THIRSTING FOR PROGRESS: THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES

ECOWAS: The nations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are struggling under the burden of climate change. The 15-member bloc faces many threats, including drought, dust storms, and climate refugees. Nations in the region will need to collaborate to deliver preventative measures throughout the region to address climate disasters, and to build a more resilient region. They will need to find common ground on how to manage resources to better aid those affected by climate change. ECOWAS nations have conflicting interests, with differing forms of government, ranging from dictatorships to democracies; different geographies, from the arid Sahel to the tropical coast; and a wide gulf in influence within the bloc, ranging from Nigeria to the small island country of Cape Verde. Representatives to the organization must integrate the diverse perspectives, goals, and needs of these nations, creating solutions that serve the whole region.

Note: this committee takes place in 2024, before the departure of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS.

Chair

Aiden Glenn| he/him
ROLL TIDE.