In 2007, the African Union adopted the Great Green Wall initiative, a project to prevent the desertification of Sub-Saharan Africa by planting a wall of trees across the Sahel. Since then, the project has expanded to include North African countries and has added other environmental and developmental goals. In recent years, however, the project has been stifled due to terrorism, poor funding, and a lack of leadership, and the Great Green Wall itself is at risk of collapse. With the population of the region expected to increase, it is up to this committee to preserve the project which aims to restore biodiversity and improve food security. Delegates in this committee take on the roles of African Union officials, scientists, and representatives of partner organizations

topics and questions to consider

topic 1: Restoration Approaches, Techniques, and Technologies

Questions to Consider

1. How can science and research contribute to the development of drought-resistant tree species or improve soil conservation techniques?

2. How can regional cooperation between North African and Sub-Saharan countries be fostered to ensure shared responsibility for the initiative?

3. How can transparency and accountability be maintained in the project’s execution?

4. What innovative financing mechanisms can be used to ensure sustainable funding for the Great Green Wall?

5. Should African countries rely more on private sector investment, international donors, or multilateral institutions (e.g., the World Bank, African Development Bank)?

topic 2: Social, Economic, Political and Security Impacts

Questions to Consider

1. How have terrorism, security issues, and political instability impacted the project's progress?

2. What are the funding gaps,and how have they affected the project's implementation?

3. What are the responsibilities of national governments in ensuring political stability for the success of the project?

4. How can regional cooperation be strengthened to prevent conflict from undermining joint environmental goals?

5. How can public awareness campaigns be used to engage local communities and build support for the Great Green Wall?

6. What mechanisms can be used to ensure that the voices of those most affected by desertification are heard?