Εκδηλώσεις

In the context of accelerating climate action and promoting sustainable development, the UN SDSN Global Climate Hub, supported by AE4RIA – Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Αephoria, in collaboration with the UNFCCC Climate Innovation Hub, continues its efforts to implement Climate Neutrality and Resilience Pathways. As part of this ongoing initiative, the OMVS Systemic Innovation Workshop was convened on 4–5 September 2025 at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in Athens. The workshop brought together high-level leaders, researchers, innovators, and a delegation of 20 officials from the Senegal River Basin Development Authority (OMVS), representing Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal.

The workshop marked the launch of a focused collaboration aimed at systemic transformation of the transboundary Senegal River Basin. It provided a platform for initiating the Systemic Innovation Cycle, co-designing digital solutions, and fostering an integrated approach to climate adaptation, water management, and sustainable regional development.

Workshop Objectives
The OMVS Systemic Innovation Workshop sought to:

• Initiate the Systemic Innovation Cycle for the Senegal River Basin

• Launch the Ecosystem Clinical Trial of the Senegal River Basin Digital Twin and Community Dashboard

• Engage stakeholders in collaborative problem-solving, mapping challenges, and designing digital solutions

Day 1 Highlights (4 September 2025)

• Opening remarks were delivered by Professor Dr. Phoebe Koundouri (Athens University of Economics and Business; University of Cambridge; SDSN Global Climate Hub; AE4RIA), James Grabert (UNFCCC), and H.E. Mohamed Abdel Vetah (High Commissioner, OMVS)

• Massamba Thioye (UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub) introduced the workshop, followed by contributions from:

  • Ketan Patel (Force for Good, Greater Pacific Capital)

  • Marieke Hood (Translator, GESDA)

  • Professor Mathaios Panteli (University of Cyprus, KIOS CoE)

• Mr. Sidi Salek presented the Vision 2050 for the Senegal River Basin

• Dr. Ebun Akinsete, Alice Guittard, and Lydia Papadaki (Athena Research Center; AE4RIA; SDSN Greece; SDSN Global Climate Hub) facilitated stakeholder mapping and problem-scoping activities

Day 2 Highlights (5 September 2025)

• Massamba Thioye introduced the Ecosystem Clinical Trial for the Digital Twin and Community Platform

• Presentations on digital twin technology were delivered by Professor Yannis Ioannidis and Panagiota Koltsida (AE4RIA, SDSN Global Climate Hub)

• Co-design sessions focused on identifying data needs, user journeys, and digital solutions

• A roundtable discussion consolidated key challenges and proposed solutions

• Dr. Dimitris Raptis (AE4RIA, SDSN Global Climate Hub) presented potential funding opportunities

• A draft plan for implementing the Systems Innovation approach in the Senegal River Basin was developed, including stakeholder shortlisting, planning of future workshops, and design of the digital twin

The OMVS Systemic Innovation Workshop represents a significant step forward in fostering systemic innovation and resilience across the Senegal River Basin. Through collaboration among regional authorities, international partners, researchers, and innovators, the initiative lays the foundation for data-driven, sustainable, and integrated climate solutions.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all participants and speakers for their invaluable contributions to advancing systemic innovation for the Senegal River Basin.