The OMVS Systemic Innovation Workshop was held on October 31, 2025, at the OMVS (Organisation pour la mise en valeur du fleuve Sénégal) Headquarters in Dakar, Senegal. This workshop continued the process initiated in Athens (September 4–5, 2025) by the UN SDSN Global Climate Hub, supported by AE4RIA, in collaboration with the UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub.
Building on the foundations established in Athens—where the Systemic Innovation Cycle and the Digital Twin of the Senegal River Basin were initiated—the Dakar workshop focused on data integration, collaborative modeling, and the scaling of climate-resilience solutions across the region.
Opening Remarks
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H.E. Mohamed Abdel Vetah – High Commissioner, OMVS
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Massamba Thioye – Project Executive, UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub
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Professor Dr. Phoebe Koundouri – Athens University of Economics and Business & University of Cambridge; UN GSDR Co-Chair; WCREA Chair; SDSN Global Climate Hub Chair; Director, AE4RIA
Session Highlights
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Integrated Modelling for Climate Resilience:
Professor Phoebe Koundouri presented the SDSN Global Climate Hub methodology, emphasizing evidence-based approaches for building climate-resilient and sustainable pathways. -
Outcomes from the Athens Workshop:
Lydia Papadaki, Dr. Ebun Akinsete (PhD), Alice Guittard, and Stavroula Samara (BSc, M.A., AE4RIA) reflected on lessons learned and progress made, identifying challenges, risks, and high-impact opportunities to strengthen cross-regional coordination. -
Data Sessions I & II:
Lydia Papadaki and Panagiota Koltsida (AE4RIA) showcased the evolving Digital Twin of the Senegal River Basin, engaging participants in discussions on data needs, gaps, strategies, and user engagement. -
Ecosystem Strengthening and Financing:
Chaired by Massamba Thioye, this session explored approaches to scaling impact, mobilizing resources, and ensuring the sustainable deployment of the Systemic Innovation framework.
This follow-up workshop represents a significant milestone in the development of a data-driven, collaborative ecosystem for climate neutrality and resilience across Senegal and the broader West African region. The shared commitment of OMVS, UNFCCC, SDSN, and AE4RIA partners continues to advance integrated, science-based solutions for a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
