The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, yesterday concluded a two-day visit to Togo.

During his visit, the Special Representative was received in audience by H.E. Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Republic of Togo.

Discussions focused on a number of issues relating to the national and regional situation, in particular the need to coordinate efforts to consolidate peace and security, and development in the sub-region. Mr Simão also encouraged all Togolese stakeholders to continue their commitment to peace and prosperity in Togo.

During his visit, the Special Representative took part in a workshop organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on « building the capacity of parties in West and Central Africa to integrate human mobility into key national process”.  Speaking at the opening session, he stressed that the interconnections between climate change and mobility underline the urgent need to adopt integrated approaches to disaster risk reduction, conflict prevention and appropriate humanitarian responses.

The Special Representative also met with the United Nations country team, whom he encouraged to continue their efforts to support the country in facing economic, social, and sustainable development challenges.