support to countries and stakeholders in the region, so that water remains a driver of development, peace and climate adaptation.
