Recent and recurrent food crises in the Sahel region, where 18 million people were at risk of hunger in 2012, have underscored the need for the EU to work on a long-term and systematic approach to building the resilience of vulnerable countries and populations. As unexpected natural catastrophes, food crises or economic shocks challenge progress in development and put human lives at risk, it is essential to focus the EU’s actions on tackling the root causes of recurrent crises rather than just dealing with their consequences. Moreover, on top of its food security or governance issues, the region is facing a serious security situation.

To address these issues, the EJC, in cooperation with the DG for Development and Cooperation-EuropeAid of the European Commission, is organising a two-day seminar on the topic “Addressing the development challenges in the Sahel” and are targeting EU journalists specialised in foreign affairs, development, and humanitarian issues.

The seminar, taking place in Brussels on 12-13 November 2012, will outline policies and measures with which the EU is helping vulnerable communities in the Sahel build resilience to future crises and disasters and look at development in the Sahel more generally. The two-day event will feature on and off the record talks and panel discussions with experts from the European Commission and other international organisations (NGOs, UN…).

Participating journalists will have the opportunity to attend an exclusive meeting with the EU Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs.

A more detailed version of the programme will be available shortly.
Participants are expected to arrive on 11 November and depart on 14 November.

Please note that travel and accommodation during the two-day programme will be covered by the European Commission and that for this seminar only journalists from EU countries are eligible.

Interested journalists should apply online via the EJC seminars website.

For more information, please contact Biba Klomp at [email protected]

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