WHAT:           The Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) will convene its 30^th Ordinary General Assembly under the theme “Building Resilience of Women and Girls: Climate, Conflict and Sustainable Futures”

WHERE:        African Union Commission (AUC), Old Building, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

WHEN:         ·11–15 February 2026

• Open Session: Sunday, 15 February 2026 | 8:30 AM

WHO:             African First Ladies, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, United Nations agencies, private sector leaders, development partners and donors, and civil society organizations. 

BACKGROUND:

The 30^th OAFLAD General Assembly takes place against a backdrop of escalating climate shocks, protracted conflicts, and growing fragility across the African continent, all of which disproportionately affect women and girls.

The Assembly builds on OAFLAD’s continental campaign #BuildingResilience for Women and Girls in the Face of Climate Change and Conflict, which highlights the compounding nature of climate and conflict-related challenges and the urgent need to place women and girls at the centre of policy responses and decision-making.

The 30^th OAFLAD General Assembly aligns with key continental priorities, including Agenda 2063 and the African Union’s Theme of the Year: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” This theme has a strong gender dimension, as women and girls across Africa are primarily responsible for water collection and household water management.

African First Ladies have long championed initiatives related to water, sanitation, health, education, and women’s empowerment, recognizing their transformative impact on the lives of women and girls. The General Assembly provides an opportunity to reinforce this leadership and align national and continental advocacy efforts.

OBJECTIVE:

1. Highlight the disproportionate impact of climate change and conflict on women and girls in Africa;
2. Strengthen advocacy for gender-responsive climate, peace, water, and development policies;
3. Promote the protection, inclusion, and meaningful participation of women and girls in decision-making processes at all levels; and
4. Catalyze collective action and partnerships aligned with Agenda 2063 and other continental and global commitments.

EXPECTED OUTCOME:

• Enhanced political commitment to gender-responsive approaches to climate resilience, peacebuilding, and sustainable development;
• Strengthened alignment between OAFLAD initiatives, national priorities, and continental frameworks; and
• Renewed momentum for placing women and girls at the center of resiliencebuilding, policy responses, and sustainable solutions ac

MEDIA COVERAGE:

Media Representatives are invited to attend and cover the Open Session of the 30^th  Ordinary General Assembly on 15 February 2025 and are kindly requested to register in advance.     

Further information on a livestream, press conferences, and interview opportunities will be communicated in due course. Media representatives are encouraged to follow OAFLAD’s official communication channels for updates. For accreditation and further information, please contact:  

Melissa Amisi Sharufa | E-mail: sharufa@oaflad.org |Organization of African First Ladies for Development

For further information, please contact:  

Rahel Akalewold | E-mail rahela@africanunion.org |Information and Communication Directorate